What should I do with my clarinet?

Question:Okay, I have this Lablanc clarinet, but I hate it! I want a Buffet clarinet, but I can't afford to buy one, but could I buy a better quality mouthpiece to make my tone sound better, or should I just ditch that clarinet and buy a better quality clarinet thats a little better? My clarinet's so cheap that mine's shiny, and everyone else's at school is dull. There's some clarinets on Ebay, but are they worth it? I'm just wondering, because it's not my reed, I use Vandorens. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Okay, I have this Lablanc clarinet, but I hate it! I want a Buffet clarinet, but I can't afford to buy one, but could I buy a better quality mouthpiece to make my tone sound better, or should I just ditch that clarinet and buy a better quality clarinet thats a little better? My clarinet's so cheap that mine's shiny, and everyone else's at school is dull. There's some clarinets on Ebay, but are they worth it? I'm just wondering, because it's not my reed, I use Vandorens. Thanks!

Personally, I don't like Vandoren reeds. I hope you know they're not made to be played right out of the box! I recommend Rico "Grand Concert" or Gonzales reeds. They are amazing and make Vandorens seem like junk.

Don't worry about what instruments everyone else has. LeBlanc clarinets are reputable. There are LOTS of clarinets that are plastic but are NOT shiny--this is because they have a "fake wood finish."

Your description tells me it's a plastic clarinet. For now, I suggest you buy a better mouthpiece, upgrade your ligature if you haven't, and upgrade the reeds. For a ligature, I recommend Rovner, and for mouthpieces:
*David Hite (PERSONAL pick)
*Amati
*Bonade
*Woodwind and Brasswind
*Yamaha
*Selmer (NO Bundy's!)--pro model lines only
*Vandoren makes decent mouthpieces, but if you want to improve the sound of a plastic clarinet, you need a pro model.
*NEVER buy crystal or clear mouthpieces. Not worth it. If they crack or chip, it's hard to keep it clean and from turning yellow.

Make sure the mouthpiece is made of HARD RUBBER. The mouthpieces are faily expensive, but will suit your needs until you can upgrade your clarinet.

If you are looking to upgrade the clarinet only, first check with your band director. Do they have any wood clarinets you can rent or borrow?

Secondly, eBay, craigslist, etc., are suitable for you. You can buy a decent clarinet for a cheaper price, but you MUST know what you're looking for. You must involve your parents with this, because you don't want to risk getting scammed. The ads must be intelligently written, and ALL specifications of the clarinet must be included in the ad, including age. Buffet clarinets are wonderful, but they are pricey.
Another suggestion: call your local music shop. Often, they sell used instruments!

Some recommendations:

Buffet Intermediate student line: E11, E12
Yamaha: 450N
LeBlanc: Noblet 4, Noblet 40
Selmer: B1610R, E16

See what all of those clarinets have in common, that tells you the qualities to look for. If you find old ones on eBay or Craigslist, give you local music shop a call or post again on here to learn more about it.

Good luck!

If yours is shiny, it may be plastic, which would be the source of the problem. Not much can help that. Some places will sell instruments on a payment system, like Woodwind and Brasswind. Perhaps you can afford it in monthly payments, or maybe start saving up for a new clarinet.

I wouldn't get one on ebay unless you know what you're getting, which you often don't.

I've been playing clarinet for 6 years. I don't recommend eBay. A LeBlanc can be a very good instrument. It was my second horn that I played for 4 of those 6 until my director got me a Buffet. A new mouthpiece could help. A Vandoren 5RV Lyre is good for beginners-intermediate. If your horn is plastic, then that's definitely your problem. And Just because you use Vandoren reeds doesn't mean it's not the reed that's the problem. Every person is different. I play best on V12s and Mitchell Luries. The tone could also be your embouchure. I suggest a private lesson and ask the instructor to help you out.

I'm assuming that's a Vito student clarinet.

"It's not my reed, I use Vandorens"? So If one uses Vandorens, the sound will be as good as possible, huh? So why are the other companies still in business? For the people who can't afford $2.50, but can afford $2.00, is it? Vandorens do nothing for me.

If it's in good condition, a Vito should be fine. If you're worried about sound (which you say by default, but don't state directly), then start from the mouth and move outwards. Ensure your embouchure is good, Then try a couple of different reeds. Try a Vandoren half a strength softer than you have Then try Mitchell Lurie half a strength harder than the Vandoren that worked best. Then go to a shop and ask to try half-a-dozen mouthpieces with both reeds.

Then think about a clarinet.