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Question: I am about to start clarinet lessons and I have to buy a clarinet!. What make and model would you recommend !?
My child is 10 years old and I have to either buy or rent a clarinet for them to start lessons!. I want to find out a good starter model!. I dont want to buy the cheapest just because its the cheapest but again dont want to have to spend too much at this stage!. But I dont want to buy the cheapest then discover I could have used my money better and end up having to buy another in a few years time!. Any ideas !? I have heard the makes Yamaha, Buffett and Jupiter mentioned so far!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Yamaha & Buffett are good, but why don't you ask the teacher!. Use the teacher as a local expert to go to with all of your questions!.
I taught for 30+ years and worked with parents continually!. That was part of what I was being paid for!. On top of that, I wanted my students to perform at their best and keep them and their family's happy!.
Good LuckWww@QuestionHome@Com

Renting is a good idea, but if you do decide to buy then look at second-hand instruments!. They're a lot cheaper, and while you might have to pay for an overhaul (re-padding, re-corking and adjustment) it will still work out at less!. I had a second-hand Yamaha for six years and it served me incredibly well - and then was on-sold to a family friend who played it for another five years before it was once more sold on! So yes, Yamaha is a good, reliable brand; Buffet also make great student clarinets, and Selmer Bundy is not too bad either (but will probably not take your child as far as a Yamaha or Buffet)!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Unless you child is the type to stick to what he tackles; I suggest you rent until he is comfortable and wanting to continue; then get him a good one!.
If I had bought all the instruments I started out on, I would have an ensemble consisting of a trumpet, a clarinet, a Sax, a piano, and a drum set!.
All said and done after 60 years I have a Bose Wave Radio!.
My brother is an accomplished pianist, Tympanist, and plays the viola!.
He could focus; I could not!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Most music instrument stores will let you rent student-grade instruments, which is what I would recommend!. If your child ends up not liking it, you can rest well knowing you didn't just blow upwards of hundreds of dollars on something that will just gather dust!.Www@QuestionHome@Com