Clarinets are relatively good instruments for students to start with. There are a lot of resources that the student can utilize  and many opportunities are open. But the world of clarinets is a complex one. This guide, I hope, will help navigate you.

eBay is normally used as a source for introductory clarinets and some rare items. A lot of people are skeptical of the eBay  clarinets because there are "horror stories" : broken, non-functioning clarinets. To avoid this, look for sellers who know clarinets, not just some random person who found a clarinet in their basement. As them questions. If they seem hostile, then perhaps they have something to hide.

BRANDS AND MODELS

Noteworthy brands include Buffet Crampon, Selmer, Leblanc, among others. Each of these brands have their subsidiarity companies and student model designation. Listed below are only some models of their student lines, but should help you identify these clarinets. These are only some models and brands. Generally speaking, you can find information about student models online.

BUFFET CRAMPON

Buffet Crampon is a French clarinet company, famous for their R13 professional models. Buffet does offer several student models. Evette clarinets are older models that have evolved into several model Buffet models.

    * B10 - ABS resin, lower end plastic
    * B12 (plastic Evettes)- ABS resin, higher end plastic
    * E11 (wooden Evettes)- Grenadilla wood, lower end intermediate (often referred to as a wooden B12)
    * E12 (wooden Evette Master Models)- Grenadilla wood, intermediate
    * E13 (Evette and Schaeffer, Evette and Schaeffer Master Model)- Grenadilla wood, higher end intermediate

Many recommend B12s and E11s for students.

SELMER

Selmer is also a French company, famous for many different instruments. Not as popular as Buffet, Selmer sports:

    * CL300 - ABS resin
    * Signet - comes in wood or plastic
    * 1401 - plastic
    * Bundy -  plastic ones are common; there are wooden ones

LEBLANC

Leblanc is, too, a French company.
   * Vito - plastic
   * Normandy - wood and plastic
   * Noblet - wood and plastic

YAMAHA

Yamaha is a Japanese company. Noted for their bikes.
   * 20 - Plastic, very common among students

eBay and You

You might be thinking "Generic brands are okay, right?" WRONG. These foreign brand clarinets are horrible. Repair shops in my area don't even touch these. Neither do I. These are bad instruments that are manufactured at high numbers. To make a profit, they use materials that are not usual for clarinet production. These are easily noticeable. Often, they have low prices, look completely new, and dazzling colors. Nothing but a cover up for shabby quality. Bottom line: STAY AWAY. You will lose more money in repairs than you would if you bought a good clarinet up front. Generally speaking, most student models that are respected are French, German, or American made.


There are a lot of some sellers who offer clarinets they promise have been fixed. But look closely when they say that. Often times, they only replace a pad or two, a cork here and there, and some cosmetic issues. Sure, they may play, but may not play to the level you had hoped. If you want something as good as new, these generally will not do. What you should be looking for is a clarinet that has been overhauled, meaning that the clarinet has been cleaned with new pads and corks installed. Just to note - a general overhaul at typical music stores cost in the range of $100-$200. Ask if the seller allows a trial period. Make sure there are the standard pieces: bell, barrel, upper joint, and lower joint. Mouthpieces may or may not be included; generally speaking, clarinet players buy the mouthpiece of their choice. Stock mouthpieces, or mouthpiece that are included with clarinets from the factory, are normally not good, especially student models. Several good mouthpieces that can last students are Forbes Debut, Vandoren B45, Hite Premier, etc.

There are sellers who offer "pad and cork sets." I would recommend that you do not buy them, because clarinets are rather technical items and would be better off in the hands of someone with experience.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. I would be glad to help. GOOD LUCK!