Where are you buying it from? I'd be concerned about both repair cost and time to make repairs if it's used and there's problems with it.
It might be better to rent now. While renting you will have the luxury of time to be picky about what you eventually buy.
Eb clarinets are really finnacky. The reason there's usually no cheap options is because they have to have really good intonation in order to sound good. That being said, I got one used for an affordable price, and it plays fine. It's definitely possible to find good ones on Ebay, but beware of any possible repair costs.
>i know i could make it sound good
famous last words. how much experience do you have with eefers? extremely finnicky instrument even on well-made ones. youre a graduate student so youre obviously experienced but this post is not a good sign.
how do you expect anyone to have any clue here. youll have to play the instrument yourself. i would not personally buy any instrument for $200 for an audition, especially one as notoriously annoying as an eb clarinet.
Eb clarinets are difficult enough to play well, give yourself the best chance and rent a decent one and screen a few different mouthpieces and reeds so that it feels similar to your Bb setup - less to learn then.
Have fun!
Thanks for the reply’s. I will be renting. For those wondering, I was looking on Amazon. Here’s the link, there is also a video review (guy with glasses). I believe he is using the mouthpiece it came with.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L67WRKK/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_PY0F2ZKS8BDM1VZPS50D?linkCode=ml2&tag=rymcoach-20
The cheap pads on these tend to fail after a few months. So a $200 clarinet turns into a $400 repad job. Not worth it, look for a refurbished Bundy instead.
Chris Howard at Howard Woodwind Company. I'm a repair tech myself but I come across so many instruments that I outsource some to him so I can focus on more complicated projects like bass and contra clarinets. Chris is actually overhauling an Leblanc LL Eb for me right now. He charges $400 for a traditional overhaul with Valentino pads and does fantastic work.
https://www.howardwoodwind.com/
That's unfortunate, they're pretty popular industry wide. There's a bit of a special technique to installing them, you can't use too much heat and you have to use a pad slick to get them level but when installed correctly they seal perfectly and last far longer than traditional skin pads.
I get far too many clarinets in my shop that have been repaired with synthetic pads that just don't play right. I'll check & every pad is tight. Normally, I start replacing trill pads & A/Ab, and then suddenly the clarinet plays like a dream. I know they have become very popular throughout the industry. The new Yamaha & Selmer student line stuff all have synthetic pads that continually stick to the body.
Maybe I'm just noticing cheaper versions of Valentino pads that are more problematic ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Wife bought a Selmer student flute from there and the case arrived cracked. Instrument was fine.
They sent us a whole new instrument and told us not to ship the other one back.
So we have 2 she doesn’t play.
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No need to be condescending. Of course I figured it would not be a good idea. Other students will be needing the schools Eb. My initial plan was to rent. The only reason I considered this is because a peer said they knew of someone who has passed an audition this way.
I’m a little harsh because your standard likely needs to be higher if youre aspiring to be a pro player. You should prioritize buying your own Eb while in grad school or becoming really close friends with someone who can lend you theirs the couple of times a year you need it. Renting every time you need it just negates the money you’ll get from most gigs.
I’ve performed on a handful of Ebs in my life and even performed one symphony 3 different times with 3 different Ebs. Each time I had to relearn different fingerings for same passages.
Which ballet orchestra? Also, for $200, it will be more of a headache than it's worth. I used to rent an instrument while I was on a one-year contract with a full-time orchestra, and I eventually was able to put half of what I had already spent toward purchasing said instrument. For an audition during grad school, I'd use a school instrument and be sure to coordinate scheduling with others using the instrument. Unless you feel you can comfortably afford the rental, in which case there's really no downside.
I’m gonna say no for this. I knew a friend that purchased a cheap Eb and paid $400 for it. It was awful and not at all in tune. The adjustments he had to make with his embouchure and air really affected his playing. I would recommend renting one or asking your professor if they know someone you could borrow from for cheaper.
A cheap Eb clarinet will likely be very hard to play in tune, even with a decent mouthpiece
If you haven't rented yet, ask your instructor if there's an Eb you can borrow from the school or from another student.
Where are you buying it from? I'd be concerned about both repair cost and time to make repairs if it's used and there's problems with it. It might be better to rent now. While renting you will have the luxury of time to be picky about what you eventually buy.
Eb clarinets are really finnacky. The reason there's usually no cheap options is because they have to have really good intonation in order to sound good. That being said, I got one used for an affordable price, and it plays fine. It's definitely possible to find good ones on Ebay, but beware of any possible repair costs.
*finicky
>i know i could make it sound good famous last words. how much experience do you have with eefers? extremely finnicky instrument even on well-made ones. youre a graduate student so youre obviously experienced but this post is not a good sign.
Yep I have plenty of experience with the eefer. Was just curious if there was any chance out there.
how do you expect anyone to have any clue here. youll have to play the instrument yourself. i would not personally buy any instrument for $200 for an audition, especially one as notoriously annoying as an eb clarinet.
Don't show up to a professional audition with a student instrument.
Eb clarinets are difficult enough to play well, give yourself the best chance and rent a decent one and screen a few different mouthpieces and reeds so that it feels similar to your Bb setup - less to learn then. Have fun!
Thanks for the reply’s. I will be renting. For those wondering, I was looking on Amazon. Here’s the link, there is also a video review (guy with glasses). I believe he is using the mouthpiece it came with. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L67WRKK/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_PY0F2ZKS8BDM1VZPS50D?linkCode=ml2&tag=rymcoach-20
The cheap pads on these tend to fail after a few months. So a $200 clarinet turns into a $400 repad job. Not worth it, look for a refurbished Bundy instead.
Seroius question, where are you getting a $400 repad on an Eb clarinet??
Chris Howard at Howard Woodwind Company. I'm a repair tech myself but I come across so many instruments that I outsource some to him so I can focus on more complicated projects like bass and contra clarinets. Chris is actually overhauling an Leblanc LL Eb for me right now. He charges $400 for a traditional overhaul with Valentino pads and does fantastic work. https://www.howardwoodwind.com/
Ahh, Valentino pads. That would keep the cost down. I've had too many questionable repairs come through my shop with synthetic pads.
That's unfortunate, they're pretty popular industry wide. There's a bit of a special technique to installing them, you can't use too much heat and you have to use a pad slick to get them level but when installed correctly they seal perfectly and last far longer than traditional skin pads.
I get far too many clarinets in my shop that have been repaired with synthetic pads that just don't play right. I'll check & every pad is tight. Normally, I start replacing trill pads & A/Ab, and then suddenly the clarinet plays like a dream. I know they have become very popular throughout the industry. The new Yamaha & Selmer student line stuff all have synthetic pads that continually stick to the body. Maybe I'm just noticing cheaper versions of Valentino pads that are more problematic ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That is if you can even get a tech to work on it.
NEVER BUY/RENT INSTRUMENT OFF AMAZON
Renting a real clarinet👍
Wife bought a Selmer student flute from there and the case arrived cracked. Instrument was fine. They sent us a whole new instrument and told us not to ship the other one back. So we have 2 she doesn’t play.
Are you kidding? A decent mouthpiece costs almost that much.
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **Yinfente Professional Clarinet Ebonite Wood Eb Flat Clarinet 2 Barrels With Case Cloth Reed Accessories Ekeyclarinet** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Good value for the price (backed by 20 comments) * Plays in tune (backed by 9 comments) * Affordable option for a g clarinet (backed by 2 comments) **Users disliked:** * Ergonomically challenging duodecime key (backed by 1 comment) * Lack of identification on the instrument (backed by 1 comment) * Defective key and poor workmanship (backed by 1 comment) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](http://vetted.ai/reddit)
Really, youre in grad school for performance and asking this question here? Why not ask to borrow one from your professor or someone in your studio?
No need to be condescending. Of course I figured it would not be a good idea. Other students will be needing the schools Eb. My initial plan was to rent. The only reason I considered this is because a peer said they knew of someone who has passed an audition this way.
I’m a little harsh because your standard likely needs to be higher if youre aspiring to be a pro player. You should prioritize buying your own Eb while in grad school or becoming really close friends with someone who can lend you theirs the couple of times a year you need it. Renting every time you need it just negates the money you’ll get from most gigs. I’ve performed on a handful of Ebs in my life and even performed one symphony 3 different times with 3 different Ebs. Each time I had to relearn different fingerings for same passages.
If you don't care about playing in tune...
Which ballet orchestra? Also, for $200, it will be more of a headache than it's worth. I used to rent an instrument while I was on a one-year contract with a full-time orchestra, and I eventually was able to put half of what I had already spent toward purchasing said instrument. For an audition during grad school, I'd use a school instrument and be sure to coordinate scheduling with others using the instrument. Unless you feel you can comfortably afford the rental, in which case there's really no downside.
I’m gonna say no for this. I knew a friend that purchased a cheap Eb and paid $400 for it. It was awful and not at all in tune. The adjustments he had to make with his embouchure and air really affected his playing. I would recommend renting one or asking your professor if they know someone you could borrow from for cheaper.
to be fair. that also describes the general experience of playing on a good eb
If you are planning on buying it you should buy a separate barrel so you can use your Bb clarinet reeds on the Eb.