Upgrading my clarinet for grade 8 Options

[Zuttanany]

Hi

This is my first time posting but have found a lot of helpful information. Was wondering if anyone had any advice on this as I am a bit lost...

I currently have a buffet E11 clarinet and have just taken grade 6 using it, achieving a distinction grade (142). I am going to skip grade 7 and will aim to take grade 8 in the summer next year. However, my teacher thinks I should get a "better" clarinet for grade 8 as she doesn't think I will get such a high mark with my current clarinet.

I have two questions really. Firstly, is it really necessary? I don't mind getting a new clarinet but I am quite attached to my current clarinet as it Has been with me since the start. Would be nice to "finish with it" in a way.

Also, if getting a new one is a good idea, then what models would you recommend? My teacher recommended a buffet 13 or RC- are there any other brands/models worth looking at?

Any help would be appreciated- thanks!

[CJB]

Hi

This is my first time posting but have found a lot of helpful information. Was wondering if anyone had any advice on this as I am a bit lost...

I currently have a buffet E11 clarinet and have just taken grade 6 using it, achieving a distinction grade (142). I am going to skip grade 7 and will aim to take grade 8 in the summer next year. However, my teacher thinks I should get a "better" clarinet for grade 8 as she doesn't think I will get such a high mark with my current clarinet.

I have two questions really. Firstly, is it really necessary? I don't mind getting a new clarinet but I am quite attached to my current clarinet as it Has been with me since the start. Would be nice to "finish with it" in a way.

Also, if getting a new one is a good idea, then what models would you recommend? My teacher recommended a buffet 13 or RC- are there any other brands/models worth looking at?

Any help would be appreciated- thanks!

A lot depends on where you are aiming for next on your clarinet playing journey and how much cash you have available. There is no need to upgrade your instrument for G8, though if you haven't already upgraded the mouthpiece that is 1 upgrade I'd really recommend.

If you are aiming at long term playing in amateur groups then your current instrument will probably be fine for the foreseeable future. If you are looking into more advanced study/pro playing then an upgrade at some point in the bearish future will almost certainly be needed. I would recommend doing this only when cashflow allows.

If you do upgrade then you are looking at the R13 price range as a starting point, anything less won't be that much of an improvement. You should get yourself to a decent WW shop and try all at that price point. Yamaha, Leblanc, Selmer all make stunningly good clarinets that suit some people better than the much reccomended Buffets.

[sbhoa]

I'd agree with starting with the mouthpiece as this can make a big difference. If possible go somewhere where they have a good selection and can advise you. Also if you can take someone with you who can listen. If it's not a clarinet expert try to go armed with a list of things to test once you've narrowed your choice down to two or three.

If and when you do choose to upgrade the instrument it's also a good idea to try several makes and models. Suggesting one model to someone going for an advanced upgrade isn't really that much help as what suits me may not suit you.
I wouldn't really be thinking of a major upgrade until you and your teacher feel that you've gone a long way towards developing your own clarinet sound. At this stage chances are this is only just beginning to happen.

[barry-clari]

Most has been covered by CJB and sbhoa, but I will say that I passed my grade 8 on an E11, with some sort of Vandoren mouthpiece (think it was a B45).

[bassoonista]

Most good shops will let you borrow an instrument at this level for a few days, so that you can try it out more thoroughly. That's how my daughter got her new flute, and it was a good job she did bring one home. The one she chose, her teacher liked, but her tutor on the gifted and talented course at Leeds college of Music told her it would get her to G8, but not through a degree. The one she ended up with will get her through the degree, but is not a performers standard. However, as she's aiming to be a music therapist, that didn't matter.

[jacobvaneyck]

People have done grade 8 on plastic student models and passed but the limitations are especially obvious by this level. R13 comes in various models, and there is also Yamaha, Leblanc and Hanson. Mouthpiece is critical as well, I use B45 and have heard good things about M13 and B40. Try a few and see.

[Zuttanany]

Thank you for all your comments. They've been very helpful. I haven't upgraded my mouthpiece yet so this seems like a good place to start. I will try out a few tomorrow after work and see what is available. Thanks for all your help!

[tenor-sax]

I would say to definitely upgrade the mouthpiece. However it isnt necessary to upgrade unless you were to further your study on the clarinet. I passed my grade 8 on an E13, so not a great deal different.
I you are going to upgrade your instrument I reccommend a trip to woodwind exchange in Bradford where you can try out anything and everything all day ! (mouthpieces too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Good luck

[barry-clari]

I you are going to upgrade your instrument I reccommend a trip to woodwind exchange in Bradford where you can try out anything and everything all day ! (mouthpieces too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Good luck

Unless Zuttanany is in Scotland, or southern England, or Wales : where there are much closer choices than travelling to Bradford! Howarth's in London, Dawkes in Maidenhead : both these shops are excellent.

[Zuttanany]

I you are going to upgrade your instrument I reccommend a trip to woodwind exchange in Bradford where you can try out anything and everything all day ! (mouthpieces too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Good luck

Unless Zuttanany is in Scotland, or southern England, or Wales : where there are much closer choices than travelling to Bradford! Howarth's in London, Dawkes in Maidenhead : both these shops are excellent.

Unfortunately I am close to neither at the moment as I am currently working in Singapore! However, I have had excellent experiences at Howarth's, it is where I got my E11!

[tenor-sax]

haha oops, very true (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) but then again I would recommend it to anyone (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[barry-clari]

I you are going to upgrade your instrument I reccommend a trip to woodwind exchange in Bradford where you can try out anything and everything all day ! (mouthpieces too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Good luck

Unless Zuttanany is in Scotland, or southern England, or Wales : where there are much closer choices than travelling to Bradford! Howarth's in London, Dawkes in Maidenhead : both these shops are excellent.

Unfortunately I am close to neither at the moment as I am currently working in Singapore! However, I have had excellent experiences at Howarth's, it is where I got my E11!

Ah! I have no idea about places in Singapore, I'm afraid...