Hi,

I have few thoughts about my Clarinet and upgrades and I would like to hear your suggestions and opinions.

I currently have a basic Jupiter Bb Clarinet which is the only Clarinet I have ever had. I got it (Brand new) a year ago and I did my Grade 1 and Grade 3 on it. Despite a beginner model, it seems to make a good tone, I am told.

But recently, it appears my Clarinet is ill. Last week, half way through my practice, the notes sounded just wrong and I couldn't differentiate throat G and G#. I had to take it apart and clean it and that fixed the issue. It has happened couple of times since. I also think the keys might need oiling.

I am not working specifically for a grade right now. I am working on variety of "advanced" pieces (for me ) like Schumann Fantasy piece, Finzi Bagatelles (all except the last) and Weber's Theme and variations.

My teacher remarked that I should consider owning a A clarinet as some of the pieces were written for A.

Now, my questions:

1. Should I consider buying a new pair of Clarinets (Bb and A)?

2. Should I just get my Jupiter Clarinet serviced and consider buying a mouth piece, barrel and ligature?

3. How can I select a good Clarinet/Mouth piece if I can't take anyone (musically informed, that is) with me to the shop?

4. Should I just wait and reconsider in 6 months time?

Budget: I have a reasonable budget (not big enough for Peter Eatons!! ) as I consider this a long term investment.

Thank you.

Balu

I will just pass on my experience - when I passed my Grade 3 many years ago my parents decided I needed a pair of clarinets - v farsighted of them! I was bought the "intermediate" standard for the time (B&H Emperors), which were the lowest-priced wooden model available then. Looking back, the next model up would have suited me better but that was a design difference rather than a quality difference. So I would say, if you can afford (eg) a pair of Buffet E11 or E13, or Yamaha 650, or whatever other makers' equivalents are at a similar price point, then go for it. You won't regret having a pair, I promise you! (you'll be in demand for clarinet quintets )

Hi Balu,

From my little experience (working towards Grade 3!) I would say "Go for it" and treat yourself to an upgrade

You have obviously progressed quite rapidly to where you are now and sound as if you are serious about advancing. So why not have an Intermediate model now
I play on a Yamaha 250 (student model also) but would love to upgrade to a wooden model.

Perhaps your teacher would accompany you with your purchase and advise on mouthpieces models etc.

Good luck with whichever decision you make and let us know how you get on.

Nikki

Thank you for your responses Dulcet and Nikk49!!

I was also gravtitating towards new Clarinets...

I can't take my teacher with me for shopping as he is very busy on weekends. He is a piano soloist and performs concertos etc on the weekend.

So,I have decided to go to london stores and try few of them on my own.

Hopefully, I should get a decent Clarinet.