After taking my clarinet apart and finding that it's going to require quite a lot of work to get into a good condition again, I'm seriously considering selling a clarinet that I quite quickly fell out with and relegating what has been my 'do it all' clarinet to being a long term project as it really needs a lot of TLC.

So, with circa ?1,000 to spend (budget is rather flexible however), Bb. Does not matter if new or used and mainly to be used for teaching purposes. What do you recommend?

Have you tried the Hansons? They may even offer the price you paid for your clari in part exchange.

Never tried a Hanson, could well be worth a look.

The clarinet I don't use anymore is a Howarth and whilst at first I got on with it, I later realised it was not for me. So, it's sat unused for a number of months. My Pre-R13 is not worth a lot of money to anyone as it's bodily full of old cracks that have been repaired and the keywork requires quite a bit of work.

I want a reliable instrument that will not require much more maintenance than an annual service (which I do myself anyway.)

Current thoughts are along the lines of a used R13 / RC? Unless for whatever reason a new instrument is a bit of bargain or I fall in love with it, I can't see me buying a brand new clarinet as a. they depreciate and b. they are more likely to develop cracks.

You could try one of Tom Ridenours' Lyrique clarinets. As they're from the states they are a bit cheaper - even with postage I should imagine and all I've read about them has been good. (see Leslie Cravens review)

They're hard rubber so there is no danger of anything cracking.

http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Bbclarpg.html

I would also second a Ridenour Lyrique, I have one and it's an excellent deal for the money, plus you can put it on a stand and forget about it inbetween. I've had one for about 3 years now

Hanson do the 'composite' clarinets, wood with resin or something which gives the resonance of wood with the durability of plastic/ebonite.

For teaching purposes, I don't think it needs to be that posh : I use an ancient Buffet E11 for teaching purposes usually

I know I'm biassed cos I love my Hanson T5...
In my opinion it would be really worth going to see Alastair Hanson - he usually has a number of traded in clarinets that you could try and would be within your budget. I got mine second hand.

I don't want anything too unusual as I doubt I'll stop swapping / upgrading my clari until I reach Peter Eaton / Buffet Tosca type level ! Mind you if this 'teaching clarinet' proves 'fit for purpose', I may well keep it purely for that as my teaching practice is growing rapidly.

I like Buffets. However, I am always open to try something new!

Whats the general thoughts regarding: Buffet E13, Yamaha 650 and Hanson T5?

Also advantages / disadvantages of buying a new E13 versus a used R13 / RC (keeping in mind I'm not bothered about doing a repad / set up work etc. as I do it myself but don't want a too ancient clari this time ).

Whats the thoughts regarding the Yamahas at a similar level (650 'v' CX or SE or whatever the standard pro item
Yamaha is)? My only dealings with Yamaha go up to a 34ii but I have generally been VERY impressed with the instruments (from a technical point of view they seem better built than the Buffets, well this is comparing things like 250s to B12s - which we are not really discussing here).

Barry - did you get my PM on Sunday?

My main 'pair' are Yamahas an SE Bb and a CX A, the former is about 15 years old the latter 22. Both have a tendency towards sharpness particularly on throat notes. I had a few issues with the finish of the Bb but a repad resolved that. I found them more comfortable to play than the similarly priced Buffets and found them easier to obtain the sound I wanted.

I've kept the B&H regent and the Yamaha 34ii I learnt on. Both see active service in environments I don't want to expose my good instruments to. Demonstrating that musical and pleasant tones can be generated from a 'student' instrument can be useful to counter gear acquisition syndrome.

Thank you for comments re. the Yamahas. However, I don't think I'll ever counter my Gear Acquisition Syndrome I just love buying 'stuff' far too much mainly (cough) cars (cough)

I did, and I will get round to a reply, promise

Counter to GAS? I suspect you are mistaken - there's no known cure

You should also have a look at Clarinets Direct as there are quite a few cira ?1000 Buffets' or various models, etc. on at the moment.