I'm hoping to buy a new clarinet to replace the rather ancient one I've borrowed. The models I'm considering are the Buffet B10, Buffet B12 and Yamaha YCL-250 S. Can anyone tell me which would be the best one to get, please? I first learnt the clarinet when I was at school but gave it up and haven't played for over 20 years - until a few weeks ago, that is. I've now got the clarinet bug and can't stop playing (except to listen to Radio 3's Beethoven Experience!).

Also, does anyone have experience of buying instruments online? I mean from a proper music store, not from e-bay. My local shop charges £480 for a B12 but I've found online retailers who sell them from as little as £270. And the price difference could fund several months of lessons! Are there any pitfalls in buying instruments over the net, though? I've only ever bought things like books and CDs.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Hey woodwind!
I bought my Yamaha 450 from a really good online music shop called netmusicalinstruments. (netmusicalinstruments.co.uk) They do the Yamaha YCL250 for £270, the Buffet B12 for £270 and the B10 for £245. I think they still do free postage as well. I got my clarinet two days after I ordered it online and I've have no problems with it at all.
I'd personally go for the yamaha because you could arguably use it right up to grade eight with the right mouthpiece, (my friend took her grade 8 on a YCL250 and came out with 145!!). I don't know much about buffets but the B12 is a very very popular model too. It's all down to personal differences I think, you'd need to try them out to see which one you like best.

Good luck in finding a new clari!

Thanks for the info. That was the place I was thinking of! I've just checked and you're right about the postage being free. Even better!

I know it's a matter of personal preference but what do other people think of Buffet compared to Yamaha?

I had a buffet B12 and E13. Latley I bought the Yamaha YCL-650. (E13 and YCL 650 are wooden clarinets). But when comparing the buffet and yamaha i prefere the yamaha. I thinks that if you buy a yamaha clarinet u won't regret it.

Goodluck to find your new clarinet

I've got an E13 and it rules (but I bought it before the interweb was invented).

Can you try out a few instruments at a music shop, to see which one you prefer? Clarinets are different, people are different, but don't forget that a different reed or mouthpiece can make a huge difference to the sound you produce.

Buying over the internet shouldn't be a problem. My only online instrument purchase has been a bass clarinet through e-bay, but remember that all of the rules applying to bricks-and-mortar shops also apply to online traders as well, so if they say they're sending you an R13 and you get a B12, complain loudly - the law's on your side!

I've got quite a few clarinets, and I like my Leblancs best, especially the LL and the Concerto (both bought on eBay).

Obviously, the pitfall of the internet is buying without trying. Don't pay for something if you don't know whether the clarinet is returnable. Most online shops have a trial period in which you can test several clarinets before you buy.

Advantages: More choice online than in a shop.

Personally, I like dealing with a shop assistant face to face - you're more likely to tell whether he/she's bull*****ing you!

Personally, I like dealing with a shop assistant face to face - you're more likely to tell whether he/she's bull*****ing you!

I agree 100%.
when i bought my yamaha clarinet, i bought it from a shop for this reason.
When i went to buy i tried 3 different yamaha clarinets of the same make. They where all different.

And when you're going to try a new clarnet always take the mouthpiece and reeds with you.

Try them at a music shop... then you can buy on the web afterwards! Sounds sensible to me but what happens with guarantee and warranty when you buy on the net? I bought mine from a real live shop and I know if there are any problems I can take it back and they will look at it for me.

I used to play a Buffet B12 until Grade 6, I didn't try any others as I was 8 and my parents were advised to buy that make and model as apparently they tend to work best... I had mine for 5 years and it caused me no problems!

Now I play a Yamaha CX.. not this obvious choice and often compared with the Buffet E13, but I tried both and found it easier to produce a nice tone with the Yamaha. I've played it heavily for 2 years so as you can guess it needs a good bit of medicine over the summer! The keywork has stayed beautiful and whereas the pads need replacing and the joints are wobbling a bit the keys are still relatively quiet and haven't gone clicky.

If you do decide to buy from the net, make sure you know all the terms and conditions frist because what you pay for might not be what you get! (believe me its happened!!) Luckily not to be me

Thanks for the advice. I've bought a Buffet B12 over the net and it's wonderful!

I like the Yamaha's SEV V-series, but it's expensive, it's handmade. I like that very much. The tone is great.

I've purchased many clarinets over the net. Most often via eBay, but I need to ask lots of questions before I bid.

A friend of mine runs a small repair shop and has a B12 Buffet for sale in near mint condition, but can't seem to raise interest in this small town. I think he is looking for about $200 USD. (located in Michigan)

I saw my friend yesterday, when I took my Noblet bass clarinet to replace a spring. He is looking for $250 USD for his B12, if anyone is interested. The horn is in great condition.

wow I have just check the Hanson clarinet site. how brillant free servicing for 5 years. Sounds so good and what excellent back packs how cool is that.

I am sure my sons best mates mum is going to be so pleased about these clarinets. Elidatrading said they are an excellent make I trust her Yippee