Secondhand Clarinet?

[stormsdotter.livejournal.com]

My little brother wants an alto clarinet for Christmas, preferably used.

I know nothing about musical instruments. Can someone recommend a good shop to purchase one? Either a local store or a reputable web site would be fine.

Comments

[ifotismeni]

it kind of depends on your price range, but an alto clarinet is a little harder to find than your typical b flat -- i got my Bb from rayburn near symphony.

[stormsdotter.livejournal.com]

To be honest, I don't even know what an "alto clarinet" is. My stepfather and brothers are the ones with the musical talent in the family; I got the crafting talents and have a tin ear.

Does Rayburn offer used instruments?

[ifotismeni]

basically there are a lot of different types of clarinets. there's the really, really common one that everyone thinks of when you say "clarinet," that's the B flat clarinet.

an alto clarinet i think is in E flat? it kind of looks like a saxophone (well, alto sax to be technical :P). it is kind of an unusual clarinet, i have to admit i have only seen it once or twice in person and never really heard it used in ensembles, so it's kind of a niche thing.

rayburn does have used instruments of varying levels of quality -- from basic student to pro. as with most clarinets, the cheapy cheap ones are like a couple hundred but they can go up to several thousand on the higher-end.

[stormsdotter.livejournal.com]

Thank you! It's very useful to know what I'm looking for. I'll have to give Rayburn a call.

[ifotismeni]

no problem, good luck to you! if rayburn can't help you they should be able to point you in the right direction. granted it was a while ago when i got my clarinet from them, but they were very helpful with me.

[whaler.livejournal.com]

Seconding this, I got a used trumpet and flute there.

[icecreamempress.livejournal.com]

Thirding Rayburn: I know they sell alto clarinets.

[masslibrulgirl.livejournal.com]

Your icon is awesome! :)