BandNow?

Band_Geek · Post by **Band_Geek** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 2:19 pm

Does anybody know if BandNow is an ok brand to get started on a new instrument? Im looking forward to learning the Clarinet, but I dont want to spend a lot of money on something Im not going to mainly play.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 5:50 pm

I think that's one of those super-economy (cheapo) brands not known for high quality per dollar ratio! If a new instrument doesn't play responsively, you'll just feel frustrated. I think I'd hold out for a used Bundy (better at clarinets and saxes than at flutes) or other reputable brand and spend a few bucks getting it repaired to good playing condition.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 9:40 pm

I agree. I have had bad experiences with students and Band Now flutes (which are sold at the local discount center that also sells groceries, clothes, haircuts, well, you get the point).

kelly · Post by **kelly** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 9:40 pm

Actually, I've heard that for a cheap brand, BandNow ain't all that bad. However, if you are looking for a clarinet and don't mind used there are a lot of them available. Take a look even at www.shopgoodwill.com and get a brand you recognize there and then expect to pay a little to get it up to par and playing.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 7:16 pm

You might look for a Selmer Prelude. It's a new line launched by Selmer to compete with the cheap-junk brands' low prices. For the price, they don't play badly at all. Not all instrument dealers carry them, but they are a Selmer product for which parts are available, and the metal's not so inferior the repairman's afraid to touch it, and the scale's good (can play in tune). Not sure about the clarinet, but the flute price was about $200, versus $800 for a new Yamaha student model, in the $700s for Armstrong--but I stll would recommend the latter two brands over the Prelude. If it's all a student can afford, it's ok for a couple years. For a second instrument it might actually be a good deal.

Band_Geek · Post by **Band_Geek** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 4:08 pm

Ive got to be the biggest dumba** posting about clarinet stuff on a flute message board.

Anyways, heres the link to a really nice clarinet I found on eBay. I know, its probably making a lot of you sick at the thought of buying an instrument on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BUFFET-CRAMPON-B12- ... dZViewItem

The user has 824 feedback, and 99.9% is positive. On to the clarinet, my band director informed me that Buffet is the best clarinet brand. Based on the information listed in the item description, the buyer seems to know exactly what they are selling. What do you think?

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:25 am

Buffet student clarinets aren't necessarily better than Selmer or Yamaha, but their handmade pro instruments were THE clarinet to have for decades. Only buy if the seller will offer a trial or a return arrangement if you aren't satisfied, and while you're trying it out, take it to a good repair tech to check its true condition. That seems high for a starting bid on a used student instrument. You also might want a new mouthpiece (our store often puts a Hite Premiere mouthpiece in the rental clarinets-about $25, and better response than most brands' stock mouthpiece).