Ah? I don't quite think you understood what I'm saying. My school has 1 E flat clarinet. There is no choice. I wouldn't want to play it if its really bad, so I'm wondering what can help me determine if it's a good E flat clarinet. As well as good brands and specific models (beg, int, and professional). I can't currently open the case until I actually as my music teacher, since it has a lock on it.
Ok. I get the drift. As there is only one. Look to see if it's clean on the outside. Are the keys sticky or free. Look down the barrel to see if it is clean also. Is the mouthpiece clean and unchipped. Are the pads old, worn. Take each part seperately, block the holes keys and the bottom, and blow down into it to see if the air is getting out. And so on and so on. But you could ask someone to play it for you, Friend? the teacher? and ask them their opinion. Etc. And you can still buy your own mouthpiece which is recommended anyway. And get the best you can afford.
So check for leeks and cleanness and chips. Got it.
#1, all the clarinetists in my school really suck. They're all asian girls (not to be racist) that can't play at all. They just sit there and are shy. My band director is totally like, anti-clarinet for me, because I switched from Bass clarinet to clarinet... and he really wants more bass. But I can always get my clarinet teacher to play it.
I was too shy to ask him myself (since he sort of hates me) so I left him a lovely note in his marking box =].