I`m 32 and going to go and buy a clarinet - I`ve loved the instrument for years and have finally decided I should do something about it. Can anyone recommend a good starter instrument. Is there any difference because I`m starting as an adult?

Many thanks

I had a Yamaha YCL250 as my first clarinet. For a plastic student horn, it is reasonably free blowing with a surprisingly nice tone and accurate intonation. It`s also comfortable to hold which is a typical characteristic of Yamaha instruments. But above all, the YCL250 is unbelievably durable (trust me), so it`s good to know you don`t have to worry about knowing what you`re doing.

They cost no more than $350 brand new. That`s a little more than Buffet`s or Vito`s entry level clarinets (which are the other two most popular student choices). Howver, I think it`s well worth it.

A plastic Yamaha is definitly the way to go. That is what my first was, and it is still serving me well.

I just got a clarinet for $360. It is a "MarkII", and I like it a lot better than the Yamaha I used before. It was worth the extra ten dollars. That`s all the advice I can give you.

P.S.
I got mine at Costco in Spokane WA if that helps at all.