I have been playing clarinet for almost five years. During those five years I played an old wooden clarinet. The clarinet was played by my great grandmother years ago, and it has reached the end of it's life. I'm looking into getting A new intermediate clarinet. I'd like to stick to a wood clarinet, but playing in pep band also I'm afraid the weather would ruin it. Does anyone have a suggestion on what clarinet I should purchas?

Thanks

I don't recommend playing any woodwind instrument in the rain. Water can get on springs, screws & pivots causing rusting & corrosion which, if not attended to quickly can mean expensive repairs. This is more likely to occur than damage to the body of a wooden instrument.

But if you really insist on playing in groups where this is likely to happen get a plastic instrument like the Buffet B12, refuse to play in the rain or insist the band supplies the instrument. Even then if it does get wet it should be taken to a repairer as soon as possible for a service to ensure all water has been removed from inaccessible areas before rusting has a chance to occur.

What I would reccomend, is the Buffet Crampon E 11 clarinet, however, it is wooden, and wooden instruments should NEVER be used outside, let alone in the rain, so what I would suggest, is to also get a beginner level plastic clarinet to play outside. the best plastic clarinet brands are Vito, Accent, and Yamaha. The cheapest is Vito, but the sound isn't the best. Accent is a little bit better, but still not that great. Yamaha is the best, but it is a bit more pricey. As for getting a plastic Intermediate clarinet, don't do it, because you get a terrible level of quality for the price. Word to the wise, when it comes to clarinets, Buffet Crampon is the absolute best, I have the Buffet Tosca, and it is the best clarinet in the history of wooden instruments, But that is an Artisan level, not intermediate level clarinet, which is the best level, However, if you are going to make a serious investment in your clarinet playing, the Buffet Tosca is the way to go.

I hope I have at least helped inform your decision.

Best of luck!

What I would reccomend, is the Buffet Crampon E 11 clarinet as well.

bbc