Saw this whilst browsing around. Didn’t do too much research but cheap enough for my missus to get into a new hobby! Keen to hear from the experienced if this is decent for the price or if it’s worth returning! I did see this on sale for $200 a week ago, so it sounds like they just need this gone.
Whatever is in the photo is whatever stock is left AFAIK.
Looks like it is also this exact same one referenced on their website: https://www.costco.com.au/c/Jean-Paul-USA-Bb-Clarinet-Bundle…
Is the music teacher going to hate me if I buy this for my kid?
they'll complain that it's not a Yamaha/whatever bought from the local music shop they get kickbacks/freebies from
It's not this at all. Some instruments are extremely cheap and hard to play.
Then the parents wonder why little Johnny failed AMEB or Syllabus exams and sucks at playing.
Buffet crampon is a popular clarinet brand for beginners which are good. Obviously they make carinets up to $30,000+. They're made in France and are playable. Bit like a henri selmer of saxophones - selmer make clarinets too, once again made in France - very popular.
Avoid anything named after Planets or Plants.
For $4000 you should be able to pick up something good second hand if you were to do university.
"Beautiful ABS" 😂
But in all fairness, as a clarinet player, this is good value for a student instrument if you don't know whether you will stick with it. I believe these instruments are a cut above the "unknown brands" that cost the same or more.
Personally I do not like "plastic" clarinets for people who want to keep playing, and would not recommend people to buy the Yamaha student clarinets, or even the one above that which is still part plastic (YCL-455). They cost too much for what it is.
When my daughter wanted to continue learning after an introductory school program, I got her a refurbished wooden Yamaha clarinet from Japan through eBay. Around the same cost as a plastic Yamaha student clarinet, except it was manufactured as a top-end professional grade instrument that still feels and sounds way better. A quality used instrument is often better than a cheap new one, provided it is not in immediate need of repairs/maintenance.
And made in china. Everyone has a budget and when you get serious reach out to somewhere like ozwinds and you'll see why the Chinese spend $14,000 on a clarinet for their 10 year old child.
Buy her some 1 1/2 reeds to go with it.
Cheaper than band camp.
![[VIC] Jean Paul Clarinet with Music Stand CL-700AU $100 @ Costco, Epping (Membership Required)](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/45/875645.jpg?h=06ed6bbc)
blowing?
But yes good for a beginner to see if they're into it..Did they have trumpets too?