Small (Kinder) Clarinet

[mvhsleadalto]

My mom is making me do this. I have a 7 year old little brother who is obsessed with music, past my 11 year old brother in Piano lessons, getting bored with that, and wanting to play the clarinet. Does anyone know where (Or even better) have for sale a small "child-size" clarinet? Mom is looking for something relatively cheap (Like that'll happen) . . . but any info would be great.

Please don't go flaming about using the search tool . . . I already tried that and found some great outdated stuffs . . .


Thanks guys!

Brayden

[mvhsleadalto]

Update: after doing a bit of research, I've also found this model . . . the Jupiter631 NM . . . . is that any good? thanks guys

[bandmommy]

How big is your brother?

If he's a little bigger than some of his classmates he'll probably do fine with a regular Bb clarinet. Most of the student models are designed for the smaller 'student' hand.
Vito, Artley, and Yamaha are a few your Mom should look into.

The best thing to do is get your little brother to a shop where he can try a few different brands. That way you can find one that best suits him, and see if the ability is there to play a woodwind instrument.

[clarnibass]

Istarted a little before I was 7 and my teacher suggested to start on a sopranino Eb clarinet, which I did. Moved to a Bb clarient after a couple of years. The Eb clarinet I used was a Vito and it was ok. The only problem I remember having with it is that sometimes my finger got pinched between the A key and first ring key. My grandparents brought it for me form USA and I don't remember but it cost either $200 or $400 (close to 20 years ago).

[monzamess]

Last year I bought a "junior clarinet" off of eBay for about $80 (shipped, new). It turned out to be a real Eb clarinet, but a cheap plastic one of course. Surprisingly, it plays fairly well in tune, and it fits the hands of my 3-yr-old daughter (not that she can play it yet).

My impressions, pictures, etc are here: click (http://dgbrown.pixesthesia.com/music/cheap_instruments/index.html#Titan_Victory_Junior_Clarinet_CLP-400-JR).

Unfortunately I can not find them for sale right now, so this probably won't help much I'm afraid, but maybe it will help you track down the source of these instruments.

Also, the Vito 7212 (which I also own) is designed for children. Although it's a standard size Bb clarinet, it has tone holes sized and positioned for small hands. You can get them used for cheap on eBay all day long.

[stitch]

Have you looked at the Lyons C clarinet? Specially designed for young players, all-plastic, indestructible.

[Simon Weiner]

Is 7 too young for a standard Bb??

[BlueTrane2028]

I second the Eb clarinet idea for a smaller beginner. I have a buescher labelled plastic bundy Eb that I snagged in perfect condition for about $200 a while back. Probably overpaid, but it works and I don't intend to sell it. Look for one of those, buescher/bundy resonite. A lot of the area schools have them for when Eb parts are needed, so it's at least got some reputation behind it.

[bandmommy]

Not too young Simon, but the fingers/hands may be too small. Most 7 yr old boys can handle a Bb without too much trouble.

Also you have to concider the 'What Ifs' of purchasing the smaller clarinet.
What if the kid is good. I'll have to buy the Bb in a year or 2.
What if the kid decides they HATE clarinet. Will I be able to sell the smaller clarinet for close to what I paid?

[Simon Weiner]

Thats what I thought. Elementry kids use a Bb.

[bluesaxgirl]

The Vito I have has small tone holes...that's what you're going to want over size.

[mvhsleadalto]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think at this point, I'm either gonna look for an Eb Sopranino, or that Vito 7212 (of which there are several on ebay). The "what if's" are already taken care of. If he's good, we already have a Bb in the house that he can use as soon as he gets big enough (he's one of the smallest of his classmates). If he hates it, then I have a fun new toy to play with. :)

Thanks again peeps!

[bluesaxgirl]

^ Good idea. And a 7 y.o. obsessed with music? That's a kid I want to see!

[bandmommy]

Has your brother tried the Bb that you already have?

He may already be 'big enough' even though he's one of the smaller in his class.
If his fingers are long enough to reach all the keys and are able to cover the tone holes, why waste your money an a cheap Eb.

[hakukani]

Isn't there a plateau model Bb Clarinet, or plugs to make a normal clarinet into a plateau?

[stevesklar]

that's what i was going to suggest. a plateau clarinet. they don't have open holes so it's very child friendly. They pop up on ebay from time to time. I think Selmer USA (Vito) still sells a model too, though i would think new they are still expensive.

i have one laying around but i'm saving it for my kids when they get (hopefully) interested.

they're great for true beginners

[KEN K]

The way a clarinet is made does not allow you to use plugs like you can use on a open hole flute. Clarinets with covered holes are made like that and requires the keys to be split and the body is completely different.

[mvhsleadalto]

We ended up buying a decently cheap Eb Sopranino on eBay . . . I'm just crossing my fingers that its decent, I forgot what the stamp was, but I'm sure my brother will take care of it. My high school band teacher is also the repairman here, so if anything would happen to it, I'm sure he could help us out. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

[mvhsleadalto]

Sorry to bring back a dead thread. Now I'm having troubles finding stuff for him to play. . . any recommendations on how we should "teach him" on the Eb Sopranino clarinet?

[tictactux]

Sorry to bring back a dead thread. Now I'm having troubles finding stuff for him to play. . .

Same stuff as on Bb - just not too much in the upper clarion till the kid has eefer chops. Simple Alto sax stuff is okay too. Rubank Elementary books are good.