Beginning clarinet again as an adult

[bendicco]

I’m an older adult, played clarinet as a kid but gave it up. Interested in learning again and have opportunity to purchase an overhauled Yamaha wood CL 34 for $375.
Or a used plastic Yamaha YCL 255 for $975. Need advice please! Thanks

 

[Carl H.]

If the 34 was done well, that is a great instrument for a beginner - assuming you don't have SMALL hands. I use one as a backup for my R13 and it is nearly indistinguishable when I swap barrel and mouthpiece from the Buffet.

I'd snap up that 34 and pass on the plastic one at that price.

 

[pete]

If you don't mind ebay, there are lots of pro models there that are extra cheap. Just make sure you include the cost of an overhaul in the price.

The YCL-3XX (where X is a number) is marketed as an intermediate model. The YCL-2XX (where X is a number) is the student model. Get a nice mouthpiece, too.

 

[Gandalfe]

When I returned to music after a 25+ year break, I took some lessons which were invaluable and helped me insure my instrument was up to snuff too. Sometimes the first lesson is free?

 

[Tony Fairbridge]

I’m an older adult, played clarinet as a kid but gave it up. Interested in learning again and have opportunity to purchase an overhauled Yamaha wood CL 34 for $375.
Or a used plastic Yamaha YCL 255 for $975. Need advice please! Thanks

The 34 was an intermediate instrument, the 255 is sold as a student instrument. That being said, if the 34 is in good order and well set up I would go for it. At that price, even if it needs some work you could still come out ahead of the 255. I have a 34 and I love it.

 

[ghostler]

If they are still available, visit with both and look them over good, then decided. If the sources are reputable, then you can have confidence in buying either. If the Yamaha CL34 is properly overhauled and has no wood cracks or if cracked properly repaired, then it will play like a new instrument. At that price, you'd be able to sell it for what you paid for, more or less.