Help Choosing a Brand

[sunshinetribe]

Hello all,

I'm purchasing a 2nd hand clarinet for my daughter. I have 2 options as they are located closest to me.
First one is an Olds brand, second option is a Recital brand. I know next to nothing about clarinets. Could someone steer me in the right directions... which one would you recommend?

Thanks

[mechanic]

Any chance you could post pictures or links to the ads that have the clarinets?  The only Recital I've heard of is a $5000.00 Selmer of Paris Recital.  I'll assume it's not one of those, so my guess would be the Recital is a chinese clarinet.  It could end up being a great clarinet, but the odds are against it.  That said, I'd lean towards the Olds.  The important thing is that it's either been taken very good care of, or recently serviced and all pads seal and keys adjusted.  Nothing will discourage a new clarinet player as fast an instrument that has leaks that make it hard to play and causes squeaks.

[sunshinetribe]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1034885583746545/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/235510825421727/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

Those are the 2 links Thank you

[mechanic]

The Recital is definitely a chinese clarinet, and probably overpriced at $150.  There are quite a few other models on AliExpress for $110 US.
The Olds is a decent price, but does look like there is a pad falling out on the lower joint, that would need to be fixed. 
I would opt for the Olds, but I'm also able to replace pads on my own.  Some music teachers are able to do minor repairs, or if there is a shop nearby, I'd check with them to see what they might charge if that is all it needs.
If you don't need it right away, it might be worthwhile to keep an eye on eBay.  Good student clarinets show up all the time, and someone on here is always willing to take a look at an ad and let you know what we think.

[sunshinetribe]

I just found this... what do you think?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/165327503803?hash=item267e4981bb:g:ZC0AAOSwQX9iBJJv&frcectupt=true

[mechanic]

It's not a Prestini, but a Vito and an excellent choice.  Not much time left, I'd grab it if you can.

[sunshinetribe]

I won Thank you so much for your help mechanic So glad I found this forum!!!

[mechanic]

You're very welcome.  You had me watching the auction, checking $US vs $AUD, and waiting to see if that was you that won.  Works out to $68 US, practically a steal.  My son played a Vito through middle school and 4 years of high school marching band.  3rd year of high school we got him a wood Noblet for concert band.  That's another good choice if your daughter really takes to it and needs to step up later.

[mechanic]

One other thing, when you get it could you let us know what the serial number is?  There's no official list prior to 1972, so if they are correct that it is circa 1968, it could help confirm some guesses.
Thanks,

[brigaltman]

This is an interesting clarinet. I'm surprised to see that it's a composite rather than resotone instrument. I would have thought is newer than 1968. I'll be interested in hearing more about your purchase.