I have wanted to play a woodwind for many years and bought this as a low cost way to introduce myself. Overall this horn is perfect for a beginner/intermediate. I have been playing at least an hour per day for 5 months. The horn has been stellar. It is reasonably well tuned in all ranges (I can play with other instruments without noticeable tuning issues). I have also checked against a digital tuner. Not perfect but from what I’ve seen, no clarinet is perfect. All pads seal properly. Low range is exceptional as is clarion. Altissimo also fine (but for my inabilities). A few things:
1. You will need to get decent reeds. The instrument comes with 10 reeds. Not good. Get a name brand reed. Also comes with 1 synthetic reed. Even worse if that were possible. Throw all of them in garbage, don’t torture yourself.
2. Get another mouthpiece. This is a consistent upgrade suggestion by bloggers. I got a Fobes debut, love it. Existing mouthpiece is probably fine but 35 or 40 bucks is small price (thanks clarinet Ninja for tip on Fobes).
3. Ligature is probably not mattering for sound, but it is hard to put on/tighten. Save the hassle if you can afford it and get a decent one…again maybe 35 bucks. I got a Bonade silver and it is much easier to work with. Thank you to ClarinetMentors for tip on Bonade design. See Earspasm for vid on irrelevance of ligature to sound.
4. Consider a legere synthetic reed. I fought cane reeds for four months before getting a synthetic Legere European cut. HUGE difference, much easier to play due to fantastic consistency (also doesn’t get waterlogged). Is it as good as a cane reed? Beyond my ability to say. My guess is, for a beginner the gain in consistency allows one to focus on air/mechanics/embouchure without pondering the cult of reed wizardry. Deal with synthetic/cane debate later when you have some experience.
BTW, I bought this horn because I saw a video by a couple of high school kids on YouTube (DoubleClarinet). They were dead on and I appreciate their review.
This was a super low risk purchase. Way exceeds my expectations and though I plan to continue playing, I have no plans to get a “better” horn….it’s not limiting me so why would I?! I hope this is helpful. Nice work Vangoa.
Vangoa Bb Clarinet, B Flat Beginner Student Clarinet Bb Nickel-Plated for School Band Orchestra adult kid with Hard Case, Sta
4.4
| 138 ratingsPrice: 119.99
Last update: 09-10-2024
About this item
♫【Rich, Resonant, Projecting Tone】Bb clarinet is made of a durable synthetic ABS material, that is lightweight and gives a very rich and warm sound. The b flat clarinet also equipped with a new 17 keys French bore design system for smooth playing. It brings stable, pure and rich sound to the tube body
♫【Exquisite Comfortable Ergonomics】Bb student clarinet is made of a durable synthetic ABS Material, that is lightweight and gives a very rich and warm sound. It features strong, cold-forged and nickel plated keywork that has been ergonomically designed to feel great in the hands
♫【Precise Intonation】Student clarinet's fast key response provide an excellent air-tight seal against the tone holes, make sure that every pitch is perfectly rendered. Stable synthetic pads adding a greater stability and longevity
♫【Perfect for Beginners】 - The clarinet kit is fully equipped, easy to install and tune. Its adjustable double mouthpiece connector for easy adjustment and tuning. This orchestra clarinet is suitable for many occasions, such as class, performance and grade examination
♫【Full Clarinet Kit】 - Our Bb clarinet starter kit includes 4C mouthpiece, hard case, lip balm, tooth pad, stand, brush, detail manual, 10 reeds and resin reed, gloves, shoulder strap, mouthpiece protective cap. It comes with everything needed, helping you get started quickly and learn easily
♫【Exquisite Comfortable Ergonomics】Bb student clarinet is made of a durable synthetic ABS Material, that is lightweight and gives a very rich and warm sound. It features strong, cold-forged and nickel plated keywork that has been ergonomically designed to feel great in the hands
♫【Precise Intonation】Student clarinet's fast key response provide an excellent air-tight seal against the tone holes, make sure that every pitch is perfectly rendered. Stable synthetic pads adding a greater stability and longevity
♫【Perfect for Beginners】 - The clarinet kit is fully equipped, easy to install and tune. Its adjustable double mouthpiece connector for easy adjustment and tuning. This orchestra clarinet is suitable for many occasions, such as class, performance and grade examination
♫【Full Clarinet Kit】 - Our Bb clarinet starter kit includes 4C mouthpiece, hard case, lip balm, tooth pad, stand, brush, detail manual, 10 reeds and resin reed, gloves, shoulder strap, mouthpiece protective cap. It comes with everything needed, helping you get started quickly and learn easily
Product information
Item Weight | 4.22 pounds |
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Package Dimensions | 14.8 x 10.51 x 5.59 inches |
ASIN | B0964ZGXXV |
Item model number | VCB-1 |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
128 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #4,221 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #4 in Clarinets (Musical Instruments) |
Date First Available | May 29, 2021 |
Color Name | black |
Material Type | Wood, Nickel, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
Instrument Key | B Flat |
Number of Keyboard Keys | 17 |
Size | Nickel-Plated Keys |