Stagg 77-C Student Bb

Bought this clarinet at the bottom end of the market as it was for my 9yr old to start on. Lasted the 1st yr ok but the quality just isnt there. Was sent to a repairer many times as it just didnt play 'right' but had to purchase another new clarinet in the end. spent more this time on a better brand and the difference is incredible. it really is worth spending more in the 1st place as its just a false economy in the long run to buy this one!

This clarinet is a liability: technically unrelible, hard for the beginner to play - low notes and little finger keys especially likely not to seat/link properly. Ligature and mouthpiece set-up also makes setting reed securely very hard. A false economy - buy a decent one!

Purchased from JR.com Suggested retail price over 300.00, on sale for 140, so I am thinking this must be a great deal. Well it is too good to be true.

The clarinet looks nice, better than most student clarinets in fact. It has a brushed resinite composite similar to the Buffet B-12, but that is where the similarity ends. The ligature is cheap and very hard to tighten properly, meaning the reed is never quite right. Especially with students, this is a hard mouthpiece setup to learn on.

By far the worst quality is the sound. It is nearly impossible to play anything in tune. The instrument is not in tune with itself, and cannot even be played lower than a C. 2 band instuctors inspected it and tested it and said it was not playable - and it was brand new.

Figuring out where to turn for warranty work is near impossible. I finally got some help with an RMA and an address, so we'll see if Stagg even attepts to honor it's warranty. I wish I had gone with a more reputable brand, as it appears I have learned a 140 dollar lesson...

The Stagg 77-C Student Bb is only a begginer clarinet and is apropriate for students, of grades 1-3, it can withstand mishandling well, though the keys make be easily bent if not in a good case. The ligature suplied, is tricky to handle at first though may need oiling.