Mendini By Cecilio Clarinet

Mendini by Cecilio clarinets offer an affordable way for new players to start learning the clarinet. With a huge selection of clarinet models for beginners to advanced players, Mendini clarinets are a popular choice. But how do you know which Mendini clarinet is right for you? This complete buying guide covers everything you need to know about Mendini by Cecilio clarinets.

An Introduction to Mendini Clarinets

The Mendini line of clarinets is made by Cecilio, a company known for producing low-cost musical instruments. Mendini clarinets are designed to be an economical option for student musicians or those on a tight budget. The clarinets are mass-produced and made with inexpensive hardwoods and metals. This keeps the cost down but can affect durability and sound quality. However, many reviews praise Mendini clarinets as a great value for beginners.

Mendini clarinets come in a variety of types like standard Bb soprano clarinets, A clarinets, Eb alto clarinets, Bb bass clarinets, and more. The most popular models are the MCT-E+SD+PB and MCT-SB+SD student clarinets which both come with a case, care supplies, and extra reeds. Overall, Mendini clarinets offer an affordable way to start playing clarinet without spending a lot of money upfront.

Comparing Mendini to Other Clarinet Brands

How do Mendini clarinets stack up against the competition? Here’s an overview of how Mendini compares to other clarinet brands on the market:

• Yamaha: Known for excellent quality and craftsmanship. More expensive but built to last.
• Buffet Crampon: Top professional French clarinet maker. Models like the E11 and R13 are popular choices. High-end pricing.
• Selmer: Another reputable French brand. Models like the Bundy Resonite are good intermediate options.
• Jupiter: Budget-friendly student clarinets similar to Mendini’s price range. Comparable quality.
• Mendini: The most budget-friendly option. Great for absolute beginners. Quality reflects the low price point.

While you make sacrifices in quality and materials compared to premium brands, Mendini clarinets are designed for new players who need an affordable option. Advanced players will eventually upgrade, but Mendini clarinets are a fine starting point.

The Different Types of Mendini Clarinets

Mendini offers clarinets for every skill level, starting with beginner student models all the way up to intermediate and advanced options:

• Student clarinets: These budget-friendly plastic or wood body clarinets are designed for new players. The MCT-E+SD+PB and MCT-SB+SD models are good beginner options.
• Intermediate clarinets: Step up to an ABS resin body with the Mendini MCL-300 model or the McKenna model clarinets. These deliver better quality and tuning.
• Advanced clarinets: The Cecilio CT-380 model is Mendini’s most advanced clarinet option with high-end features like a silver plated key system. It’s a good step before moving to a professional model.
• Bass clarinets: Mendini produces bass clarinet models like the MBC-300 for those looking to learn bass. It has warm, rich low notes.
• Alto clarinets: Try the extended range and dark tone of alto clarinet with a model such as the MAC-100. Great for jazz, orchestras, and more.

No matter your skill level, Mendini likely has a model to suit your needs and budget. Student models are the most common, but it’s nice having intermediate and pro options too.

Are Mendini Clarinets Good for Beginners?

Mendini clarinets are excellent options for beginners starting their musical journey. Here’s why they work so well for new clarinet players:

• Cost effective: Mendini clarinets are very budget-friendly, often under $100. This makes them accessible for students.
• Pre-assembled: The clarinets come pre-assembled so you can start playing immediately out of the box.
• Includes accessories: You get necessities like a clarinet mouthpiece, ligature, cleaning cloth, and a pair of reeds included in the package.
• Easy to produce sound: The clarinet designs make it relatively easy for beginners to produce notes and tones.
• Upgradable parts: You can upgrade the pads, springs, and barrel to improve the clarinet as your skills progress.
• Forgiving on mistakes: The plastic and ABS resin bodies are more durable and forgiving of drops or other mishaps a beginner may experience.

The low cost, included accessories, and durable construction make Mendini clarinets the perfect way to get started. While you may eventually upgrade, they are ideal for learning the basics.

What Materials Are Mendini Clarinets Made Of?

Mendini clarinets utilize a mix of hardwoods, resins, and metals depending on the model. Here’s an overview of the common materials:

• Bodies: Made from polycarbonate plastic on student models or ABS resin on intermediate clarinets. Gives a hard, durable body.
• Keys: Nickel or silver-plated metal keys. Silver provides a more refined look and feel.
• Pads: Soft clarinet pads made from leather or a synthetic material. Need to break in over time.
• Springs: Steel springs provide tension to connect the keys and pads.
• Mouthpieces and barrels: Usually plastic on beginner models but can be upgraded to better ebonite or wood.
• Bell ring: A metal bell ring attached at the bottom improves projection and resonance.

While not the finest materials, they are decent for the price. Upgrading pads, the mouthpiece, and other components can further improve sound.

How to Tune a Mendini By Cecilio Clarinet

Tuning a Mendini clarinet is essential for proper sound and intonation. Here are some tips for tuning your Mendini clarinet:

• Listen carefully – Play notes individually and listen closely for them to sound “in tune” based on your music
• Adjust barrel – Try extending or shortening the barrel slightly to adjust overall tuning
• Use alternate fingerings – Replace regular fingerings with alternate tuned fingerings
• Check pad seal – Make sure all pads completely cover tone holes for a proper seal
• Moisten pad – Wet pad with water or pad saver if they are sticking and affecting tone
• Check ligature – Ensure ligature is secure but not too tight around the reed/mouthpiece
• Use tuning rings – Add tuning rings to righthand joints to fine tune pitch
• See a technician – If tuning problems persist, take your clarinet to a technician for servicing

With some practice and by making adjustments, you can get your Mendini clarinet tuned up and sounding its best. Be patient through the process.

Where to Buy Mendini Clarinets Online

Thanks to online retail, it’s easy to find and purchase Mendini clarinets from the comfort of home. Here are some of the top online stores to buy Mendini clarinets:

• Amazon: The easiest one stop shop with the full selection of Mendini clarinet models and bundles. Benefit from fast shipping.
• Musician’s Friend: Large selection of musical gear including Mendini clarinets. Free shipping on orders over $99.
• Ebay: Find new and used Mendini clarinets for sale from various sellers. Pay attention to condition.
• Reverb: Buy and sell used musical instruments. You may find deals on used Mendini clarinets.
• Adorama: Retailer of musical equipment including Cecilio clarinets. Extended return window.
• Thomann Music: German music store that stocks some Mendini clarinet models. Ships internationally.
• Cecilio Store: Purchase directly from the official Cecilio store website.

Do some comparison shopping across these online retailers to find your preferred Mendini clarinet at the best available price.

What’s the Price Range for Mendini Clarinets?

One huge advantage of Mendini clarinets is how affordable they are, especially compared to professional models. Here’s an overview of the price range:

• Student clarinets: $80 – $120
• Intermediate clarinets: $150 – $250
• Advanced clarinets: $300 – $500
• Bass clarinets: $350 – $450
• Alto clarinets: $250 – $350

The most budget-friendly are the student clarinet models like the MCT-30 or MCT-E+SD+PB. These are typically priced under $100 making them very accessible for beginner players. Even the top of the line Cecilio CT-380 advanced clarinet is under $500.

This reasonable pricing makes Mendini clarinets an attractive option if you want to start playing clarinet without spending thousands of dollars upfront. Yet they offer options to upgrade as your skills progress.

Caring for Your Mendini Clarinet

Proper care and maintenance will keep your Mendini clarinet in top playing condition. Here are some tips:

• Swab out the bore after each use to remove moisture and debris
• Use a soft cloth to wipe off fingerprints and dirt from the body
• Oil the bore every few months with special clarinet bore oil
• Use clarinet pads saver on the pads when not playing to prevent sticking
• Never use water or cleaning solutions directly on the clarinet
• Check pads regularly and take to a technician if any need replacing
• Keep the clarinet stored safely in its case when not in use
• Bring to a qualified repair person for key adjustments or extensive repairs
• Replace the reed as needed when it loses strength or integrity

With regular care and maintenance, a Mendini clarinet can last for years of enjoyable playing time. Take good care of it and it will take care of you!

What Accessories Come With Mendini Clarinets?

Mendini clarinets come with several handy accessories right in the box to get started playing:

• Mouthpiece: Usually plastic on student models. May upgrade later.
• Ligature: The metal ligature secures the reed to the mouthpiece.
• Cap and strap: For covering mouthpiece and attaching to neck.
• Cleaning cloth: For wiping down clarinet after use.
• Rod: Flexible cleaning swab for the inside of the bore.
• Gloves: Provides protection for fingers when assembling sections.
• Reed: At least one 2.5 size reed. May want harder reeds later.
• Case: Durable carrying cases with plush lining to protect the clarinet.

Having all these included accessories makes a Mendini clarinet ready to play as soon as it arrives. It’s everything a new clarinetist needs to get started.

What Kind of Warranty Do Mendini Clarinets Have?

Mendini clarinets are primarily designed for student musicians, so they have a solid 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. This covers defects in materials and craftsmanship that may arise.

Within the 1-year warranty period, Cecilio will repair or replace Mendini clarinet parts affected by issues like cracked wood, defective keywork, pad issues and more. This gives peace of mind that new players have support if defects appear early on.

However, the Mendini warranty does not cover regular maintenance, repairs from misuse/accidents, or issues from normal wear and tear over time. For longer term coverage beyond 1 year, wood clarinets can also be insured against accidents/damage.

While the parts and construction are not at a professional level, the included 1-year Mendini warranty provides reassurance during the critical early period of learning clarinet.

Reviews of Mendini Clarinets from Real Customers

Mendini clarinets appeal to new players thanks to the budget-friendly pricing. Here are some thoughts from real Mendini clarinet owners:

“Bought the black MCT-30 for my daughter to start learning clarinet. For the super low price, she’s really enjoying it. The sound is not bad at all for a beginner plastic clarinet.”

“I love my Mendini bass clarinet! I’m still a learner but it has a nice warm tone. The only upgrades I’ve done are the mouthpiece and upgrading the pads.”

“This is my first clarinet purchase as an adult learner. The silver plated keys on the Mendini MCL-300 look and feel nice. Includes everything I needed in one package.”

“I purchased the Mendini Eb alto clarinet for jazz band. Feels well constructed and holds tune pretty well. Amazing value that won’t break the bank!”

The consensus is that Mendini clarinets make learning and playing accessible thanks to the affordable pricing and included accessories. While not pro level, they exceed expectations for budget-friendly beginner instruments.

How to Assemble Your Mendini Clarinet

Once you’ve purchased your new Mendini clarinet, it’s time to get it set up! Here is an easy step-by-step guide to assembling it properly:

1. Carefully remove all parts from case and identify each piece – barrel, upper/lower joints, bell, mouthpiece etc.
2. Swab out the bores and joints with the included cleaning rod and cloth.
3. Attach the ligature and reed onto the plastic mouthpiece. Wet reed first.
4. Insert mouthpiece fully into the barrel tenon. Should fit snugly.
5. Connect the barrel to the top of the upper joint, twisting gently.
6. Attach the bell to the lower joint, twisting to secure. Red line shows proper alignment.
7. Finally join upper and lower joint with tenons. Adjust to preferred position.
8. Place reed cap over reed when not playing to protect it.

Take it slowly piecing together each section. Proper assembly will ensure your Mendini clarinet works its best.

How Do Mendini Clarinets Sound?

As inexpensive beginner models, Mendini clarinets don’t have the rich complex tone of professional clarinets costing thousands. However, they can produce surprisingly nice playing tones when set up properly. Here’s what to expect:

• Warm, smooth tone in lower register
• Clear and stable mid range notes
• Crisp and focused higher register notes
• Capable of playing dynamics from pianissimo to forte

The plastic body can give the tone a bit more brightness and edge compared to wood. Upgrade parts like the barrel, pads and mouthpiece can refine the tone further. While not for refined professional playing, the sound quality exceeds expectations for such affordable clarinets.

Can Professionals Use Mendini Clarinets?

Mendini clarinets are designed primarily for student musicians and beginners. While inexpensive, they do not have the quality and features needed for advanced players and professionals. Here’s why:

• Materials like plastic limit tone quality
• Intonation inconsistencies more likely
• Keys and parts made with simpler processes
• Quality control standards not as high
• Tone and tuning best suited for student playing
• Unable to stand up to demands of frequent professional playing

That said, the Cecilio CT-380 model with silver plated keys could serve as a decent backup clarinet option for working players. Overall though, professionals will be better served investing in intermediate or pro level wood clarinet models for consistent performance. Mendini clarinets are best left to the students!

How to Choose the Right Mendini Clarinet Model

With all the different Mendini clarinet models available, how do you choose? Here are some tips:

• Skill level – Student, intermediate or advanced clarinet?
• Type – Bb soprano, A, Eb alto, bass etc. What suits your needs?
• Materials – Plastic, wood, or resin body?
• Keys – Nickel or silver plated keys? Silver is higher quality.
• Use – Just solo playing or in a band/orchestra?
• Budget – Set a spending limit and stick to it. Prices range widely.
• Included accessories – Case, reeds, supplies etc.
• Reviews – Read feedback from other buyers about quality.

Considering these factors will help narrow your selection to the ideal Mendini clarinet model that fits your playing needs and budget. Don’t overbuy, and you’ll have money left for lessons and sheet music!

Online Tutorials for Learning Mendini Clarinets

Once you’ve got your Mendini clarinet, it’s time to start playing! Thankfully there are tons of helpful online tutorials to support you learning clarinet:

• YouTube: The best source for free clarinet tutorial videos. Great for visual learners.
• Artistworks Clarinet Lessons: Video exchange platform with lessons and feedback from pro players.
• Clarinet Mentors: Website with step-by-step beginner lessons and instructional ebooks.
• MusicProfessor: Interactive clarinet learning system with videos, lessons and sheet music.
• Skillshare: Online learning community with clarinet courses for all levels.
• Living Clarinet: Blog with useful clarinet tips and how-to articles.

With a wealth of free and paid resources online, you can access instruction on clarinet fundamentals, reading music, techniques, songs, and more. They perfectly supplement in-person lessons.

Regular Maintenance for Mendini Clarinets

To keep your Mendini clarinet performing properly for years to come, regular maintenance is essential:

• Oil the bore every 1-2 months
• Swab out moisture after each use
• Use clarinet pad saver to prevent pad sticking
• Inspect and replace pads as needed
• Check key motion and take to tech if sluggish
• Clean exterior with soft cloth
• Have regulated by technician yearly
• Replace cork grease when dried out
• Keep free of dents, cracks, and physical damage

A maintenance routine will preserve the playability and lifetime of a Mendini clarinet. Protect your investment with proper care.

Mendini Clarinet Return Policy

One benefit of buying directly from Cecilio is that Mendini clarinets come with a 30-day return policy. If you are unsatisfied with the clarinet for any reason, return for a full product refund within 30 days in original packing.

Reed and pad replacements from regular use are not covered, nor is damage from misuse. But manufacturer defects discovered upon initial inspection can be addressed with a return.

This allows buyers to receive and trial the clarinet for playability and sound. If it does not meet expectations, take advantage of the 30-day return policy through Cecilio.

How Long Can a Mendini Clarinet Last?

With proper maintenance and care, a Mendini clarinet can realistically last from 2-4 years of regular playing. Serious students may get 5+ years before needing to upgrade. Here are the factors affecting lifespan:

• Materials like plastic are not as durable as wood
• Parts are mass produced with looser tolerances
• Quality control is not as stringent as pro brands
• Pads, springs and cork will need replacing over time
• Eventual upgrades needed as player’s skills improve
• Damage/excessive wear shortens lifespan
• Regular repairs and maintenance extend lifespan

While not built to professional standards, Mendini clarinets can last for years of use with the right upkeep. The included 1-year warranty provides added support.

Conclusion

For new clarinet students seeking an affordable, quality instrument to begin their musical journeys, it’s hard to beat the value of Mendini clarinets by Cecilio. Sure, you make some sacrifices compared to professional wood clarinets. However, the low upfront investment, included accessories, and variety of models make Mendini an ideal choice to start out learning and playing clarinet. With proper maintenance and eventually moving up to intermediate clarinets, they will provide years of musical enjoyment.