Over nine years with Hanson's entry level student clarinet

When my the 7 year old son found my old French wooden clarinet to much of a blow, I bought him a new Hanson HE-5; this is essentially the same as the HE-3. Nine years on and he still plays the clarinet occasionally although he now has a Hanson T6. (He passed Grade 6 on the HE). The HE clarinet is tough, well made and has needed only the odd drop of key oil and one piece of cork in all the time it has been in use. The ebonite body doesn't look lovely anymore but down the bore it is perfect and the tone is as good as you can expect from a student model. The keyword is excellent and looks perfect. To retain the ebonite in good order, keep it out of the sun and wipe off any spit. You can also coat the body with a grease like lanolin. This is not a complaint - ebonite mouthpieces also discolour over time. Having seen one of these clarinets made by Hanson in their workshop I can say they are made with great care and attention. Recommend to anyone.