Soprano Sax
or
Alto Clarinet?
Soprano Saxophone ($399)
It is the same instrument Kenny G plays (although he plays all the sax's, the soprano's the one you hear him play most of the time) and fully made of brass despite being a woodwind instrument. It is a hundred bucks cheaper than the alto clarinet. This is how it sounds like - Soprano Saxophone.
Alto Clarinet ($499)
A nice sleek variation from the regular Bb Clarinet's, it features a metallic bell and joint much like an alto saxophone. As far as I know, NO ONE in Malaysia has one (unless you go to the MPO or something), which makes owning one uber cool. The alto clarinet sounds like this - Alto Clarinet. Note, that it does sound similar to a Bb Clarinet but the punch-notes which define this instrument are at the end of the clip.
If I own a bank, I'd like to have both of them, and I probably would someday.. eventually. But my parents will probably nag me down for getting even just one of them, two for murder. Hence for now, I'd like to buy one and take advantage of the tax reclaims when I leave Australia (you can claim back GST at the airport if you spend $300 or more on a single receipt). The prices above are much cheaper than any listed price one can find back in Malaysia. But my love for both instruments makes it so difficult to decide! I'd appreciate any insight people can give =)