Klarinet Archive - Posting 000248.txt from 1995/04

From: Maria D'Aura <FinaleMD@-----.COM>
Subj: Help! Buying a used A.
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 1995 21:51:44 -0400

I sent out a question to the list yesterday about the reputaion of the
International Musical Suppliers. Well the reason I ask is because I have been
looking for a used Buffet A clarinet in good condition and I just received
one from IMS today for trial. My question is... what would one expect to pay
for this instrument? I will help you out and describe it.
>From the serial number I would guess it to be about 10 to 12 years old. They
tell me it's a model R13 although I'm not sure how to tell by looking at it.
The keys are nickel plated which is wore in all the spots you put your
fingers to play except the four right hand side keys. The upper joint is
corked. The pads, including the cork ones, appear to be old. The only way I
can describe them is that they look like little fractures on the pads (not
the corked ones) and they are discolored. It is also being sold with a Buffet
double case. The case (although not that important) is wore inside and out.
>From the looks of the hinges and the bottom corners of the case (which wood
can be clearly seen) I think it must have taken a pretty hard hit or long fall
to cause that to happen?
On the good side, it plays! The tone is good except a little out of tune in
the upper register. Is this common on the A clarinet? And the wood appears to
be in good shape.
What puzzles me is that I was told that this set of clarinets, the Bb already
sold, belonged to a Chicago Symphony Player who just purchased a new set
within the last week. Maybe I give to much credit to symphony players, but I
would think that They would take better care of their instruments.??
My Bb R13, which is almost 11 years old, is in fantastic shape! And I got is
new when I was in Jr. High. I know I take better care of it now than I did
then. And still, there is no wear on the keys at all, the original case is in
perfect condition and I just had it worked on for the first time ever last
August. I just had it corked and new pads put in, and it really didn't even
need it! I just figured 10 years had gone by so it should be done. Just in
case you might think that I don't play it often for it to be in that
condition, you're wrong. It has had quite a bit of use.
So, back to the original question....
How much would you pay for this A clarinet???

I'm not sure if I think it's such a good deal now that I've seen it, but they
are hard to come by and I don't want to pass it up and regret it later. The
prices of new ones are just to high for me, a college student, but I can't
afford to waste money on junk either.

Thanks for you help!!!