Klarinet Archive - Posting 000299.txt from 1995/04

From: Lynn Thomas <thomas@-----.ORG>
Subj: Re: Help! Buying a used A.
Date: Mon, 17 Apr 1995 13:57:06 -0400

I would trust your instincts before putting money out on a well-used
instrument. If you don't think it's up to snuff, it might not be.
Professionals play these instruments a great deal and they *can* get
"blown out" (I'm sure to get a lot of flack on this one) - which is
probably why this person is selling it, but they'd never tell you that,
because only professionals really understand how a blown-out clarinet
sounds. Most of us who are teachers, etc. don't play our instruments
enough to blow them out, unless we do a lot of freelancing.

I would take the instrument to a couple of people and have them play it
before you buy it. A reputable *clarinet* repair person first, and also
a university professor or two. DO NOT just buy it because a professional
owned it, or because you need an A. You may regret it later. There have
been some reputable people named on this list in Chicago from time to
time, maybe someone will list one of them again for you. I stress
*Clarinet* repair person because you need a specialist when it comes to
buying a professional instrument.

A well-worn instrument isn't what I'm talking about here. Plating and
pads are one thing. A repair person could also tell you if the
intonation can be fixed, although I don't know why a Chicago Symphony
player would not have had it fixed all this time...IF the intonation
cannot be fixed, I wouldn't buy it. No matter how well it "plays" - if
it's out of tune, it *doesn't* play. A's are infamous for having strange
intonation quirks, but if it's something chronic, you'll pay more than
what you're giving the seller.

As far as price goes, for a instrument of that age, I'd guess for a basic
R13 I'd pay $800-1200 depending on how prime of a used horn it is.

Good luck and let us know how it goes -

Lynn