Klarinet Archive - Posting 000259.txt from 1996/11

From: "Mark A. Williams" <markw@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: question!?!
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 18:21:13 -0500

Joie wrote:
> I have great sympathy for financial considerations and good instruments
> ... you can do some shopping for used instruments and often find good ones
> reasonably priced,

Used plastic clarinets run $150-300, in good play condition. Sound
wood clarinets run $200-500, used in play condition. Generally the
higher price has to do with cosmetics/wear, rather than playability.
Obviously, these are for student plastic clarinets and intermediate
wood clarinets, not pro level, but fine for learning on.

> ...If both you and your teacher find the "new"
> instrument is a better sound and easier play than your old faithful
> and the price is right, go for it.

Definitely check it with your teacher, most seller of good horns will
allow that.

> If you have time and patience, as well as some
> knowledge, you can shop in pawn shops and garage sales.
> It requires a knowledge of what brands are considered good, an
> ability to play well enough to test the instrument, and someone to
> listen to hear whether the prospect is fatally flawed in some way.

You must be knowledgeable to do this. Cracks in plastic or wood
instruments are sometimes hard to spot. Pads, corks, springs, bent
keys translate into repair costs.

Very few are fatally flawed. Cracks are strikeouts, as far as I am
concerned. Tenon chips are too. Chinese cheapies are hopeless.
Most other used clarinets can be made to play well, with labor
and parts. You have to look at the total cost, and there is
more uncertainty if a lot of work is needed. In my experience,
you should try to buy the best condition instrument, even though
it costs a little more, because the uncertainty is small.