Klarinet Archive - Posting 000702.txt from 1997/04

From: Jack Kissinger <Kissingerjn@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: E-Flat clarinets (which ones are good?) (long)
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 11:43:39 -0400

Gerry:

A couple of years ago, I decided that I would like to add an Eb to my
collection -- possibly spurred on by an internet ad offering a used
Selmer for around $350. (It was sold long before the ad ever hit the
internet -- but that's another story.) I decided that I wanted at least
an intermediate wood instrument but I didn't want to spend more that
$1,000 so I decided to try to find a used one. I called the local major
used instrument stores with no luck. I tried some of the national
stores like the Woodwind and Brasswind with no luck. I did come close
once early on. While browsing for old sheet music in a small store in
Youngstown, I mentioned my search and learned that they had sold a
wooden Eb the week before (!) for "around $90." Someone had traded it
in on a Bb and it had lain in a display case for two years before a
local high school band director bought it "so that he would have
something he could play with the alto saxes in his band!" $90 and it
had a new case and pads into the bargain. The store owner wasn't even
sure what make it was -- he thought either a Selmer (most likely) or an
Artley. I was sick.

Last summer, while I was at a conference in Chicago, I called a number
of stores there and found two possibilities, a Noblet for around $700
and a 50-year old Buffet for around $1,000. I learned about the Buffet
as I was leaving for home so they offered to send it to me in St. Louis
for a trial. Because I had never played an eefer, I asked a good
professional free-lance clarinetist I know if she would help me evaluate
it. She said she would but she had a friend who was also trying to sell
a used Buffet. I wound up buying her friend's instrument for $750. It
is an R13 made around 1967 and plays in better tune than I could have
hoped for given comments on Klarinet from time to time. I am very happy
with it.

The point is that the Eb has become popular enough that there are decent
used one's out there if you are willing to hunt. The two in Chicago may
still be available. I don't remember where the Noblet was -- I thought
it was priced a bit high. I can probably find the store with the Buffet
if you're interested. You might also look through the classified adds
in the magazine the American Federation of Musicians sends its members.
A friend gave me a copy and I found a guy in Cleveland who had 5 for
sale (he had purchased part of a clarinet collection in an estate
sale). As I recall, he had in mint condition (according to him) (1) a
Buffet Prestige (he wanted around $2,400), (2) an R13 (around $1,900),
(3) a Selmer (around $1,500), and (4) a plastic Yamaha (around $350).
He also had a more used Bundy that he was asking around $100 for. If
you are interested, I think I still have the magazine and could give you
his phone number.

Based on my experience, if you want to find a used EB, a good starting
place would be to contact one of the clarinetists in the nearest
professional symphony orchestra as well as any clarinet professors in
local universities. They may have an extra instrument they would be
willing to sell or know of someone who does. You should get a much
better price from an individual than from a music store (but, of course,
you do assume greater risk).

Best of luck with your search. If I can help, let me know.

Jack Kissinger
St. Louis
kissingerjn@-----.edu