Klarinet Archive - Posting 000451.txt from 2000/08

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] taking up the clarinet again
Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 17:47:41 -0400

----- Original Message -----
From: "Christine J. Killian" <killian@-----.edu>
Subject: [kl] taking up the clarinet again

>
> .... I haven't played the clarinet in about 10-15 years, and I'd like to
start
> again and possibly eventually join a local ensemble.

Wonderful. Just be patient about getting "back into shape." I got back
into playing my clarinet after a 20+ year hiatus.

> Which means I need to
> buy an instrument. I'm looking for something intermediate. I don't think
> I would need a professional model.
>
> I've looked at ads on ebay and classifieds other web sites. It looks like
> I would be able to get a pretty good deal on an intermediate or
> professional horn. Has anyone bought a used instrument online? Is it a
> good idea to buy an instrument without first playing it, even if you're
> fairly sure the model is a good one?

You can get some good online deals or some real dogs. Unless they can prove
it's been recently overhauled though, plan on a getting a complete overhaul
after you get it. This can run up to $200. So don't bid/pay too much for
an online horn. Also since eBay is an *auction* only a few of the sellers
will allow returns if not satisfactory. They aren't trying to cheat you but
they want to sell and be done. Another thing to be aware of, many sellers
are not knowledgeable about clarinets and think if you can hoot out and open
G that it is playable when in reality the instrument may need a partial to
complete overhaul.

>
> Does anyone have a recommendation for getting a decent deal on a new
> instrument? My local Schmitt music store has a couple of clarinets, but I
> suspect their prices might be high.

Try getting catalogs from Muncy, International Music Suppliers, and the
Woodwind & Brasswind. They have excellent prices on new horns. Sometimes
if you take a catalog in to your local store and show them the price you can
get it for mail order, they will dicker and come close to that catalog
price. You can do this for accessories too. In the long haul, it is nice
to buy locally and be a "regular customer" as then sometimes you will get
favored status (instead of having to wait a week) on getting those minor
repairs done that come up from time to time such as a pad coming out
unexpectedly, etc.

>
> Finally, does anyone have a recommendation for a model that might suit my
> needs? Right now, I'm thinking of a mid-to-high-level Selmer or Buffet.
>

Basically there are four major brands that are recommended for their
quality. You have already mention Selmer and Buffet. Leblanc and Yamaha
also have fine reputations. I don't know the models for Selmer or Yamaha
but you might look at the Leblanc Noblet 45, Leblanc Sonata, or Buffet E-13.
These are at the high end of the intermediate scale or transition between
intermediate and pro level.

An important thing to consider is to get a good mouthpiece. The ones
included with the clarinets often aren't very good as the companies are
clarinet designers not mouthpiece designers.

Dee Hays

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