Klarinet Archive - Posting 000107.txt from 2002/05

From: LeliaLoban@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Bad behavior on eBay auctions
Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 10:09:12 -0400

Bill Wright wrote,
>Usually it's impractical to inspect the merchandise in an
>electronic auction. If you agree that you can't make a valid
>decision on an instrument without playing it first, then you're
>gambling. I gamble sometimes when the stakes are small,
>but at least you should understand that this is what you are
>doing --- gambling. <my apologies to Dee and Lelia!>

Moi? Got me mixed up with someone, Bill. Though I sometimes read the eBay
listings, I've never bid in an electronic auction. I buy where I can see
what I'm getting, though I do gamble sometimes, on instruments in unplayable
condition, as long as I can inspect them first, mostly at flea markets,
estate sales, yard sales and live auctions.

Some clarinets don't belong on eBay because they'll fetch better prices if
people can take a good sniff up close. The 1931 Buffet clarinet in A that I
just bought from Jim Lande is an example. I wouldn't have bought that
instrument sight unseen from a stranger online, because a photo would have
shown a conspicuous repair on the bell that would have made me nervous. A
chunk about 2" long by 3/4" high broke off the bottom rim of the bell. The
divot has been glued back into place, with the bell ring replaced. On the
outside, the repair looks obvious. If I'd been bidding on the basis of a
photo and a stranger's say-so, I would have based my assessment of value on
the assumption that the repair might be amateur work and / or unstable, that
it might affect the tone quality and intonation, and that other damage (from
the clarinet being dropped) might not show up in a photo. I probably would
have passed: let someone else take the risk.

I would have missed out on a good clarinet, though, because this instrument
was in playing condition and a tryout convinced me that the damage is only
cosmetic. The repair work is a good, professional job that feels stable and
smooth inside the bell. If the repair does come apart, I think it can be
re-done; and if it has any affect at all on the tone or the intonation, I
can't detect it. Jim's a nice guy and he asked a reasonable price, so I
enjoy dealing with him, too--one of the intangibles that makes me happy to
buy something.

Lelia

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