Klarinet Archive - Posting 000714.txt from 2003/09

From: Tom.Henson@-----.com
Subj: [kl] A Clarinet Suggestions
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 15:23:16 -0400

I am in need of some suggestions on purchasing a used A clarinet. I had a
Buffet RC A clarinet that I purchased new about a year ago, but sold it when
it appeared that I would not have a need for it any more. Well, now I have a
need for one, but can't afford a new one again.

I only have a budget of about $1000. I have been looking in various places
including the Woodwind.org classifieds.

I currently play a Buffet Bb Festival clarinet and the logical choice would
be to purchase a Buffet to try and match the brand.

However, the few that I find that are of good quality are higher than my
budget. Therefore I have been looking on Ebay.

This budget will put me into an older Buffet A clarinet, possibly even a
vintage one from the 40's or 50's. However, I am concerned that, unlike the
Bb, the vintage A clarinets did not play that well. I have heard that older
Buffet A clarinets are generally stuffy and with intonation problems.

This has lead me to look at other brands such as Selmer and Leblanc. I find
that I can purchase a good condition Leblanc or Selmer A clarinet for quite
a bit less than what a used Buffet would go for. Can anyone give me some
opinions on mixing brands?

I have found a couple of very nice Selmer 10's and 10G's available well
within this price range. Even an excellent condition Series 9. I also found
a Leblanc Symphonie A clarinet from the 50's in the price range. Has anyone
played on one of these clarinets in A that can give me an opinion on them or
warnings about them.

Also, If anyone on this list has a Buffet A clarinet they are will to sell
in this price range please contact me off list and we can discuss.

Thanks for any and all comments.

Tom Henson

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org