 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Eileen
Date: 2003-10-14 16:23
I have been thinking about acquiring a new professional model Bb and possibly an inexpensive or used A clarinet sometime over the next year. Is there any particular time of year where I should look for a bargain? After Christmas? At the end of the school year?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-10-14 17:19
The peak selling season (USA) for instruments is from September to January.
After January, instrument sales decline markedly...GBK
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-10-14 17:29
I've been sorta trying to determine whether there are seasonal trends that may favor the buyer or the seller too, Eileen. There may be a way to discover that information without intense, all consuming, involvement but I haven't found it. I look at eBay almost daily and peruse the local music stores and pawn shops sporadically; hardly an in-depth study but, be that as it may, I haven't found any time of year better or worse for buyer or seller. I suppose you're best course is just what you're doing; get the word out that you're in the market, contact people - via this BB, etc. - and keep your eyes and ears open. Something will come along 
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2003-10-14 18:26
I've never looked into this myself, but I would suspect that you're more likely to find seasonal fluctuations in the price and availability of student instruments than in professional ones. Students or their parents are more likely to buy or sell instruments at particular times of year (when school starts, after school ends, Christmas) than are professionals or those amateurs dedicated enough to buy a higher quality instrument.
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Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2003-10-14 19:31
My eBay observations over the past four years gibe with what GBK says, though I'd put the major buying season from August through December.
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Author: Phat Cat
Date: 2003-10-16 18:54
I have followed most ebay auctions for professional clarinets since Jan of this year (and have bought two). Prices on ebay for used professional clarinets were significantly lower in Jan and Feb than they have been for the rest of the year. They ramped up further around Sep and are holding. New prices haven't moved.
Probably post-holiday budget woes account for the drop. But bargains can be had at any time by astute bidders.
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-10-17 04:37
I would give eBay a wide berth ... (that's my personal preference). However, pay a visit to you local capital city's music store and talk to the woodwind sales person about ex-demonstration instruments ... they may very well have a "last years' model" that is in fine condition. Ex-demo instruments are often written off as tax write offs so be aggressive with pricing (at least that's been my Australian experience).
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
Post Edited (2003-10-17 04:38)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-10-17 11:02
I've had 99% good experience on eBay.....even with one pawn shop. Of course, it's buyer beware just like everywhere else.
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