 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: autumnsilence
Date: 2008-07-11 07:13
Ok, I have been playing the Clarinet since 7th grade, and going on my junoir year in high school. After starting band, i realized how much i enjoy playing, which made me take up a number of other instruments but I still prefer the clarinet the best. Seeing as I hope to go to college for music also, I started looking to buy a clarinet for myself, considering i have never had my own. My current one is a Selmer Cl300, which really isnt in all that bad of shape besides a few nicks and dings here and there, maybe an air leak, not quite sure since i have never had it looked at since i was borroing it from a friend who no longer used it.
After searching around on the internet, I am fairly set on wanting a buffet R13, in at least an intermediate level, possibly proffessional if i come across one i want. The only problem im having is finding one that is in close to new shape, but i dont mind buying it used at all. I have been looking and i really want to buy a used one for under 1000, but i dontk now how effective that search is coming. I did find one, for an extremely nice price but the only problem was the seller was in the Uk, and i had no way of caling or emailing them.
the way i see it, if i can find one that is fairly new for under 1000 great (although for some reason I really hate the look of wooden ones when they look like wood, which sounds rediculous, but i dont mind at all if they are stained dark).., ill take it, but if im spending more on a used one, then i would rather just go all out and pay the 2,000 odd bucks to get a brand new one.
Im still a little unsure of exactly what details i should be looking for in it besides the obvious ones listed on almost all sites, and im not sure who i should buy it from.. (which site, company etc.) if any one has any suggestions or help at all it would be greatly appreciated, and im open to any suggestions on different models also.
Thanks for listening to my rant and i reall apreciate any feedback.
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Author: redwine
Date: 2008-07-11 12:22
Hello,
I assume your ISP is correct- Alaska. I'd first contact the Army bands located in Alaska (I think there are two, but maybe only one). I'd ask to speak to the clarinetists. They may have some unused clarinets that they privately own that they'd be willing to sell.
If that doesn't pan out, then next, I'd talk to someone like Wojtek Komsta (who does fabulous repair for me) who does a fair bit of business by purchasing used clarinets and refurbishing them. You'll definitely get a great playing instrument at under retail price, but at over EBay price (but there, you never know what you're going to get).
Best of luck!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-11 12:59
Hello autumnsilence,
Just a couple of clarifications: The Buffet R13 is a professional horn and does not come in an intermediate model. Also, a new R13 costs around $2700.
The features of the R13 are pretty standard. You will not find (generally) one R13 having something another does not and still have both instruments called an R13.
The most important thing in selecting an instrument is playing it yourself to determine if it is right for you. When you are buying used through the internet (or wherever) this is rarely an option.
You might consider (an outside option) buying an extremely used R13 with a low price and then having the instrument rebuilt (approx $450). The finer repair technicians in the country can make that instrument play better than when it was new. They cannot, however, turn a dog into a sweet clarinet.
"Im still a little unsure of exactly what details i should be looking for in it:"
Does it have any cracks or repaired cracks?
Has it been professionally maintained (seen regular maintenance)?
What is the serial number? (A google search of Buffet serial number lists will allow you to determine the age)
Has the instrument been played regularly or has it sat in it's case? (determines whether you need to "break it in")
Is there (hopefully!!) a trial period?
However Ben Redwine's advice is your best route to go. You might also contact any musical institution in Alaska with the same questions (university, symphony, band, established private instructor, etc...).
Good Luck!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: autumnsilence
Date: 2008-07-12 00:55
thanks for the feedback it really helps. (sorry if this ends up getting posted twice, my internet screwed up )
My old band teacher used to play clarinet, saxiphone, trumpet, and a bunch of other stuff in an Army band for quite a number of years so i think he would be the person to ask about that sort of thing, or if he knows anywhere near here to get them. Although since he reitred from being a band teacher, he is only a substitute occasionally so i dont know when the next time i will see him is going to be.
I really wanted to get it before the school year started (very end of August) or at least sometime during it, so that at least if i dont go to college with it (which i hope i do) It will at least get a good two years of playing in high school. Which hopefully i will have the money before then.
I wouldnt mind at all buying a used one and getting it refurbished but the only thing is that i really dont know where to go or who to call about that one, because I dont know of anyone in alaska who does it but ill ask around. Although i did find someone who was selling refurbished R13's for 1400-1700 and it seemed like a good deal considering how much a new one is, but then again i thought about the fact of not being able to try it before hand, but i think it has a return policy thing so thats good.
but if anyone knows someone good taht does refurbishing, then that would be great, because I was just planning on buying a used one (most likely from the internet if i cant find one here) and having it redone but im assuming that i will have to ship it outside of alaska (even though you have to pay out the ass to ship anything to or from alaska...) but i think it will be worth it depending on how much the total cost will be, and it might help to sell the one i have first to get money for a new one although i would need to sell and get new one before September because i dont want to be without an instrument for band..
If anyone knows who i should go to, or how to get ahold of someone that would be fantastic. thanks
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