 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-09-20 21:46
We have a discussion in our band about instrument renewal cycles. There are a lot of differing views, some say after 10 years an instrument is blown-out while others proudly point to their 70 year old tenor saxes etc...
Is there a somewhat comprehensive list out there with the average life span of instrument classes (like: "clarinet: 20 years", "piccolo: 100 years, unfortunately" etc)?
Could be an insurance depreciation sheet, could be NAPBIRT statistics, whatever. I just want to get away from hearsay and opinions to somewhat stable statistically hardened numbers.
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Ben
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-09-20 21:59
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> Till the next better model comes out 
That's exactly the argument we'd like to counter...
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Ben
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Author: William
Date: 2009-09-20 23:28
The Buffet set of R13's that I am currently performing on are from the 1960's. My Buffet bass clarinet was made in the late 1990's and my Yamaha effer is from the 1980's. My Selmer MK VI tenor was made in the early 1960's but my Selmer BA (inline) alto sax is from the 1940's. These are my "main line" instruments and I will keep on playing them until I discover something better. When that happens, I will switch--if I can afford too, that is.........
I do not believe in the "blown out" or "swabbed to death" theory(s) and consider a good/great instrument--if it is taken proper care of--should last a lifetime.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-09-20 23:38
Depreciation schedules exist solely for tax and insurance purposes.
If you buy a building for business use, you can't deduct its entire cost in the year you buy it. Rather, the IRS requires that you treat it as a "capital asset" and "depreciate" it on a preset schedule. That is, you can deduct only a certain portion of the value each year.
If you buy a car and insure it, the insurance company depreciates it -- that is, lowers the amount you can recover, year by year.
The depreciation schedules have very little to do with the actual life of the instrument.
A 100 year old diamond ring may have a tax value of zero for Tiffany's, but it still has insurable value, determined by an appraisal. Similarly, a Model T Ford in mint condition is worth a lot more than its original price.
My 1908 Buffet set would certainly sell for more than the original price of perhaps $35 each, and once again I need to have it appraised in order to insure it. And, by the way, they play beautifully.
Ken Shaw
Post Edited (2009-09-21 12:42)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-09-21 01:13
IMHO, its much longer than inst. sellers would ?swear? to . In the stock markets we call haste as "churning" . While playability and value does depend on care/condition and better mechanics from add'l research and development. My 1954 Selmer C T, my 1933 R I [F B] and my 1929 A [HS] are at least equal if not superion to current equals Sim to my Mark 6 alto and tenor saxes. [1950's]. Occasional repairs and tweakings need to be made to all, including "brand news".. How about Strads ?? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2009-09-21 01:18
As far as "blowout" in clarinets, Ben, I think it's like religion: you believe in it, or you don't. To those who believe that "blowout" exists, the life of a clarinet is perhaps 10-20 years (or less?). To those such as myself who think "blowout" is nonsense, the life of a clarinet can be nearly indefinite given proper routine maintenance, periodic overhauls and the occasional (rare) replacement of very worn parts. Personally I've worked on and played a few hundred-year-old clarinets that were far superior to some recent 'big name' clarinets I've tried.
As for saxes, they were much more ruggedly built (and better soldered, generally) between 50 and 100+ years ago, but can have some issues with their ergonomics and sometimes with tuning. I personally prefer vintage saxes and play them daily, so I'm a bit biased in their favor, but I can say without a doubt there's no "blowout" involved there.
Regarding monetary value, who knows? As a "vintage instrument" guy I believe that all new instruments are horribly overpriced, while many older and/or lesser-known marques are sadly under-appreciated.
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2009-09-21 02:17
The lifespan of a clarinet is usually directly proportional to the amount of use, and how well it is taken care of, unless there are unfortunate accidents like cracking, etc.
I say usually above, because some clarinets will develop warped bores which can very adversely affect playing qualities regardless of age or amount of care.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
World Class Clarinet Mouthpieces
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-09-21 02:19
My bass clarinet, which I play often, is 45 years old, my A clarinet is about 48 years old, I have changed the bell and barrel. They both still play great, not "blown" out. My old Bb is also about 46 years old and has lost some spunk but still plays well with a different bell and barrel too but I have replaced that three years ago. Mostly the keys are so worn down.
I think some players think their horns blow out and others use them for their entire career. It just depends on the player and if the instrument has reacted to changes in the climate, A/C and heat, and other playing conditions as well as a million swabs. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2009-09-21 06:13
-- "I just want to get away from hearsay and opinions to somewhat stable statistically hardened numbers." --
Ouch! Do you realise how many forums would close down if you started doing things like this? What would people talk about?
But then, whose statistically hardened numbers do you believe? Buffet's or Selmer's?
;-)
Steve
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-21 08:52
If I had the choice between a badly neglected but salvageable early MkVI tenor and a brand new Referrence 54 tenor, I'd definitely go with the beaten-up early MkVI as I know it'll most likely be a fantastic instrument once it's been completely stripped down and rebuilt (but still leaving what little original lacquer may be remaining instead of relacquering it). Likewise with a CT or Series 9 that looks rough but has potential, I'd choose that over a new instrument of any make or pricetag.
The 1962 Buffet R13 Eb I bought off eBay several years back is a good example - it may have arrived to me in a bad state if disrepair after suffering years of abuse and neglect, but putting the hours and effort into rebuilding it has transformed it into an excellent little instrument that can easily equal or better the new ones.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2009-09-21 21:05
I play Buffet Albert system clarinets. They are all very old (some over 100 years old), and they all are still great. Of course I've had them repadded etc., but they play beautifully.
The main one I play 99% of the time is a BUFFET C that is way over 100 years old (no serial number). It is simply great.
John
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: yearsofwisdom
Date: 2009-09-21 23:46
agree completely. i have a selmer from the 40s. beautiful keywork, and wood, far superior to anything on the current market. i did get it for 2200 but i think its worth it considering i wont find a new instrument as good as it.
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