 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kimball
Date: 2005-04-21 03:17
I have an antique B flat clarinet made by this company that is about 100 years old. It needs some pad repair. Does anyone know of an approximate value of this clarinet? It was my great grandfather's. I'd like to see if it is worth a complete restoration. Thank you for your information.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-04-21 13:03
Interesting. I have two, one hard rubber , the other wood which is an A. The hard rubber one plays OK, but I myself wouldn't put any real money in restoring either one.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-04-21 14:01
Hi Kimball - LaFayette being a good French name, its prob. a "stencil" cl made for US marketing, and unless there is mention of one of the major's names [Buffet, Selmer, Noblet etc of that time period], its salable value, even if its a good player, is very low. I agree with BobD on minimal repair, except for nostalgia desires, newer cls are much improved. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2005-04-22 17:03
According to the list on the Equipment section of this site:
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HasAnyoneHeard.html
Lafayette was made by Bruno or Couesnon, perhaps post 1900. I have a Lafayette Albert system C clarinet which, I think, is consistent with this information. These instruments appear to have been fairly common in southwestern Pennsylvania during the early part of the 20th century as a number of them have turned up on eBay over the years. The one I have is well-made with beautiful wood. Still, if eBay is an indicator, they don't have much monetary value. I paid about $100 for the C. I would guess a Bb would sell for somewhere between $40 and $100 based on condition. If you have it overhauled, I doubt you will recover the cost in a sale so I would only overhaul it if you intend to keep it for sentimental reasons.
I just checked eBay and it looks like a much more recent "Lafayette" clarinet is also being made. It appears to be "brushed" plastic to simulate woodgrain. That's the one that sold for $30. There is a wooden one currently for sale that the owner dates to the 50's. No interest at an opening bid of $140. I doubt it will attract any bids at that price, either.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2005-04-22 20:09
kimball
sometimes we just take our chances....if it's a well made horn and you want to play it.....have it "fixed up"...for your enjoyment....many times those "sleepers" can be a number one instrument...(and maybe more valuable down the line)....keep in mind as grenadilla/ebony/exotic woods become more "pricey" due to demand/extinction...the price will ONLY rise....for a wooden clarinet......I suggest taking to a good tech...tell "em make it playable.....enjoy it....and go from there.......
JG THE Clarinator and saxinator(sort of)
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