 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Norman
Date: 1999-03-13 02:52
I was wondering if anyone has information on the Elkhart Silver Clarinet. I have a line on one for what I think is a decent price. But I am curious about the fair market value. What kind of tone quality do they produce? I haven't played for over 20 years but am starting up again for my church band.
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Author: jim lande (lande @ erols.com)
Date: 1999-03-13 03:32
There were a lot of clarinet makers in Elkhart Indianna, so it is possible that this was made by Conn, Buescher, Pedlar, or others. Most likely it is a student model. Once the instrument is fully restored, it may be a little better than an old Bundy or Vito. More likely, it will not be quite as good. It will be a little harder to play all of the notes in tune. Some notes may sound 'louder' or more pure than others.
General Advice: a metal clarinet that has been stored in any case is likely to be easier to repair than one that does not have a case. If the barrel is missing you will never be able to replace it. Sometimes metal clarinets are a little bowed. It might be difficult to fix one like this. If the clarinet is unattractively tarnished, it will take a couple of hours to completely disassemble it and shine all of the metal (with a gentle, nonabrasive tarnish remover. I don't know what a tech would charge for this. Plan to pay $70 to $150 just for pads, corks & the stray spring.
If you plan to do any of the work yourself: 1) make sure that you have the right screwdrivers. (Ferrees has very nice ones.) 2) use a penetrating oil (like Cracker) on all of the screws, leave sit, and maybe alternate heat and cold. If you damage the screw heads, the repair costs go up. 3) Do not lose screws. (I swear, they can jump right off the table all by themselves.)
There have been almost 500 metal clarinet auctions on eBay over the last year. A few are highly desirable collectors items, such as the 1895 Conn double wall and some near pro Selmars and a Buffet. These all went for $300 and up. There also have been some total junkers. The average price
was $73. I would peg the value as $40 to $90, depending on condition, case, and finish. If it has been fully restored and plays well, then the price would be at least a hundred and possibly two hundred.
Let us know how it turns out.
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Author: Mark P.
Date: 1999-03-13 13:01
Jim's information is right on the money. Buescher's line for students was called "The Elkhart." Look at it closely to see if its refering to the model or the location of the manufacturer.
Based on what you pay to buy it and then have it made playable you might be MUCH better off getting a new student model clarinet from a mail order outfit like the Woodwind and The Brasswind. I bought a new plastic Buffet clarinet from there for my daughter for about $300. As opposed to the Artley Prelude I bought on eBay that cost $60 but needed a repad, new case (bugs), and mouthpiece for a total cost of about $250 and additional time and effort.
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