 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Serge
Date: 2008-02-02 20:24
I have about 300 dollars to spend and so far, ebay seems to be the only site offering clarinets at that price that I want. I am looking for a beginners clarinet that i can use in HIGH school. I have experience with other reeds instruments as well as brass instruments so I think I can progress quickly on the Clarinet. What are some tips that you can give me so that I don't get tricked when I try to buy a clarinet.
Post Edited (2008-02-02 20:51)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-02-02 21:37
Although I play Buffet's exclusively, you can find good Selmer Signet's (100s, specials, and soloists) in your price range.
Communicate with the seller, and be prepared to spend an additional $100-200 if instrument is not in tip-top shape.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Molloy
Date: 2008-02-02 21:40
I have gotten superb clarinets at ebay for $100-200, and some really good ones for $20 - $100. I just got an old (has the eagle) Penzel Mueller Artist that is fantastic (much better than a later PM Artist I have) and in great condition for $30. I'll have to put another few dollars into having it adjusted and such, but it was a steal.
The trouble at ebay is, you have to know what to look for. Also, there's always a little bit of a risk. I am especially skeptical when the clarinet is described as being ready-to-play, freshly overhauled, etc -- my experience is that even when so described the clarinet almost always arrives needing some work. So if you buy a clarinet at ebay you need someone around who can repad and adjust it for you.
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Author: lj
Date: 2008-02-02 21:56
Do your research first; I found this bulletin board to be THE most valuable resource. Check the seller's ratings, as well as the comments written about them (some negative ratings clearly stem from unreasonable buyer expectations, while others are valid complaints against the seller), and know the seller's return policy. I bought a clarinet from a seller with excellent ratings and a fair return policy. When I realized it wasn't what I was looking for, I returned it and they refunded my money immediately. I bought a clarinet from a pawn shop site with a seven day return policy and a description that indicated that they didn't know the condition (which was appalling), and I returned that as well; it was later re-listed "as is." I also bought a bass clarinet that I hadn't researched well, and which didn't have thorough ratings. It was a dud, and I had to use the Paypal dispute system, but I finally got my money back. But I DID buy another clarinet from that site, after having researched it here and checked the seller's comments and ratings, and I got a very good price (less than the amount you mention) for a clarinet I'm very happy with. So my recommendation is to 1. do your homework here using the search feature to make a list of models that are considered worthwhile; 2. pay attention to seller ratings as well as the specific comments, and 3. be sure you have a return policy established and that you pay with a method that gives you some room to dispute if necessary.
By using an auction site with a wide range of sellers, there is an inherent risk. If you are not comfortable with that, then take the above advice and go with a reputable seller such as "clarinuts."
Good luck.
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2008-02-02 22:45
Several members of this BB sell refurbished clarinets, mostly higher end instruments, but also student level instruments in your price range. I think I might break a rule if I mention any names here, but I suppose you could e-mail me for more info. (bigusmith@yahoo.com)
Eu
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Author: Serge
Date: 2008-02-02 22:49
Thanks everyone. I'm still looking around on Ebay but I want you to tell me about some of these brands that i'm seeing.
Leblanc (The least priciest instruments on clarinuts)
Lyons MONARCH
Armstrong
All the others are recognizable brands, like Vito, Selmer, etc but I never heard of those other brands.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-02-02 23:56
Take this advice that was given to me by sherman friedland
Buy a Selmer Signet Soloist clarinet. It's the best intermediate clarinet on the market and it is definitely under $300. The e11 is sub par to the selmer soloist, and the reason why it costs more is that the "buffet" brand makes it more then it is.
It was the first instrument that i started on, and have never regretted. if you want more info, you can email me. that auction site has selmer soloists that go under $250.
make sure you get the "selmer signet soloist elkhart-indiana version". It has a slightly better wood choice then the later soloists.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Bill
Date: 2008-02-02 23:56
You need to know how to do ebay before you plunge in. Otherwise, yes, it is the very place to buy a clarinet. Among some 25 clarinets I've purchased, I got my Buffet R13 63xxx (1967). Available no place else.
Some say the best clarinet ever made.
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-02-03 00:23
You also need to know clarinets before you take the plunge (or have someone who knows clarinets helping you). On eBay, ignorance is not bliss. If you've never heard of/know nothing about Leblanc or Armstrong, IMNSHO, you are far from ready.
(Bill, that's the "sweetest" clarinet ever made. Says so right on the ribbon inside my case. And 63xxx would be 1960. 93xxx would be 1967.)
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-02-03 00:38
Bill wrote:
> I got my Buffet R13 63xxx (1967).
63xxx would be about 1960.
Perhaps you meant 93xxx?
...GBK
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2008-02-03 01:14
Serge,
You mentioned Armstrong clarinets:
My spare and practice clarinet is an Armstrong USA plastic student model. I really like this clarinet. The instrument has never needed to have a serious repair in 8 years, the most it needed was a good clean, and a few replaced pads. If we're talking about the same instrument here, I recommend this one.
On this clarinet I have publicly performed (I like to think successfully) Repertoire like the Rossini I.T.V., Copland (Cadenza) and Weber concerto (II). It can certainly hold up to these works.
This clarinet had fairly minimal tuning issues with a good mouthpiece and barrel*. It suffers from only a slight sharpness in the throat and upper clarion registers. However there is no such thing as an "In-tune" clarinet anyway.
Anyway, your choice,
-Liam
*I use a Buffet "Moennig" barrel, but the stock one worked fairly well also.
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Author: Serge
Date: 2008-02-03 01:15
I plan on having my mother help me when I pick a clarinet (My mother was a clarinetist and if I don't like the instrument, I can give it to her). I have heard of Lablanc and Selmer, just not associated with clarinets.
1950's Lyons MONARCH Plus 10 is the one I really don't know anything about and thats the one I'm thinking about buying. It comes with two method books, a reed, and a drop cloth and the seller has a good rep so I don't know. I need to know more about the brand.
Post Edited (2008-02-03 01:18)
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Author: Bill
Date: 2008-02-03 01:21
Glenn,
Mine's 93xxx (not 63xxx). We've having a bottle of sauvignon blanc with the fish tonight! Oh boy!
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2008-02-03 01:27
If you search on this forum, you'll see that the "big 4" in clarinets are Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer, and Leblanc. I've never heard of the leblanc "dazzler" or whatever it was, but I've read on this board about the leblanc normandy.
If you see a certain make/model of clarinet that fits your budget and intrigues you, do a search on this bulletin board. There might be information on it.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-02-04 16:15
Neither good nor bad. Try if a fair return policy is in effect by seller. I got some super TR147s there.
richard smith
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2008-02-05 00:24
If you can eek out a little more $$$ in some way (errands, mow some lawns, shovel some sidewalks, whatever) I know the the Forte clarinet has gotten some very good reviews and is regarded by some on this board to be a VERY good clarinet for the money. It does cost slightly over $400.
Alexi.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2008-02-05 01:59
Search for susieray23 on eBay. I.M.O. Sue has what you're looking for.
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2008-02-05 03:21
I agree with Vytas . . . I have had several very good dealings with susieray23, and can attest to the fact that she is honest and deals only in nice horns and accessories.
Eu
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Author: Tim P
Date: 2008-02-05 14:11
don't forget to check the classified right here on this Bullentin Board.
that is how i came across my Noblet for $275.00.
the seller was very easy to deal with.
I have now move up to another istrument but that one was exactly as it had been advertised. It was a solid instrumetn but had some cosmetic problems. This is what i would suggest you look for. worry about looking good with your next clarinet.
The seller has been mentioned already so i will only use her initials
(Susan Ray)
by the way ...... my present instrument, a Peter Eaton ,was also purchased from the classifieds and it, too, was a pleasurable buying experience.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-02-05 14:49
So... you're the one who got the Eaton! I was thinking about that one, too! 
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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