 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Natasha.Hallam
Date: 2016-05-04 07:43
So I am looking at possibly buying a Noblet clarinet off of Ebay. From what I have researched it is a Noblet 45. It looks like it is in good condition and the seller has even sent me additional pictures by request. Has anyone had any experiences buying clarinets off Ebay? Should I be cautious? Also, has anyone had experience with this clarinet? I really would like a clarinet that has a consistent intonation throughout the registers. (My current clarinet has issues with the F# and above that are above the staff. Consistently 20 cents sharp even when my clarinet teacher with a doctorate plays on it.)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-05-04 09:56
I've bought a lot of clarinets via EBay. Generally speaking you need to know what you're looking at and you need to establish that the seller accepts returns if something turns up that wasn't in the description. Even if the seller assures you that it is in excellent condition and ready to play allow yourself some degree of scepticism.
That being said, out of perhaps 150 instruments I've only had a handful of complete duds. I always figure to allow something over the purchase price to cover the cost of any adjustments or repairs, so factor this in. In my case I do these repairs and adjustments myself, but if you don't have the skills to do this then it's going to cost you.
Question the seller on such things as the presence or absence of cracks, condition of corks and pads, when was it last played and does it have any known problems. If the seller says that they don't know anything about clarinets then don't proceed further unless you're very sure of yourself. It's a standard method of distancing themselves from problems with the instrument.
If you have an instrument in mind, then get someone who knows their way around clarinets to check over the ad, they may spot something that you miss.
The Noblet 45 is an excellent intermediate instrument if in good condition. I've bought and sold several and they have all played well. Good luck
Tony F.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2016-05-04 17:26
Most eBay instruments will need maintenance - many need full repads or overhauls. So build that into your budget.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Natasha.Hallam
Date: 2016-05-04 18:52
If I were to post the ad, would somebody be willing to tell me what they think about the clarinet?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-05-04 19:48
The rules of the forum prohibit posting details of live auctions here. If you click on my name it will give you my email address. Post it to that address and I'll have a look at it for you. No promises, no guarantees, your risk.
Tony F.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-05-04 21:13
Noblet clarinets on the whole are excellent quality intermediate clarinets that aren't all that far removed from pro level Leblancs (LL, etc.) in how they perform.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
