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 Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: Tux 
Date:   2003-06-27 20:53

I'm a senior in high school competing at state level and I'm clarinet shopping. The local music store has a couple of models for a really good price but I wasn't sure if they were even worth the look. Y'all probably know a lot more about them than I do..

Leblanc- Normandy 4-Professional
used but perfect condition
silver keys, rather than nickel
retail- $1600, sale- $525

Buffet International (Special Edition)
Good lower professional, $800

Or what models do you suggest in the price range of under $2000?



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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: Dee 
Date:   2003-06-27 21:17

The Normandy 4 is not and never has been a professional clarinet. It is a good low end intermediate horn. A new one should only be about $600 from any of the major dealers such as Woodwind & Brasswind. However, I don't think the one you describe is a Normandy 4 as these don't have silver-plated keys. So you need to look into this more closely. Something is mixed up about this instrument.

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: Tux 
Date:   2003-06-27 21:21

Do you think the Buffet E13 is a good clarinet for an advanced student? I would really like an R13 but it's out of my price range.



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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: pgporto 
Date:   2003-06-27 21:52

If your budget is below $2000, there are a lot of instruments you can buy (they have to be ordered, though). The R13 (nickel plated) can be bought for $1600 @ Woodwind & Brasswind; the Leblanc Concerto is about the same price.



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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: Bradley 
Date:   2003-06-28 01:12

If you shop around you should be able to get a new R13-S (silver plated keys) for around $1600. I know Brass and Woodwind in Australia was offering them for about $100 lower than that a little while ago. A lot of places also have specials on the original Opus and Concerto models from LeBlanc. I would also like to add that the Buffet International is not a professional instrument either, by any stretch. $800 seems high for [i am assuming it's not new] used International. What model do you play on now- that should probably determine which brand you would like to upgrade with, since most I have heard of start on the same brand they progress with, if not a similar brand (Yamaha and Buffet models being similar in my opinion). Have you looked at Yamaha models?

Bradley

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: Tux 
Date:   2003-06-28 03:58

I've been playing on a Buffet E11, but it was my school's and now I need my own. I went to the store today and tried both an E13 and an R13 Prestige. We could get an E13 for $1300, so right now I'm leaning toward that one.

Bradley - No, I haven't looked at Yamaha very closely. What models do you suggest I try out?

I asked my parents again about our budget and they said they would like it to be more under $1500, so that knocks out a few possibilities. Oh well.

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: krawfish3x 
Date:   2003-06-28 13:18

i have an E11 as of right now and it works really well for me and it wont cost you much at all, probably 700-800 dollars. if you want a better clarinet, see how cheap you can get an R13, but just remember to try it out before you buy it.

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: jbutler 2017
Date:   2003-06-28 13:24

Tux,
Two suggestions:

1. Look for a good used instrument. You can find a used R-13 in very good shape for under $1500 if you are patient.

2. LeBlanc and Yamaha are closing out some lines. I noticed that Woodwind and Brasswind has both new and used pro lines listed in your price range. I have a LeBlanc Ambiance which I REALLY like and they are selling them NEW for $1200. You will also find some other LeBlancs and Yamahas listed in their close out section of the web site.

jbutler

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: BobD 
Date:   2003-06-28 13:38

Why now?

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: icecoke12 
Date:   2003-06-29 03:26

You can check out the Yamaha SE or SE-V clarinets. They are supposed to be good...

The CS-V is slightly cheaper, but since you are buying for yourself, just try everything you can get your hands on!

There's the other option of getting something cheaper (like the Leblanc Sonata) and investing in a very good mouthpiece plus barrel.

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: Jim E. 
Date:   2003-06-29 04:16

Though I like to support local businesses, your local store will likely not come near the prices offered by the "big" mail order houses.

Muncy winds is owned by a clarinetist
http://www.muncywinds.com/

Woodwind and Brasswind was mentioned above
http://www.wwbw.com/

You will need to call them as most prices are not in catalogs or on their web sites. There are some other mail order houses as well. Searching this board for the name of each will bring up some comments about them.

A new instrument will usually carry a warranty for a year, a used instrument will not unless the seller offers one.

If you don't own a decent mouthpiece, figure on another $50+ for one. The ones included usually are fairly poor. Also figure on paying shipping, though these outfits do not charge sales tax unless they have a store in your state.

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: madvax 
Date:   2003-06-29 05:45


Consider buying a used clarinet from John Butler. He is honest, reputable, and a sponsor of this web site. You can find his used instruments at:

http://www.cork-and-pad.woodwind.org/Business/productsbusiness/productsbusiness.htm

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 Re: Buying a Bb clarinet
Author: clarnibass 
Date:   2003-07-03 12:30

a new e13 is about 1300$. that's in your price range. in my opinion paying more for the r-13. i have a r-13 and if i use a e-13 barrel, i already notice a difference in the sound. if you buy a e-13 chances are you will have to buy a better clarinet in the future.

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