 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: pfhnyc
Date: 2004-06-12 17:10
Hi,
First time here.
I have just begun to 'try' play clarinet (Bb) again, after many years. I played from about 4th grade into high school. -- I had that clarinet for many years before giving it away (naturally).
Oddly enough I don't recall any discussions on the quality of the intrument, the reeds, mouth piece etc.
Anyway, I wanted to rent one and make sure I was going to really do this.
They only had a few to rent so I ended up with a R Malerne Standard clarinet (Wood).
Remarkably I can still play. Well enough and comfortably enough for me to already decide that I will continue.
Clarinet: It sounds okay to me. Would need a better mouthpiece and I'd need to try some other reeds.
If I wanted to just buy it - They have it priced at $495 (months rental is taken out of the price). - I have to say, looking at it the keys have no wear on them (shiny as new) and the rest look to be in good condition. They made some adjustments before I took it.
So getting to the question:
Is it worth buying this model? Is it overpriced? - Should I consider something else, when the time come? (This all assumes that I don't find anything unpleasant in playing it over the next few weeks)
Thanks,
Paul
PS: Wish they had the Internet and groups like this when I was young(er).
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-06-12 17:40
Assuming from your information that you live in or around New York City, here's what I'd recommend:
1) bring the clarinet to a reputable technician (eg: Jimmy Yan/JL Woodwinds on West 54th Street or Perry Ritter on West 55th Street) and ask their advice. They should give you an honest assessment of the quality of the wood and keywork, as well as the value. If you know any clarinet teachers/professionals/active amateurs, take it to them too for some advice.
2) Compare with other "used" (and new) clarinets of same price. Ritter has a good selection of used clarinets.
After doing that, at least you'll feel like you made an educated decision, and won't have to second guess yourself. Then you can concentrate on playing.
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Author: pfhnyc
Date: 2004-06-12 17:48
Hi, Thanks.
I do live in NYC, yes.
Haven't heard of either of those places but I can walk to them.
Actually got it at International Woodwind on 48th. The guy was nice enough but it is a business, so second opinions would be good.
Paul
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-06-12 17:57
This can be an excellent time to purchase a new or used clarinet. There are many deals to be had, as the summer months before school begins is traditionally slow for sellers.
Read the helpful information (by mw and others) contained in the thread on this page concerning Buffet prices and negotiating a good price on a clarinet:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=148998&t=148998
The old advice of "try as many as you can" is certainly applicable.
Just as one point of reference, the Buffet E-11 (one of the benchmark intermediate clarinets) will hold its eventual resale value over the years and will not cost much more (+/- $100) than the clarinet you are now considering...GBK
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Author: Fred
Date: 2004-06-12 20:04
The Malerne Standard has a decent to good reputation in the intermediate used market, though somewhat less known than the brands usually populating 5th-6th grade band rooms. However, $495 is pretty steep for this model. I would expect one with a fresh overhaul to run $275 to $350 from an individual. Shops can be expected to charge more because they have overhead to cover. But you can get a lot of professional older Selmers and Leblancs on ebay with overhaul for $495.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2004-06-12 21:03
If you search the bulletin board and the Klarinet list archive (available on this site's home page) on "Malerne" (without the quotes) you should find a fair amount of information about this maker. My guess is that most of the comments will be positive. Malerne had three models at the time yours was made, "Standard" (their student model), "Intermediate" and "Professional." Malerne was actually a large manufacturer that went out of business around 1972, if my memory serves, (owner died and didn't have an heir who wanted to continue). These instruments often sell on eBay. The usual going price is $70 - $80 but, given their age, they invariably require work, perhaps as much as a couple of hundred dollars worth, to make them playable.
If your instrument is in good playing condition, I think it will be a good (re)starter for you but I think it's overpriced. (Of course, you are in New York.) Generally, I would expect $450 to buy a fully reconditioned Buffet Evette & Schaeffer - a high end intermediate from Buffet made about the same time as your Malerne - or a newer used E11 or the equivalent. That would be alot more clarinet for the money, IMO.
If you search eBay on "Malerne," you will find several currently for sale, including one that the seller has fully reconditioned. The starting bid on that one is $179 and he probably won't get any bids. I mention this just for comparison to the one you have.
If you really like the one you have, I would suggest you print off some of the eBay ads, especially if the reconditioned one doesn't sell, take them to the store and offer them $200 - $250. They might come down. If, instead, they try to give you a bunch of B.S. about how much the instrument cost them - walk away. IMHO, you can find something better for less money. Since you are in New York, you might try Weiner Music.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-06-12 21:09
Jack Kissinger wrote:
> If you search the bulletin board and the Klarinet list archive
> (available on this site's home page)
Available right here, too. If you click on the Search tag you can select multiple places to search; the page you called the search from just sets the default.
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2004-06-13 02:13
I've been following the Malerne market (having had two "Standards", one wodden and one hard rubber.) Enjoyed both RA put a stop to my playing them and my grandson has them now. The last one on eBay that I noted, reportedly in playing condition, was a no seller at 42.95, was then relisted and sold the second time around at 49.95 I think. Go to the search section look up Malernes on eBay and then completed auctions for past prices. They don't go for much and your quoted 495 is clear out of sight.
Ask Dave Spiegelthal, he may have a couple laying around his shop, that he has restored and fixed up. He does excellent work and you can't get a better deal I don't think.
Bob A
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Author: pfhnyc
Date: 2004-06-13 02:13
Thanks for the info. I guess, renting was a good idea for this reason.
It's seems like a decent model in good condition but I did suspect it was over priced. I actually am willing to pay more if I decide to buy, so I'd rather get a better quality since I doubt I'd be buying another anytime soon.
But it's harder if you buy used and it's not a model that among the list of the ones most mentioned here and elsewhere.
I'll check some of the places mentioned.
I've looked at ebay (always a good resource). - I don't think I would by one from ebay because I really want to be able to hold and touch it first.
Thanks again.
Paul
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Author: Fred
Date: 2004-06-13 02:45
Just so that you can get an idea of what some comparable (and better) clarinets might be available for in excellent condition, click on the Service section to the right of the topics listings. Go to John Butler's website and click on Products. Probably anything there is more desirable than the Malerne, and if it comes from John, it's in great shape.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-06-13 09:49
Basically,
I think you can trust anyone you can find under our instrument sponsor ads. If you're looking for a used clarinet, I would not hesitate to trust John Butler, Dave Spiegelthal, or any other names you come across on this board.
I would do a search for such things as "overhaul" and "restore" etc. The people who deal with overhauls and restoring older clarinets are probably more likely to have a few restored models lying around. Just click on their name and shoot them an email explaining your situation and what they suggest you should do (buy the malerne, maybe they have a restored one around, etc.)
Another popular name I've seen thrown around here or there are Cousnon clarinets. Apparently they are VERY good and can be found relatively cheaply. Just throwing in another name for just a little MORE confusion! ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-06-13 13:15
there are also some clarinets in the same price range for sale in Classified Ads section of this website...
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Author: pfhnyc
Date: 2004-06-13 14:39
Wow.
One could spending more time finding the right clarinet then actually play one.
Oh well. Better to spend some time on that then end up with putting cash down on an inferior product.
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