 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bunny.stewart
Date: 2004-10-27 15:16
New clarinet player...worth trying to but horn on ebay?
I am a saxophone player recently introduced to the beauty of the clarinet.
Now I want to buy one and am afraid of buying the wrong one...help!!!
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Author: William
Date: 2004-10-27 15:35
We all share your "fear" and that is why we try to audition as many clarinets as possible to ensure finding one that is closest to our playing needs. I wouldn't settle for anything less than and good, flexabile sound and reasonably good intonation. No clarinet will ever be absolutely in tune, but you should be able to bring every note of the scale within 2 cents of 0 on your tuning meter with minimal embouchure minipulation. Stick to the "big four"--Buffet, Selmer, LeBlanc and Yamaha--and you should do fine.
Then, once you have found "the clarinet", next is the joyful pleasure of selecting "the right" mouthpiece/reed/ligature set-up.
Have a nice day--don't worry, be happy!!!!
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-10-27 15:46
It depends. If you can fix clarinets, then absolutely yes. If you're totally ignorant of clarinets, then you're likely to get burned. If you're somewhere in the middle, then roll the dice.........
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-10-27 16:00
Some ebay sellers offer a risk-free trial period. I just tried an Eb for a week, and returned it for a full refund when it didn't quite work for me. Ask them before you bid.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-10-27 16:05
Check their feedback. They should have a return policy and stand behind their stuff.
Check the classifieds on this board.
Always contact the seller and have some idea of their knowledge of the instrument.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2004-10-27 16:15
Some of the "sellers" will let you return an instrument if you are not satisfied with it. Usually the the price is higher than "as is" clarinets with no returns.
If a seller has a 99+ % feedback rating, a reasonably large number of past sales, and allows returns, your chances of getting burned diminish.
If your knowledge of clarinets is good, and you can do your own pads, corks, and adjustments, then with some diligent research of items already sold, and some time spent watching, you can probably pick up a bargain.
It is always a crapshoot, but if you do your homework, your odds of rolling seven instead of snake eyes improves.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-27 18:20
I sure wouldn't advise a new Clarinet player to buy anything on EBAY.
Chances you are getting junk from a dealer there is high. Go to a reputable music store and go from there.
Or just be willing to spend $400 and get something new from WWBW that will be quality. Come to think of it - the Forte Clarinet that the Doctor here sells would do you well too.
If you get something for $70 on EBAY it probably will play like $70
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-10-27 20:40
If you're just starting out on clarinet I agree with DavidB that you should check out the Forte clarinet that The Doctor has. He's a sponsor, so just click onto the sponsors and scroll down to the Forte clarinet. It's a pretty sophisticated beginner/intermediate clarinet that could work great for you as a doubler for years. It's well worth the money and a great set-up right out of the box. I've personally play-tested it and absolutely would recommend it to any new clarinet student.
If, however, you want a wood clarinet that is more geared toward intermediate/professional use and you think you'll maybe even do some orchestral stuff--you might want something like a Leblanc or Buffet. Look around and check out the references of sellers if you want used. Or, you can pay more and go to your local music store. They usually have service policies and repair people. You can also usually ask questions of their sales staff.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-10-27 22:59
First question is how much do you have to spend. I have not played the Forte but the well respected reviewers on this BB give it thumbs up. I'll go along with them and the Doc's reputation. If you want to spend more than the Forte costs then the Buffet E-11 would be a reasonable option at a higher price.....either new or eBay from a seller with a good rep. Beyond that get ready for tons of opinions.
Bob Draznik
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-28 02:46
The E-11 I don't feel is any better. Yes the keys are "better" as they are silver, but tone wise they both are equal and the Forte will probably play better in tune and be more durable (for sure).
Upgrade would be the E-12 but a lot more $$.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-10-28 13:55
Geez, the keys on my E11 are only silver plated, guess I got gypped. The E-12 is an upgrade!!!!
Bob Draznik
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-10-28 13:57
David B.....the E-12 as an upgrade should be included in your myths post...LOL
Bob Draznik
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-28 14:47
I think not Bob- it is better
And the keys aren't child size either like the E-11 are.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-28 14:56
And since I didn't write solid silver, I think that most anyone wouldn't think much about it.
Silver is not slippery like nickel is.
The big questions is if the E-13 is much better than the E-12
That's a test.
Post Edited (2004-10-28 14:59)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-10-28 15:55
The Forte also has a wonderful mouthpiece, barrel and ligature combination that the E-11 does not have. So, there are more advantages there. You would have a bit of an edge as a new clarinet player to begin with the set-up on the Forte because of those attributes. Most players play a short time and then discover (or are told my their teachers) that stock mouthpieces and tuning barrels are sub-standard. Also, the ligature/cap combination put into stock clarinets are hard to work with. The BG style fabric ligature Doc uses on the Forte is excellent.
You should contact him about getting on the waiting list for the next batch in November. I've got an order in to him.
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Author: Malcolm Martland
Date: 2004-10-29 13:36
I recently bought 2 B&H Emperor Bflat clarinets on ebay and both played well with almost no work. The LH low E and F# spatulas had jumped out on both but once they were pushed back I was very pleased with them. There are a few scuffs and other surface marks here and there but for about GBP200 each they are first class clarinets.
However, don't get carried away and bid for 2 as I did - I did not really expect to win both!
Good luck.
Malcolm
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2004-10-31 03:53
I'm a sax player who decided to take up clarinet a couple of years ago. I didn't want to spend a lot of money until I tried it, so I bought a plastic Vito Resotone (well rated) on Ebay for under $100. There are lots of them. If you buy from a seller who has a lot of positive feedback and ask questions about the condition of the clarinet, like how are the pads, any work needed etc. you should do okay. I was happy with mine. I later bought a wood Leblanc Noblet, which is a nice horn, but frankly there is very little sound difference between my Vito and the Noblet. Good luck. Another well-rated and inexpensive plastic clarinet is the Vito V40. Lots of them on ebay
Leonard
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-11-01 15:56
You really should stick with the major brands--especially if you're a new player: Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer and perhaps Yamaha.
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Author: avincel
Date: 2004-11-09 00:53
I bought a used E-11 on e-bay and am quite satisfied. Enboldened, I bid on and "won" a professional Amati. Alas, I was taken. I sent the money and never received the clarinet. Stupidly, I wired the money as he asked, so I have no recourse. Beware, the vast majority of sellers on e-bay are honest, but there are also scam artists. Never send or wire cash if asked. Use a credit card or PayPal.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-11-14 05:39
Avincel - I may be able to help you. Write me ( 2 of my students fathers work for the justice dept)
I really hate seeing folks get ripped off.
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Author: DTH
Date: 2004-11-14 06:06
Do your homework, stick with good, positive feedback sellers and stick to your budget. I just purchased an awesome Buffet Bb intending to make some minor maintenance changes but to my surprise it played beautifully right out of the case. Good luck!
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Author: Mike Blinn
Date: 2004-11-14 10:49
Good deals can be gotten on eBay. I 'won' a brand-new Leblanc LX for eight hundred dollars, and it's a wonderful horn. My tech couldn't really do much to improve it, and my fellow band members have praised the sound of this fine clarinet. I wouldn't trade it for a new R-13.
Mike Blinn
3rd Clarinet
Middletown Symphonic Band
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-11-14 11:20
Hi,
Every clarinet I own I got on eBay and I have some real gems (Leblanc L-200, R13, Series 9 and 9* as well as a Leblanc Dynamic 2). I have only had two that I needed to send back to the seller as not being as advertised; we had agreed though that was the deal. I have sold several clarinets on eBay and have never had to accept a return. I wish I could have kept them all as they were really fine instruments.
My feedback as a seller and a buyer is outstanding (except one reltialtory item when I complained that the seller took 45 days to make my refund and that individual blamed me - however, that person had trouble with others and is no longer selling).
There are several BB members that sell regularily on eBay and they are very fine businesspeople. I do always plan (build into my bid max) that a purchase will need a complete repad. Sometimes, it is only a small tweaking that is needed.
As long as you agree there is a return policy, you should be fine. Maybe have an experienced friend or your teacher help you.
HRL
Post Edited (2004-11-14 11:41)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-11-14 13:56
There are many serious players that enjoy selling on eBay--such as Hank and myself. There are also other bboarders who regularly have great "stuff" on the famed auction site. But, you can still be "had" by an unscrupulous seller. If you have questions, send them an email and see what kind of dialogue you can get going. Or, give them a call. You can tell a lot about someone if you talk to them over the phone. Ask if they'll stand behind the sale. I've never had to take back a clarinet, but I have taken back mouthpieces many times.
Long story short--check out the seller. Get help from a more experienced eBayer if you have questions about the deal.
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Author: Kathrynsmom
Date: 2004-11-15 00:20
Have youplayed a Forte? How did it sound? Does it resemble Buffets? I'm very curious.
Sandy
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-11-15 00:32
I have played a Forte - it was a lot better than a buffet B-10
I would still rather get an E-11 or E-12 (better)
The E-12 is much better than an E-11 but costs almost double.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2004-11-15 00:40
call up ww&bw - last quote i had was $599 for an e-11 and $999 for an e-12 ; that was several months ago
nope i dont work for them, i just buy a lot of stuff from them
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-11-15 00:49
I own a Forte clarinet which I have used for a variety of outdoor gigs.
It is a lot of clarinet for about $400.
My initial review of the Forte is Here ...GBK
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