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Is a Used Bundy now a Throw-away?

Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2005-01-21 12:34

Hi,

I have been on the lookout for good used clarinets for two of my granddaugters who will need them in the near future. As a former HS band director for many years, I know that while not the greatest clarinet that ever came off the assembly line, a resonite Bundy clarinet with a decent MP is pretty much a bullet-proof beginner/student instrument that can provide decent as well as relaible service for several years.

My original plan was to pick up a couple of Bundys with the hope that after replacing a few pads and/or corks (I am a careful worker with a good track record for minor repairs and adjustments), I would have something that is serviceable and inexpensive. In the last two weeks I acquired two Bundy student clarinets on eBay for the total price of a couple of boxes of reeds. Both are fine and all they needed was a little tweaking and cleaning and they play just like a Bundy clarinet should play. I'd suspect the age to be 20 years old at least and they have probably been in a closet for the last several years.

I have a couple of questions. Have these clarinets become so undesireable that I have virtually stolen them? Or, have used Bundy clarinets become not worth fixing up.

I have read so many horror stories on this BB about unsuspecting parents going to music stores and coming away with instruments that did not perform. Or, sad tales of buying a new CSO (Clarinet Shaped Object) for $150 and ending up with a nightmare. Could not a re-conditioned Bundy provide an viable alternative or does the repad or overhaul price make such an instrument no real bargin?

In my case, I got away really cheap and granddaughters Molly and Zoey will be delighted.

HRL

PS I have a BB friend that has several Vito clarinets in his basement. He says it is some sort of investment.

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