 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Karin
Date: 2005-01-26 14:52
When my mother cleaned out a closet a while back, she sent me my old high school clarinet. I put it in my closet, and it sat there for some more years. Then, on a whim, I went out and bought some reeds and tried it out - and couldn't make a sound! A quick inspection revealed that some pads are loose. Who knows what else might be wrong with it.
It's a Vito purchased new in the late 1970s - I don't know the model, but I'm sure it's nothing fancy. My question is, is it worth getting it repaired? And how much would repairs be likely to cost? I'm sure I'll never play often, but it might be fun to play now and again.
I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-01-26 15:39
Used plastic student Vitos are very common. They usually go for between $25
and $60 on internet auctions.
If it has sentimental value and/or you would actually play it, it might be worth the $30 - $150 it might cost to get it into playing condition (depending on what it needs).
As an investment, you would be lucky to recover the costs.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-01-26 20:01
My take is arather dilferent.
A Vito is a reasonable stuident instrument. It is not exactly a 'Lark'.
Apart from posssibly appearance... After servicing, which MAY be very cheap if is only one or two pads, then you have a reasonable instrument, in good order, a lot cheaper than you would pay for a new one that functions no better, and which very likely needs servicing.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-01-26 20:39
Karin -
True, John, Vitos are fairly common. They're also, generally, pretty good horns -- in my opinion .
In my neighborhood, Karin, (Sacramento CA), overhauls cost about $160. Play Condition service runs about half or less, between $40 and $90, depending on what's needed.
As with anything else that needs service,shop around, ask around and give it some serious consideration before making a decision. Musicians, teachers, students, etc. are usually willing to share info with you about repair experiences and recommendations.
No one on this b/board can tell what your instrument needs without looking it over. Remember that a P/C costs considerably less than a complete re-pad but that chould be adequate to get your instrument, and you, playing again.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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