 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Robert Russell
Date: 2005-06-06 20:02
Greetings,
I need to get an A clarinet preferably Buffet and preferably under 600 bucks. Thanks for your help, Bob
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2005-06-06 20:07
Look long and hard, be patient, and be ready to act quickly if/when you find one. Buffet A clarinets under $1,000 are hard to find.
Be open to other models, like Leblanc, or intermediate models such as Evette. You'll likely have much better luck.
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: D
Date: 2005-06-06 20:11
Do you actually need to own it? Because it might be worth looking at renting, especially if you only need it for a short period, or you can do a rent to buy or some other good deal. This would give you time to look round properly and find something really great at a time and price that suits you. To be honest if it were easy to find an A for what you want to pay then we would all have them too!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-06-06 20:48
Save up more money and get the Buffet. If you do find a Buffet A for 6 bills or under.....that is decent..... you should get a medal or something
Bob Draznik
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2005-06-06 20:54
By the way... when you say Buffet A, I automatically think of the R-13 and above models. Those are very hard to come by for under a grand -- but intermediate and discontinued professional models (Continental, Academy, etc) may be out there in your range.
I got my Leblanc LL A clarinet three years ago in the price range you're thinking of. Be open to other brands if price is your driving factor.
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-06-06 21:00
Why must it be a Buffet? Are they the only maker of good "A" clarinets? Or do you subscribe to the "matched set" theory? (see the older thread on that topic). See also the 'playing outside the box' thread of a week or two ago.
Just curious........
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-06-06 21:15
Everyone is entitled to pursue their own interests. I'm guessing nobody would have pounced on that mouse if he said he was looking for a Selmer or Leblanc.
Buffets can be had in that price range as long as expectations aren't too lofty and you stay off eBay. Contact your local symphony members and university instructors. There is a reasonable likelihood one of them has a colleague or student who might be trying to move an older instrument. It may not have the timbral sparkle of something better or newer, or may even have cracked and been pinned at some time in its life, but probably will get near your price point and be quite satisfactory.
Good luck in your quest!
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-06-06 21:21
I'm 'watching my six' for the Buffet Mafia thugs who no doubt are coming over to break my reeds for pouncing on Bob's mouse............
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-06-06 21:26
Here are three alternatives, each modeled on the R-13:
Leblanc Infinite (out of production, and often available cheap)
Selmer Odysee
Yamaha YCL CS
My advice -- save your pennies and get a hand-picked R-13 A from Greg Smith, or perhaps Lisa Argyris or Muncey Winds.
Ken Shaw
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-06-06 21:34
Dave - you better watch your 12. Tough to kneecap a guy from behind.
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Author: VermontJM
Date: 2005-06-06 22:04
Where are decent places to look that aren't ebay??
We don't have a lot of music stores in Vermont, and I don't want to be travelling the country in search of the perfect used A- (I am looking for $2K and under...)
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Author: MSK
Date: 2005-06-08 01:10
I'd be really wary of Buffets that are $600. I bought a vintage Buffet A for $700, but have had to put several hundred into overhaul, new case etc. Frankly I've had problems with it. If I had it to do over again, I would have paid the $1000 plus and gotten something in better condition. I've never really been happy with my cheap instrument.
If you live in a rural area like I do, the choice of shops to purchase an instrument is limited, but that also makes the choice of repair techs limited. Make sure that what you get is working well, unless you have a tech you really have confidence in. My local guy hasn't been very successful in getting my instrument right and I have no-one else nearby to try.
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Author: SueSmith
Date: 2005-06-08 02:05
Ebay is hit or miss...
A year ago I purchased a $900 1966 R-13 that was "recently" overhauled. Yeah right - all the bottom pads on the lower joint needed to be replaced cause it leaked like a sieve...and the Register Key was set way too low, causing Bb4 to be 50 cents sharp! Not to mention the barrel which was 62mm...yeah 62!
I took the horn, two days after I received it, to Jimmy Yan in NYC - he's an honest tech who was able to assess the horn and said it was a keeper but obviously needed work. The wood grain is very tight.
I haggled the seller due to the repairs and barrel...got $100 reimbersment and a 66mm barrel. I had the option of returning the horn for full refund minus shipping, but decided to hold onto the horn.
However, a few months later I found a BEAUTIFUL 1955 R-13 A for $1000 even...with a $200 double case included. GORGEOUS horn that has not gone to visit Jimmy Yan yet.
Overall, I've broken even between the two horns...I got much more than I paid for with the A (which are harder to come by) and my Bb is now not too shabby either. All for less than a new R-13 Bb...
Personally, Ebay is a life saver for people who live in rural areas. Of course, if your horn needs repairs and you don't have a tech, thats another story.
Many people have success sending their horns to reputible shops cross country...but I don't have experience in that area.
Rules for Ebay, always research the seller as thoroughly as possible (do they only sell instruments, or are they garage sale scavangers?) Always check for serial numbers in the pictures - a reputable seller should have as many angles of the horn as possible. (I NEVER bid on stuff without pictures) It always is best to use Paypal ... I never send personal checks or money orders for anything over $50. Make sure the seller has several big item sales successfully under their belt if you are purchasing a high ticket item like an instrument...and that they have a return/trial policy. With my Bb, the seller had a 7 day trial and that's how I was able to haggle with the price after the instrument arrived "not" as described.
Good luck!
Post Edited (2005-06-08 02:06)
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Author: msroboto
Date: 2005-06-08 04:34
I got my Buffet A on EBay for under 600.00. The pads were good. I was very lucky there. It plays very well. My needs are very limited though and I'm not sure everyone would be as happy as I am.
p.s. it could be hot. the serial numbers were conveniently filed off. the top joint might not match the bottom. so you takes your chances.
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2005-06-08 10:06
If you are fortunate enough to acquire one for that price, you'll probably need to factor in another couple hundred dollars for repair or overhaul. Usually the ones that have are in great shape are selling for over one thousand dollars, but there are always exceptions.
Good Luck
Christopher Nichols
1st Infantry Division Band
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2005-06-08 13:41
Do not rule out older horns. Some Pre R13s are very good. So are Leblanc and Noblet and others.
Most of the auction horns need some adjustment or pads.
Always ask questions.
An honest seller will be happy to answer in a timely fashion.
Do not be afraid of previously cracked horns that are well repaired. There can be good savings by considering them.
(disclaimer..I do sell horns on auction. In fact I am selling a set now, but it is above the price you seek...but do not give up).
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-06-08 14:57
You can find excellent clarinets on eBay, but you have to know what you're doing. There are two categories to watch for: (1) like-new instruments from reputable dealers or players, and (2) estate-sale instruments that look like hell but have almost no playing time on them, sold by people who don't know what they are.
In the first category, I bought (and eventually sold) an R-13 A that Robert Marcellus had picked out for the seller. I lived close enough to play it before I bid. Ordinarily I wouldn't buy an instrument I haven't played without the unconditional right to return it.
In the second category, you take a chance, based on an educated guess that a dreadful looking professional instrument has gotten minimal use. I got, for next to nothing, a Bb/A Buffet pair from 1908 that was in a closet for 90 years. The oil in the wood had oozed out and covered everything, but the keys showed no wear, so I knew that underneath, the instruments were in good shape. Peter Spriggs overhauled them to look like new and play wonderfully. I also got a great 1929 Buffet C clarinet the same way.
On the other hand, I bought four pre-R-13 instruments that were not very good.
And, at any rate, you're probably not going to find a Buffet R-13 A clarinet, even in the second category, that will meet your price level after the required overhaul, which, by itself, will be several hundred dollars.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Firebird
Date: 2005-06-09 03:49
Well, I am playing on a 1928 Buffet matched set now and they sound really good, better than my 1995 R13.
Buffet clarinets before the WW2 era were handmade.
Chan
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-06-09 10:40
Firebird wrote:
> Well, I am playing on a 1928 Buffet matched set
What is a "matched set" ?
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2005-06-09 16:47
Aww c'mon Mark, you know the answer.
......Any 2 clarinets, one A and one Bb, occupying the same case are defined as a matched set. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
(Ok...so maybe you get extra points if they are both the same brand and made within 200 years of eachother. And maybe some added points if they exhibit similar playing characteristics)
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-06-09 17:14
And let's not forget the meaningless all-encompassing phrase:
"The clarinet was 'hand selected'..."
...GBK
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2005-06-09 18:12
I feel silly for having mine "monkey selected."
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: kenb
Date: 2005-06-09 22:00
I've owned a hand-selected and matched set of Buffets... but I had to do the selecting and matching myself.
Another point of view: How about a Bb & A built to order by a master craftsman, consecutive serial numbers; might they squeak in as a 'matched set'?
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2005-06-09 23:17
<<<<might they squeak in as a 'matched set'?>>>
Only if they Squeak one half tone lower than the other.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: jack
Date: 2005-06-10 16:28
Maybe I missed it, but have you tried the classifieds on this site? I found a Rossi A (part of a one year old "matched" set of Bb & A). This particular A clarinet is the single best clarinet I have ever played. I payed the big bucks am now the happy owner.
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