 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Michelle
Date: 2005-08-16 20:09
I am casually looking for a good alto clarinet. I have watched the dreaded auction site, I have checked the classifieds here, I have mentioned it to my tech - now what?
I searched the archives using several different keyword combinations:
used sources = 638 hits
buy used = 3324 hits
where to buy used = 470 hits
looking for used = 4593 hits
buying a used clarinet = 2090 hits
used clarinet sources = 333 hits
I spent over 2 hours randomly reading selections from the hits above that I thought might pertain to this question and have found fascinating information about lots of things but have not found anything directly pertaining to my basic question - where do you go/who do you trust to get a good alto clarinet for a decent price?
Thanks in advance.
Michelle
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-08-16 21:14
Hi Michelle - We alto cl lovers are few and far between, at the moment I have my Fine Selmer-Paris B series A C, which I regard as my "Basset Horn" because of tonality [small bore] and excellent playability. I also have an old Pedler A C which has double register keying [not greatly needed on A C], which, with several hours of tweaking, plays quite well. I recommend a FULL plateau keying system, even if your hands [fingers] are large enough to cover open tone holes and reach the "long keys". EBAY [et al] is a "jungle out there" , if you have little knowledge of altos or basses. I'll be glad to help you, but likely we should converse by E Mail, right, Mark/GBK ? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: LeeB
Date: 2005-08-16 23:43
They come up reasonably often on the dreaded auction site. Add "alto clarinet" to your favorite searches, and sit tight. I picked up a very nice Selmer Series 22 for just a little over $400. It was playable as-is, but I had my repair person go through it from stem to stern. I'm very happy with the result.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-08-17 01:08
My wife and I looked for less than a month when we came across a nice Leblanc Paris model on Ebay for under $400. We promptly put another $200 or so into a tune up and another $100 or so into reeds, mouthpiece, lig, etc. It's now a good player that probably won't be sold again for many years.
You can get lucky, but it takes persistence and patience. Anyhoo, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. :o)
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-08-17 01:38
I second many suggestions that the Evil auction site offers many great deals if you prioritize your choices and know what you’re looking for. Having said that, my only alto was bought from a local repair guy that I knew well, and he made sure the instrument was free of mechanical problems. A Malerne-made Linton for a reasonable price of $400. So there are deals to be found in your local stores, just don’t overpay. Key: do your research and familiarize with the general market going price of plastic and wooden instruments of various reputable makes.
Whatever you can save from prudence can be put towards a purchase of a better mouthpiece, if I were looking for a better mouthpiece, I’d give the new Walter Grabner a try.
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2005-08-17 04:06
I'll add to the tales of successful auction purchase of alto clarinets. I bought my Series 9 Selmer there for $200, spent $50 on a NOS case, and about $600 on a complete rebuild. It looks and plays like new.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2005-08-17 14:34
http://www.usahorn.com often has some interesting used clarinets and alto clarinets. they're located in New Jersey.
check it out, you never know.
I've never bought from them, and can't vouch for thier repute.
Post Edited (2005-08-17 14:34)
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2005-08-17 20:24
I bought a soprano sax from usahorn and had a very good experience. I bought my alto clarinet from eBay and also did quite well, getting a Leblanc for $400.
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