 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-11-11 13:28
[Mark/GBK - I'll try to put it delicately so it doesn't sound like I'm selling one through the board]
Two questions . . .
1) When selling a clarinet, do you think it'd be better to simply put it in "good to play" condition (replacing choice pads, corks, whatever is "necessary"), or to spring for a "full overhaul" as a selling point?
2) Or would it be adviseable to have TWO professional quality clarinets (one as backup, one as primary) and not sell it at all. If I sell it, I have an E13 as a backup which is very good, but not close to the other two.
The clarinet in question is from 1970, and is most definitely professional quality, however has (will have after getting this third one fixed) three repaired cracks (still sounds great though). The cracks should tell you immediately that it's probably going to be valued a lot less than a "pristine" used professional model, and hopefully will help you guys help me choose between "play condition" and "full overhaul".
And please no questions about what price or what exactly what model of clarinet (tis a fine line I'm trying to walk here without crossing over).
Thanks all,
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-11-11 14:04
This is strictly "my opinion" . There will probably be other opinoins, but here goes.
Most people buying a cracked clarinet are looking for a bargain.
The extra money spent on a full overhaul will probably not be recovered in the selling price.
Once the bargain hunting new owner has it in his possession, he can then spring for the overhaul if he deems it necessary.
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Author: William
Date: 2005-11-11 14:04
My opinion, if it is a good playing clarinet then it is probably worth more to you as a back-up than the amount of $cash$ you will get for it as a three-time-repair-"impaired" clarinet. I would keep it.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-11-11 16:09
As many of you know I've sold hundreds of clarinets over the years, and I've found it best to put the instrument in as good a condition as possible before selling it. You really hurt your sale if the person knows they'll have to spring for an overhaul or even pad replacements. It's enough that your instrument has repaired cracks--so it might be more valuable as a back-up for your own use. Therefore, you need to weigh carefully the expense of getting it up to ready-to-play, needs nothing condition for sale over keeping it as a back up and selling one of the other instruments you have (I guess you have 3 in all). You might want to sell the E-13 and keep this 70s one with the repaired cracks as your back-up.
I'm sure you've weighed some of these issues. If you have a repair person who can cheaply repair your instrument to bring it up to saleable condition, that helps.
Hope my opinion helps somewhat.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-11-11 16:35
Most buyers (eBay and otherwise) seem to avoid purchasing cracked clarinets, even if the repair has been done expertly.
Since there are so many clarinets on the market, for the buyer, a crack-free one is always available somewhere.
There is something about the stigma of having a previously cracked instrument which makes buyers either look elsewhere, or expect a huge discount on the price.
For what you would probably get for the cracked instrument, it might be better to just keep it for yourself...GBK
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-11-11 18:28
I agree with GBK. Most buyers steer away from a cracked instrument because they don't trust it. It doesn't matter than it's served you well for years and years and sounds wonderful...a crack is a no-no in the buyer's mind. Sell something else.
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Author: sylvangale
Date: 2005-11-12 06:41
It wouldn't hurt to list your Clarinet with a reserve price that you are willing to accept just to see what happens.
I would get your cracks repaired. Put detailed pictures that clearly show the repair areas on your auction and only mention that the Clarinet was professionally adjusted for sale and how well the instrument plays / has served you.
-Steve 'Piko
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-11-12 07:05
I don't understand why you want to sell this clarinet, which you say is much better than your E13, instead of selling the E13 (and that's assuming you definitely want to sell one of them). If the E13 is in good condition, you are likely to get a much better deal for it.
I'd say this, if the reason you want to sell is because you need money urgently now, and you need as much as possible, sell the one you can get more money for. If you sell either one because you simply don't need both, sell the one that will get you more money comparing with its quality (which seems to be the E13 from your post).
About your first question, I don't think an overhaul is necessary. What exactly will be done in an overhaul that won't be done in a repair to make it in "good to play" condition?
Good luck.
Post Edited (2005-11-12 07:07)
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