Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-06-17 02:07
Here's a starting point for your research on how to select a clarinet. I note that near the end of the article, Tom Ridenour (who wrote it) has a positive comment about Selmers in general and the 10S II in particular.
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/select.htm
I interpret the tech's comment to mean that other tech's/stores would ask around $3,000 for a 10S in superb condition, not that they would charge $2,000 for an overhaul. He's possibly basing his comments on new list prices, or possibly local store prices from the pre-internet era. Some sellers still do that. I think it's a lack of contact with reality rather than dishonesty in most cases. I would say he errs on the high side, compared to a national market. By way of comparison, Howarth's, a reputable dealer in London, has a 10S II in apparently very good condition, for about $2,000 U.S. plus shipping. The 10SII is a newer model than a straight 10S and has a bit more intrinsic market value at this point. Neither model is still in production, BTW.) However, while he uses his estimates to try to convince you that his price is a good deal, he doesn't seem to let it influence his own pricing.
On eBay, the only recent 10S sale I could find was an instrument that needed some work and sold for $600. The fact that there was alot of risk in the deal (one lousy picture and a seller with no feedback, whatsoever) may have kept the price on the low side. In any case, a good overhaul can easily run $400 these days, so I think your repair tech's asking price is fair but not generous.
That makes the instrument perhaps worth looking at if you are interested in the model but, if I were you, I wouldn't make a decision prior to the overhaul. (If nothing else, he will have a financial interest in doing a superb job.) If he insists that you commit to buy before he performs the overhaul, I recommend you walk away from the deal. When there are alot of fish (or, in your case, is it lobsters?) in the sea, why buy a pig in a poke?
If you already knew from past experience that you specifically wanted a 10S, then I would say this would be worth considering (after all, it's about half of what Howarth's is asking). However, $1,000 for an old model professional instrument that may turn out to be, at best a temporary step-up from your B12, might not be the best use of your money.
Before you buy this one, I think at the very least you should try an R13 (possibly a friend's from one of the bands you play in). That will give you a frame of reference for how the Selmer plays for you - after its overhaul.
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2007-06-17 02:09)
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