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Clarinet buying advice

Author: MikeyP
Date: 2008-01-17 15:47

Hey guys, I'm new her and wondered if I could ask your advice as I'm looking to get a new clarinet. At the mo I've got a Buffet B12 which I've had for ages and I want to upgrade to a wooden model.
I've decided that what I would like is a Leblanc, cos I really liked the 'esprit' in the shop and I wanted a change from Buffet, not that I've had trouble with them, just wanted to be different.
Trouble is, a new esprit is well out of my price range as is the Sonata which the on below it. I've been looking on ebay for used ones and at the moment the most likely option is a Leblanc Noblet for £445 from 1984. Just wondering you guys thought that was a good deal and whether or not getting a clarinet that old was a problem.
The other one that I've read about in the forums here is the rapsodie which is more in my price range. However, I've looked for them on the internet but can only find them in the USA and I live in the UK! Do you know why that would be? Any other ideas? Any thoughts would be great! Hope I haven't gone on for too long!

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Re: Clarinet buying advice

Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-01-17 16:12

Looking at ebay.com (USA version) Bb Noblets rarely go over $400 and mostly around $300 or less (many under $200 even). That's much less than the one you found (especially with the current $US). Even with shipping and VAT you'd save a lot by buying from there (I think even for fast shipping it wouldn't be more than $50). I'm sure there are advantages buying from the UK, even if it's from eBay by mail (such as no tax issues and possibly cheaper shipping if you want to return), but although it's a bit of a risk it's still worth consideration.

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Re: Clarinet buying advice

Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-01-18 07:05

"I've looked for them on the internet but can only find them in the USA and I live in the UK!"

How hard did you look? They are listed here:

http://www.donmack.com/LeblancClarinets/Rapsodie.asp

, but as a "special order" and with no price shown. Worth a phone call, but remember if it's a special order you won't be able to try before you buy.

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Re: Clarinet buying advice

Author: MikeyP
Date: 2008-01-18 18:16

Yeah, I did find that one actually but, as you say, it is as a "special order". Also, it is the only one I found. I thought it was strange that there was only one Uk site which sold them.
Having looked on ebay.com as well, there seem to be better deals - partly cos of the exchange rate I guess. I can get a 2-yr old Leblanc Esprit for $710 (including shipping) which is £363. Not bad when you think that they're over £800 new...well I assume it is...

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Re: Clarinet buying advice

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-01-19 17:30

Sorry. Misread the original post.

Post Edited (2008-01-19 17:36)

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