The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Italy08
Date: 2009-10-14 18:40
I am a second year in college and am interested in purchasing an E-flat Clarinet. Does anyone know somewhere where I can buy one that isn't too expensive?
[ edited - GBK ]
--Italy08
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Author: William
Date: 2009-10-15 14:40
The Selmer Bundy Resonite Eb clarinet--used if you can find one--may be just what you are looking for. With a decent mouthpiece, these little fellows play remarkably similar to the most expensive pro models, depending on how good a clarinetist you are. Look in newspapers, auctions, school sales, pawn shoppes, etc. Used, a Bundy effer should be relatively inexpensive--and good "bang for the buck" as well.
Post Edited (2009-10-15 16:34)
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Author: kdolan01
Date: 2009-10-15 18:13
ive had good luck with my amati Eb, its wood, and as long as you have a nice mouthpiece setup, it works just fantastic! it should set you back just about $700
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2009-10-16 06:14
-- "Does anyone know somewhere where I can buy one that isn't too expensive? " --
If you are in Italy as your name suggests, you may want to think about buying from the USA or UK. The Euro is exeptionally strong at the moment.
I know of a really cheap Eb clarinet sold by Packer in the UK: http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/
Of course, all of their own brands are made in China, then set up in their workshop and in the past these instruments have had a terrible reputation. Years ago I bought a cheap oboe there and had nothing but problems with it.
When I finally contacted them they were very honest about the problems they've had and admitted that they'd had loads of 'teething' problems with getting the instruments made correctly. In the case of my oboe it turned out to be poor quality adjusting screws that stuck, and the small pieces of cork. They put some new keys on and replaced all the cork pieces with leather. Since then, rather to my surprise, I've had no problems whatsoever!
So if you do get their Eb clarinet, I advise you to first phone their workshop and ask specifically about any improvements they've made -esp. screws and cork! Then give it plenty of use before the guarantee expires!
Steve
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Author: William
Date: 2009-10-16 13:10
Follow up--there is nothing wrong with the way a Selmer Bundy is built. Quality materials are used in the manufacturing and they are designed remarkably well for being so relatively inexpensive--especially for used ones. "Where" can you find them is almost anywhere "previoulsy owned" things are sold, in particular international auction sites.
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Author: mrn
Date: 2009-10-16 18:17
I second William's recommendation about Bundy eefers. I have one myself and really like it. Mine's about 60 years old, but it's in fantastic shape and plays great. They're probably built like a tank.
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Author: Italy08
Date: 2009-10-17 05:20
Thank you all for your recommendations! I appreciate it. And no Steve, I do not live in Italy, I'm just Italian haha.
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