 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lightningbolt658
Date: 2010-03-25 05:25
I am looking into purchasing a used clarinet.
I haven't played in 2 years but I miss it, so I'm planning on buying a used clarinet.
I'm going to take a look at a used Normandy clarinet tomorrow, would that be a good clarinet to start back up on?
I'm curious if it's going to be a good clarinet, and if I'm getting a good deal or not.
It's cost is 200, and I plan on looking it over tomorrow, to see if there is any physical damage, and if the pads and corks are decent. I'd like to know what else to look for.
Any advice/suggestions appreciated.
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Author: ito
Date: 2010-03-25 05:44
If the clarinet is a wooden one,it will be a must to first check for cracks if there is any..Secondly will to test play the clarinet,test the whole range out to know whether the clarinet is working fine or it need a technician to work on it.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2010-03-25 05:53
Bring a tuner with you.
Physical defects can often be fixed. Severe intonation problems are more difficult to remedy.
...GBK
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2010-03-25 11:29
As with all instruments, try before you buy. Each example of a given model is going to be subtly different from each other.
I play a vintage Normandy, no model number, serial 4xxx. It was given a overhaul and careful regulation last year. It plays very well. I have rather small hands and the key placement is ideal for me. Tuning can vary depending on the mouthpiece you use. Mine has very workable tuning with a Selmer HS* on a 67mm barrel. Other mouthpieces I've tried (Woodwind Co. G8, Yamaha 3 ebonite, Vito 3V ebonite) can be challenging.
$200 is a fair price for a Normandy in good playing condition. If the horn needs work at that price, I'd quickly pass it up. Used Normandys are plentiful on the auction web sites. You can get a uncracked, unchipped wooden Normandy there for under $100, have it overhauled and regulated to your exact specification, and with any luck have yourself a decent clarinet for about a $300 investment.
A wooden Normandy may incorporate a plastic bell and/or barrel. Mine came stock with a wooden barrel and a plastic bell. I've since replaced the worn-out original barrel with a Backun MoBa in grenadilla, which gives the horn some nice carrying power.
The plastic bell is actually a very nice piece; there's nothing cheap about it. It's well matched to the clarinet, and heavy for a plastic bell at 130 grams.. Mine looks as if made of a dense, satin-finish bakelite material.
Hope this helps...
Cheers,
Ursa
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Author: BobD
Date: 2010-03-25 12:44
Send me an email, I live in Joliet and have some comments.
Bob Draznik
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