 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2011-09-28 03:19
Two marvelous pqurchases I've made in the past two weeks:
1. An R13, silver keys, only played 5 months, manufactured in 2000...for $650.
2. A promotional copy of Michele Gingras' new book, "More Clarinet Secrets" for $5.
I feel blessed! The horn and the book are each excellent.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-09-28 04:40
LUCKY!!! I've NEVER come across deals like that. :(
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2011-09-28 04:52
I feel a little guilty, bragging about the clarinet but I tell you, I could NOT believe it.
From time to time over the years, I've browsed for good, used clarinets. I saw this one in some local classifieds and decided to investigate.
The previous, and only, owner purchased this clarinet in 2004 and played it for five months during concert season her junior year in high school. After that, she decided not to be in the band anymore. She never went back to playing. Now, she's got a family of her own. Because the price was so cheap, I had my repairman look at it and I tried it out. We were both impressed. I've had two clarinet professrs/performers try it out and they also were impressed.
I don't think the lady had a clue how much she could've gotten for her horn.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2011-09-28 14:24
Not to brag, but I wouldn't be surprised if the F. Arthur Uebel clarinet I got for $200 plays better than the $650 bargain Buffet.
The ability to think 'outside the box' will increase one's chances of getting a really good deal.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2011-09-28 15:24
Clair Annette, you got a great deal. No question about it! Don't let anybody rain on your parade.
Susan
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2011-09-29 05:27
As for thinking outside the box, I got my Ridenour for $160 and it plays very nicely. I found a Noblet for a student of mine for $50.
Do I think that a Buffet R13 is THE only good clarinet out there? No, but I'm tickled pink about my purchase.
There is no rain in the forecast for my parade. Anyone is welcome to march in it beside me, regardless of clarinet make and model.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-09-29 08:25
Great job, Claire.
I snatched up my hard rubber Pan American 58N...near-mint, no plating wear, still glossy black, in a good vintage Bundy carry-all case, for $20 at a St. Vincent de Paul store. After a $150 rebuild it turned out to be quite nice for jazz and outdoors.
Hopefully someday it'll go to David Spiegelthal for some further tweaking.
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2011-09-29 16:21
(I admit: I love it when people sell clarinets that are "just taking up closet space" and have no idea of the true worth of the instruments.)
Ursa, that's what happened with the $50 Noblet. I looked it over: the bell was cracked and the keys weren't shiny, but for $50 bucks and in the hands of a capable repair tech, I knew it had potential for a great student horn. (It also came in a plastic pouchette case...which the student didn't want--so I traded one of my chunky cases for it.) The parents took it in to be cleaned up and repadded. The tech found a replacement bell and I set the student up with a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece. The clarinet continues to serve her well, four years down the road.
As for my new clarinet, it was serendipity. I also would have hopped on a comparable Leblanc or a Yamaha or a Selmer. This just happened to be a Buffet and a model that I already know well. The instrument is absolutely pristine. I'm going to have some cork pads put in and some of the keys tweaked by Larry Mueller, a fine repair tech. (Texas' loss = Tennessee's gain!)
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Author: ramsa
Date: 2011-09-29 16:47
Congrats on the fine score. It doesn't happen that way often...
I've reflected on my passion for guitars over the years, and there's something to be said for "the hunt" for a great deal on an instrument, for sure. Looking back on it, for the past 30+ years, finding the Grail is an elusive pastime. I almost wish I'd had paid my money up front, and spent the time and gas spent looking on practice and lessons instead. It was fun, but I'd have been a better player to invest a grand or so from the beginning and done more woodshedding.
YMMV...
;)
This is a genuine signature.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2011-09-30 12:05
I once bought an E-11 Clarinet at a "major chain" music store for $275. It was brand new, and the price listed was $295 - brand new! That was back in 2003.
If they were going to price it wrong, and have guitar salesmen dealing woodwind instruments, that was fine with me.
So I got em down the $20 just for sport........
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: LesleyM
Date: 2011-09-30 14:33
On the opposite side, i decided to buy a cheap plastic clari to use when playing outside in winter (wasnt going to use my nice wooden models in sub zero temps).
So I "invested" in a £70 beginners model and it is OK when playing outside (as it is so cold no one is in tune) but across the notes in a stable temperature the tuning sucks!
So ya sometimes get what you pay for!
L
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2011-09-30 14:51
David, the nerve of you to talk them down $20 more bucks...I love it!!! I can just envision you in the store, feigning a disappointed look on your face:
"Wellll....I hate to pay THAT much for it. Maybe if you could knock a little off the price?" **pitiful puppydog eyes**
I paid the same price for my R13 I purchase brand new in 1979 (and it still plays quite well) that I did for this newer R13.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-09-30 16:16
Heh, Dave, I got a good laugh outta that deal...I've likewise gotten scandalously good deals on reeds from pimply-faced "guitar guys".
That E-11 surely deserved a good home, anyway....your home.
Cheers,
Ursa
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2011-09-30 16:40
Sold it on eBay, and more than doubled my money.
Wasn't even like it had a misplaced price sticker on it, the details (Wooden, etc) were displayed.
Got a good laugh at the "Walmart of Music Stores" expense.
Hate that company, they buy up Mom and Pop Music Stores, and then sell crap equipment (like only carrying the $3 small triangle felt swabs).
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: golfnclarinet
Date: 2011-09-30 17:39
How about my horn.
I paid $100 for 1969 R13.
No crack, no damage. Has not been played for 10+ years.
My longtime repairman offered $200 for full overhaul.
With $300, I'm enjoying very nice sounding horn.
I really love this clarinet.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-10-01 14:10
A few years back I bought a B & H Emperor in as-new condition for $35 at a garage sale. A friend saw 3 instrument cases on a pile of bricks at a garage sale, had a quick look and offered $100 for the lot. He got a Series 9 Selmer, a nice silver Amati flute and a B & H wooden Edgware, all in good mechanical condition. A clean and a repad and they were good to go.
Tony F.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-10-01 14:13
For our American friends, for "Garage Sale" (Australia) read "Yard Sale" (US).
Tony F.
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