Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-03-16 00:08
LMullan wrote:
> As for a budget for an upgrade ... Well, Steve, I think that's
> part of the problem. I'm not sure what I should be spending.
> When her band director and I first started talking about
> getting her an upgraded clarinet, he said we should be able to
> do it for about $300-$400. Is that fair?
>
> We would like to get her something useful in the intermediate
> range, but also something nice and worth having. Her teacher
> is a Buffet fan.
You can get a decent used clarinet for $300-$400 but it probably won't be a Buffet as they tend to command higher prices. You can find many used intermediate level clarinets in that price range and even some used professional one. Some intermediate clarinets to consider would be a Selmer Signet (any model), a Noblet (any model), Normandy (any model), Boosey & Hawkes (Edgware, 2-20, or emperor), or Yamaha (YCL-34). A Buffet E11 or later K-series Evette & Schaeffer would also be acceptable but I think you will have a hard time finding them in good condition in that price range due to the "Buffet Halo Effect".
You may also find some used Leblanc professional models (LL, L27, L300, etc.) in this price range as they tend to be undervalued.
Again, don't buy a used clarinet unless you can play test it before purchase or if you will be allowed to return it after buying if you don't like it.
My personal advice would be to call up a repair technician and see if they have any instruments for sale in your price range. If you buy from a tech you will be guaranteed to get an instrument in good playing condition and typically you will be allowed to return it if you find that your daughter doesn't like it. I've personally bought clarinets from Dave Spiegelthal (http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/profile.html?f=1&id=195), Steve Sklar (http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/profile.html?f=1&id=1505), and Wes Rice (http://www.clarinet-repairs.com/) and can wholeheartedly recommend any of them.
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