 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: orange10394
Date: 2013-07-03 05:31
I bought an A clarinet on eBay since my son need an A clarinet in urgent and I don't have any knowledge, I almost bought it blindly. When the shipment arrive, I fount it is surprisingly old, the box seems like original with the Buffet Crampon sticker 1825-1975, the serial# 322609, made in West Germany. I couldn't find the age of it with the serial#. A local music store the repair man estimate $1100-$1200 in value. And he told me the older the better for sound. Any one could tell me is it true? Also need help to find the age or year made with this serial#. Please see attachment for photos.
Thanks,
Michelle
Post Edited (2013-07-03 06:17)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-07-03 07:16
It's an E11 in A. The E11 marking on this one is exactly as mentioned your other posting. The value sounds a bit high. Unlike violins, clarinets do not improve with age although its probably not old enough to have deteriorated beyond normal wear and tear. If the pads and joints are in good condition it should be a good intermediate instrument. My list shows it as being made in 1989, but I'm not sure of the accuracy of the list.
Tony F.
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Author: orange10394
Date: 2013-07-03 17:40
Thanks Tony again for looking up the age of this clarinet. This one had E11 stamped, so I have no problem to identify its model. How much do you think the repair man over valued on this instrument?
My son stopped playing these 2 clarinet for over 2 years. The repair man told me if nobody plays them regularly, the instruments gonna deteriorate. I never heard of it. What is your opinion on this? Can I just leave them idle? Should I oil them regularly to maintain them in good shape if I couldn't find right person to take over them?
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2013-07-03 18:40
New, one of these would have sold for less than $1000. The current production does not even include an A clarinet in the E11 series. A slightly better model, the E13 is still available in the key of A.
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2013-07-04 00:32
As others have mentioned clarinet typically do not improve with age. There are people who enjoy playing vintage clarinets and in some cases even prefer them to modern ones but this is due to differences in the design of the instruments rather than any perceived improvements brought on by age.
I also agree that the value estimate you were given is excessively high. The price you were given is basically the cost of replacing the clarinet with a brand new one of comparable quality. Unfortunately since your clarinet is used it will be worth considerably less even if it is in very good shape.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-07-04 01:58
I can only relate to prices here in Australia, your prices may be different. Here I would expect this to sell for perhaps $400-500 if it's in good playable condition. A clarinets typically fetch a higher price than Bb's due to their relative scarcity. They will deteriorate in storage, but this can be minimized by ensuring that they are completely clean and dry before putting them somewhere dark, well ventilated and dry.
Tony F.
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