 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: DrRedstone
Date: 2015-08-05 07:26
Hello everyone! This is my first post on this forum. I recently acquired an old wooden 400 Special Beuscher Clarinet and I'm looking to sell it at some point, but maybe learn to play it first.
I believe it is from the 1950's based on dating the logo. The serial number, 154487, is of no help when dating it. Anyway, I cleaned all of the mechanisms and replaced all the pads on the clarinet due to insect damage. I also cleaned (Murphey's wood soap) and re-oiled (almond oil) the entire clarinet. I will most likely be replacing the cork as well.
This was my first attempt to restore an instrument. This forum was very helpful in the process. It seems to play well, but I am a flute player with little reed experience. My other musician friends seem to think it plays well too.
Assuming that they are correct and I properly redo the cork, how much do you think it would be worth?
----------------------------
DrRedstone
Amateur composer, Flute Player, and recently, Clarinet restorer.
Post Edited (2015-08-05 07:26)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2015-08-06 15:54
The Buescher 400 clarinet is unfortunately not a very sought after model. Even restored I've never seen one sell for over $200 so that might be a good price to start at. Personally I would just keep the clarinet and practice on it. It will probably be worth more to you than anyone else. This could be you introduction to the wonderful world of clarinets!
-Jdbassplayer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-08-06 22:04
The Buescher 400 Special is actually a rebadged Selmer Signet Special. They came equipped with a Brilhart Ebolin mouthpiece instead of the Signet's Selmer 'piece.
The 400 was an upgrade over the 400 Special and included a hard rubber Brilhart Nilo Hovey mouthpiece and a nicer case.
Buescher was reputed to make excellent metal clarinets, but otherwise wasn't known as a fine clarinet maker while they were an independent marque. After they were acquired by Selmer, the Buescher clarinet designs were replaced by Bundy and Signet models--though the Bundy-based Aristocrat was upgraded to inline trill keys.
I agree with JD and would value one in the $200 range in top condition. This wasn't a top-of-the-line Signet; the Soloist model held that distinction.
If you search the BBoard, you'll see that many folks play and recommend the Signet as a very good entry-level wooden clarinet. Why not keep it and learn to play on it--then sell it once you've upgraded?
Post Edited (2015-08-07 01:32)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
