 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2016-02-21 21:18
....a bit of an unusual a situation.
I broke my clarinet stand and found myself in a local music store--a well known and reputable chain that shall remain unnamed, but a second's worth of research on your part, based on my location (in my name as well) will have you figure out, to buy a replacement: no big deal.
A friend and good guy works the counter and was offering at the time (not in a pushy way, but in a win-win sales transaction way, while the (H.S) player was their to buy reeds) an R13 from the 1960's for $499. She was there with her family. It came with the original Pochette case, not in great condition, but IMHO totally repairable, (the case that is), and the original leather cover (in good condition.)
Serial number of 65,XXX. So that's, what, early 1960's.
I didn't want to interfere with the sale, so I didn't look at the instrument, let alone play it. I let the perspective buyer know of my relationship with the sales associate, that I was a commissionless observer, and that based on serial number, it was a very good time for R13's.
Passing the store the day after I checked the instrument for all but intonation (wood, air tight, keys, etc.). Provided it plays in tune, do you not concur that to be a pretty darn competitive price--especially for a store front?
I'd buy this as a backup, intonation cleared. But my ability to repair or have buddies effect same--perhaps different than the buyer--if in fact the instrument needs it, might makes its value different to me than other prospective buyers.
I've seen refurbished Buffet Pochette cases sell North of $100 on ebay.
Thoughts?
(Angle: I'd really like to help a buddy make a sale, AND, put an interested player in touch with a good instrument.)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2016-02-22 18:56
Intonation will be the big factor in the Buffets that age. Make sure you check it very carefully once it's warmed up, especially the 12th, the high B and C and the lowest notes. The bore may have changed considerably as well as some normal problems in those older horns.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-02-22 19:18
Sounds like a really good price to me, David. I just wonder--has it been sitting a long time? Ed is correct about the bore changing, but it is also true that, if it hasn't been played much for years, the bore could change as you re-break it in and also as you get bore oiling back on schedule.
Still, I don't think you have much to lose here. You could likely resell it at a profit if you don't like it!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2016-02-25 03:56
If the bore changed - it would have shrunk, and can be reamed back into the right shape.
However, the keywork back then was pretty mushy, big time. So several keys might need to be replaced/soldered with stronger keywork such as the Crows foot.
Keywork can also be a nightmare with older Clarinets.
Still, that is a steal!!!!!!
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: TAS
Date: 2016-02-25 09:06
Good point about checking the intonation.
I have two vintage R-13s. Serial numbers are in the 64000 and 55000 eras.
The 55000 is a much better in tune instrument. The 64000 produces a superb and resonant sound but has some intonation quirks.
I have owned the 64000 since buying it new in 1962. The 55000 I found listed on, of all things Craig's list by a retiree about two years ago. It was in stunning condition with the gold lettering still intact. Great wood. Keys still in like new condition. It was akin to finding a Ferrari parked in mint condition in some long forgotten garage.
The cost for the 5500? He was asking $150.00. I gave him $900.00 and consider it a tremendous bargain.
TAS
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2016-02-26 00:46
...very good of you to give the seller of the 55000 something closer to fair market value, and way above that asked.
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