 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Azzacca
Date: 2001-05-30 18:54
I have the opportunity to purchase a used, fully restored one of these, and was wondering if it was worth the $400 asking price. I used to play clarinet way back in high school (it feels like it was some time ago) and am now looking to start up again. My student clarinet needs a lot of work and I always wanted a wood clarinet anyway. I don't have the funds to spend on a "professional" model and have heard this is a good intermediate model.
This is not something online, but in a local music store where I trust the owner pretty well (my brother bought a trumpet from him a while ago, and we bought a sax for my brother in law there), but I still was wondering what people "in the field" might suggest.
I'd appreciate any of your help.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-05-30 20:05
This is a pretty good price, if the pads are ALL fresh.
If they just did an overhaul and you get a 90 day repairs (Parts & Labor) guarantee, then this could be a really good player.
If it needs ANY repairs, it is too much money. I think new ones are around $600.
If you have mouthpiece and reed that you already like, test play this and any other horns they have available.
I really like the feel of these, although the over-all intonation was just okay.
At $400, you could get most of your money back out in a year.
I like the old Evettes, myself. You could get a serviceable Evette for half this price.
Also, check out Dave Speigelthal, a Sneezy regular. He has several restored wooden horns available for lots less.
You can find him in the classifieds.
anji
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-05-30 23:52
Yamaha says that this clarinet is just a wooden student model. For $400, you could fix up your student horn, but I understand if you want to get a nice wood instrument.
I would keep looking, but I'd also look at the Woodwind and Brasswind where you could get some flexibility in buying a new instrument that you'd really like. You could probably get a Buffet E-11 for about $40 a month for 6 months (i think). Take a look, but I think you can get a better value for your $400 by getting something a little better. The YCL-52 is a great high-end intermediate clarinet.
Just my $.02 worth.
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Author: Azzacca
Date: 2001-05-31 01:07
It turns out it's actually a Yamaha YCL72. It has been overhauled and had wonderful sound (at least I think so - much better than the one I played way back in high school). It comes with a used Van Doren mouthpiece; I have to admit I don't know much about mouth pieces (my last one was basically just the one I could get on limited funds in 9th grade). The store owner threw in a couple van Doren reeds, and some starter books and a clarinet care kit some amount off. In general.
I'm looking forward to my practices
Thanks for your advices
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-05-31 16:06
Yes, that's an excellent deal. The 72 is a pro model, so you can grow as much as you want. And, the Vandoren mouthpiece will be so much better than the stock stuff you usually get with a clarinet.
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Author: Azzacca
Date: 2001-06-01 12:28
It is a Music Plus store here in Minnesota. I am fairly certain it was his only one. He said he has a hard time keeping this quality in the store (they sell very fast)
Thanks for your comments everyone. I'm feeling very good about my purchase now, especially after playing it last night. What a treat!
I found the "same" clarinet on ebay this morning (http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1435144201) with bids starting at $600.
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