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Re: clarinet advice

Author: Matt74
Date: 2017-09-06 02:57

Vitos are sweet horns (IMHO). If it's not playing well it probably needs service. If you are looking for something better I would get something like a used pro horn. Noblets are really nicely made, I have one that needs pads that will probably be my horn after I sold my Buffet.. They are supposed to be very good.

I have bought a number of horns online. I want to see a clear picture of all the tenons, and of the trademark. The worst damage is usually on the tenons. You can usually tell the model by the trademark. (I.e. Is it a B/H 1-10, 2-10; an Evette or an Evette and Schaeffer, etc.) I also check to see if all the parts match. A lot of horns have odd bells or barrels, and there are some frankenclarinets out there. Even if the picture isn't great I would make sure all the pieces are at least in a picture - even if the other pictures seem to have been conscientiously taken. I got a cracked barrel that way. I also look at the case because the worst horns have the worst cases inside, the best one's cases look neat. So far, the case interior has been an excellent indicator. Ideally, I want a front and back picture of the barrel, joints, and bell. Missing tenon corks are easy to replace. Watch out for barrel tenon rings stuck to top joints, where part of the barrel broke off under the ring, it's easy to miss in a fuzzy picture. The keys should look good. Dull tarnish is ok, green and textured is bad. If you want it to play, make sure it was just serviced, or plan on having it done.

- Matthew Simington

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