 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-04-25 11:10
A hypothetical question. So, on Woodwind Brasswind's website lists a Selmer Model 67 Bass Clarinet available through financing plan for $377/month. How would a passionate clarinetist who's making $8-$12/hr be able to afford this and still manage his/her budget? Hopefully you more experienced folk could chime in on this.
For the record, I'm not talking about myself right now. I think at least a couple years of chops is in order before I could attempt justify a pro clarinet being the next step in my development as a player. If an equipment upgrade's desired, then I should probably replace the stock mouthpiece on my Selmer 1430LP student bass, THAT would be a fair upgrade that would prove gangbusters and probably make the instrument sound a price bracket higher. That alone would have me set for years in terms of the equipment facilitating my development
Back to the topic. So, obviously saving $14,000 dollars on something that's not a house or vehicle for a working class hero isn't an option unless they don't mind waiting ten years or so. I suppose if the hero wouldn't mind an inexpensive diet that was nutritionally lacking (rice,beans,canned salsa; frozen pizza and canned spaghetti; ramen; that sorta thing). Riding a bike, walking, taking a city bus, etc. could save on gas money when possible. Honestly though, someone with an average weekly income after taxes makes aprx. $300-$400 a week, how would they save roughly $95 a week, and afford utilities, rent, diet, and transport, etc.?
I ask because I like to plan ahead. Would I like to rent a pro Selmer bass one day? Sure, if I stick with clarinet-ing long enough to out-grow a student bass and life doesn't get in the way and spring up new priorities on me. Making budget plans and figuring these kinds of numbers is fun for me. Thanks for reeding (reed pun).
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Author: Dibbs
Date: 2018-04-25 14:13
Speculator Sam wrote:
> ...
> How would a passionate
> clarinetist who's making $8-$12/hr be able to afford this
> ...
Don't eat and burn old reeds to keep warm.
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2018-04-25 16:44
That's life....
Be glad you don't play violin, or harp, or piano...
I am wondering how an old man like me can afford to pay $84,000 a month for 36 months for a 2018 Bugatti Chiron. I'll have to just save my pennies.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2018-04-25 16:56
Most people who buy cars don't do it by eating grass and leaves and burning reeds for heat. They go to a bank or the dealer's finance company and take a loan - usually having shopped around for the best rate they can find. I suspect most young players who buy instruments in the price range you're talking about do the same thing. WW&BW's financing offer may be a good one, but when the time comes you'll be better off shopping for financing.
If your income level is likely to rise over the next couple of years or so, all of this may become a little easier.
You can also watch out for used instruments. You won't have store financing available, but I don't think getting a bank loan for a used bass clarinet, unlike a used car, is any different from financing a new one.
Karl
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Author: Caihlen
Date: 2018-04-25 17:00
12 bucks an hour after taxes is about 16k a year. A 14k clarinet is not within the purview of that income. Live within your means. Try not to borrow money. Live simply.
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-04-25 20:23
These are all great responses. Oh yeah, @Caihlen I wasn't saying a Selmer Privilege is realistic.Getting a used instrument would help, and the plus side that it'd most likely be broken in if it's a wooden instrument. If one insists that they want a brand new bass from wwbw.com it'd probably help if they a chose a cheaper instrument. You can find pro basses for $6-7k, and you could imagine that monthly payment goes down proportionally, so about $150-$200 is easier to manage.
I'm going to look up how bank loans work, then persist in buying extra frivolous cars, gold plated clarinet, harps... I don't even play harp. Whatever YOLO. Okau seriously thpugh, this has taught me a lpt already. Thanks for responding Bboard!
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2018-04-25 23:53
It should be noted that instruments can be bought with college student loans as a legitimate expense, can’t they?
That’s a risk to take, as even bankruptcy doesn’t protect you from this elective debt.
Instruments of this quality are bought outright, with loans, or with family backing. The majority of the instruments I own I bought myself paying cash. I bought a pair of Yamaha CSG’s four years ago with 18month 0% financing (‘cause why not?).
My Buffet 1193 Prestigr Bass was bought by my mother, for $5995.00 at International Music Suppliers in 2001. I had paid for my masters myself and she wanted to do something for me.
And in reality — there’s no reason for someone who is not aspiring to a musical career (with significant prospects) to spend $14K on an instrument UNLESS they have huge disposable income.
James
Gnothi Seauton
Post Edited (2018-04-25 23:55)
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