 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-06-20 23:28
That looks like a GREAT BUY! I'd get it myself, but I'm looking at a great Buffet Festival right now. It's even overhauled! I'd go for it and just pay the $500 right away.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-06-20 23:40
Someone bid on it, and the buy-it-now for $500 is no longer an option.
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Author: Benny
Date: 2001-06-21 00:06
I wouldn't buy it if I was you. In fact I would not buy ANY instrument off of E-Bay. First of all, you cannot even tell that it is an R-13. The seller could be selling a cheap plastic horn and just calling it an R-13. And then on top of that you can't tell if it's in proper working condition. If I was looking for an R-13 I would get a new one with no dings, dents, or cracks, and a warranty.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-06-21 00:27
Benny said: "(in part) I would not buy ANY instrument off of E-Bay."..... His reasons are valid in his particular case. Wanting "new" but having to buy older,cheaper is a fact of life for many of us. I have "purchased" two clarinets off of eBay. One was a Robert Malerne Bb Soprano which I sent to Dave Spiegelthal for a complete reconditioning and could not be more pleased with the result. Excellent work, at a good price. The second one is a Conn Bass Clarinet which Dave suspected could be a Robert Malerne stencil also. It turned out that it was. He is busy with that one now. If it turns out as good as the Bb Soprano I will be walking on air. I don't think we should totally disregard any thoughts of "buying" off eBay if we keep in mind that excellent thread on Auction purchases which was posted on the BB not too long ago. In all cases ask many questions, require pictures, send email, try for a "return if not satisfied clause"----in short do your research homework and than be prepared to risk your funds. After all it is an auction and "CAVEAT EMPTOR" is the name of the game. Good luck,
My good luck was in sending those instruments to Dave Spiegelthal.
Bob A
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-06-21 00:29
Benny said: "(in part) I would not buy ANY instrument off of E-Bay."..... His reasons are valid in his particular case. Wanting "new" but having to buy older,cheaper is a fact of life for many of us. I have "purchased" two clarinets off of eBay. One was a Robert Malerne Bb Soprano which I sent to Dave Spiegelthal for a complete reconditioning and could not be more pleased with the result. Excellent work, at a good price. The second one is a Conn Bass Clarinet which Dave suspected could be a Robert Malerne stencil also. It turned out that it was. He is busy with that one now. If it turns out as good as the Bb Soprano I will be walking on air. I don't think we should totally disregard any thoughts of "buying" off eBay if we keep in mind that excellent thread on Auction purchases which was posted on the BB not too long ago. In all cases ask many questions, require pictures, send email, try for a "return if not satisfied clause"----in short do your research homework and than be prepared to risk your funds. After all it is an auction and "CAVEAT EMPTOR" is the name of the game. Good luck,
My good luck was in sending those instruments to Dave Spiegelthal.
Bob A
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Author: Larry Garges
Date: 2001-06-21 01:48
I believe that R-13s don't start until after 46xxx, so this clarinet wouldn't technically be a R-13. Clarinets of this age can have intonation problems, so I would want an inspection period if I were you.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-06-21 01:50
First of all, this is not an R-13. The serial number is way too low. Per the serial number list right here on sneezy, this horn was made in 1937. This approximately 15 years before the R-13 was introduced. It could however be a pro level instrument.
Buying via on line auctions is always a risk. Weigh the potential benefit versus the risk of getting a dog and then decide whether to bid.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-21 02:26
The clarinet is, at best, what is referred to a s "pre R-13 mode"l. No one know where the real R-134's started, although manypeople have tried to extrapolate/estimate when it actually occurred. I think that some #'s are considered "safe". e.g. 58,xxx would be safe in being called a (real) R-13. Boosey & Hawkes now has their own estimator at the website. I ahve put some @'s in and the answer the system gave was wrong, imo. the horn inquestion I was checking on did not have a poly-bore.
Best,
mw
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Author: willie
Date: 2001-06-21 03:28
Good advice above. The truth is, you can get some good deals on eBay if your careful and you can also get burned. So far I've "won" three really nice old clarints for under $30 each. They needed pads and corks, but I expected that. I also just got a primo Leblanc EEb contra off eBay that has been in storage or a closet for years. It wasn't hardly used at all. After a quick clean up and some "test toots" I found out why. The mouthpiece, though like new, was terrible. I put mine on and it sang beautifully. Email the seller and ask all the questions you can think of including a return policy if it isn't up to their description or if it is unrepairable etc.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-21 12:22
I'm an eBay seller and I always guarantee my sales. I've never had anyone unhappy with a clarinet they bought from me. In fact, many Sneezies have great clarinets right now because they "took a chance" with my stuff.
Check the feedback rating and click onto some of the purchases and see if they have sold other items like you're thinking of bidding on. If they are a musician (such as myself) and particularly a clarinetist (such as myself), and they have all good feedback and references, etc.--you don't need to worry so much. Also, if they are members of the Reliable Merchants Association, Square Trade Association, take PayPal and have verified accounts, you have the backing of several insurance policies there. PayPal insures purchases and I have recently purchased another insurance policy for my customers with the Square Trade Merchants just to give them confidence in buying from me.
The seller should be accessible to you. I always answer any email questions and provide a phone number, or will return your call if you have a question about a clarinet, or other item.
I realize there are lots of scam artists out there on eBay, but there are some honest people who enjoy selling on eBay and can actually be trusted. I always give clear photos on the eBay page and make certain the serial no. and other documents are clearly shown in the photo and promise that the instrument will arrive at your house exactly as shown in the photo or your money back.
So, at least give us a chance if you see something you like. E me and I'll send you a phone no. and make some kind of arrangement to make you feel more comfortable about buying online.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-21 12:25
Oh, by the way, I agree that you should skip the R-13 that started this thread. Can't see it clearly and don't know the seller. There are too many out there that you can feel more comfortable with.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-21 13:36
Well said, Brenda - I agree 100%. I buy as many things as I sell on eBay, & I really enjoy the $$$ savings & ease of doing business electronically. When in doubt, I ask for a phone number, bank reference, etc.
Whenever I see a very negative reaction from anyone about eBay, I believe most times it is out of fear or following strictly the advice of an elder, etc. I find that GREAT clarinets are _often_ on eBay. I have purchased 2 Buffet R-13's, on point, which were owned by deceased or retired University Professor(s) of Clarinet. They are both wonderful clarinets --- when I get around to selling one of them --- somebody will be getting a great, intune horn.
GENERALIZATIONS should be avoided. YES, be wary of the unknown & be very careful before you throw down a chunk of change. But, don't damn an institution because you doubt the validity of the venue!
Best,
mw
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-06-21 14:29
I've also bought quite a few items off ebay and never had any problems. However problems occur when neither the buyer nor seller is sufficiently knowledgeable about the item being sold to determine its condition or the buyer has unreasonable expectations (R-13 needing no repair for under $200 isn't going to happen) or the seller is not honest. The last seems really quite rare though.
It is simply necessary to be aware of the risks of any particular item and bid accordingly. Ask sufficient questions to determine the extent of work that may be required. There are lots of statements used in ignorance by the seller that can lead you astray.
For example, "I don't play but I got a sound out" may mean it is ok but on the other hand maybe they just hooted an open G and the horn actually needs a full repad to be playable. Although I purchased a horn like this, I suspected that this was the case and limited my bid accordingly and was satisfied with the purchase as I got exactly what I expected at a price was willing to pay. I did the repad and now have a very serviceable backup Vito to use for those outdoor gigs in questionable weather.
On the other hand you can get some super deals due to poor descriptions. I won a "broken" mazzeo system bundy for about $10. All it needs are pads, which I can do myself. I got a "broken" Pan American "rosewood" for under $20 and all it needs are pads and one screw, again something I can do myself. These, due to their unique and beautiful appearance, usually go for around $300 even though as horns to play they are terrible.
However if you can't afford to make a mistake, then it would be better to buy from a known and reputable seller (some of whom do sell on eBay) or the sellers listed in the sneezy classifieds. Or buy where you can inspect the horn before purchase.
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Author: Richard
Date: 2001-06-21 15:43
The serial number is lower than my Buffet. My parents bought mine used when I was in high school fifty years ago.
However, e-Bay can be fun. I repaired a few bargains just for the fun of it. Between the new horns and sneezy, I have a re-newed interest and hobby in my semi-retirement.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-06-21 17:37
Bill -
I wish the photos were better. The seller has good feedback, but he doesn't seem to be a player. He's been selling junk clarinets (Pan American, etc.), video games and cellular phones, and all his photos are fuzzy.
The 21xxx Buffets can be excellent, but they're often very worn. I have a 26xxx that needs constant adjustment. The keys are just fatigued from so much use. If you're serious about it and anywhere near Connecticut, you should go there and try it out.
The $300 price is about right, or a bit low. This vintage usually sells for around $450.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-06-21 18:18
What ever you do don't buy from a junk dealer. pawn shops are in the same bracket. I have gotten burned once. It was list as a sax in excellent condition etc etc etc. When it arrived it needed a couple of hundred in repairs. The pawn broker wouldn't stand behind the sale. He said "I don't play and It looked ok to me"
Check out the classified here on the board. At least you are dealing with family and friends.
You pay your money and take your chances. I have purchased 6 or 7 clarinets off of ebay and loved everyone of them.
I'm an ebay juckie.
I'm also one of those lucky buyer who has dealth with Brenda. She is great.
Bob
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-21 20:10
Bob spent a ton of bucks on the clarinet he bought from me, but he still got a bargain. Thanks Bob!
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-06-21 21:29
I'm one of Brenda's repeat customers, and I have been very pleased with each purchase. I check her auctions daily.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-22 14:00
I'm out of money, so there won't be much for a while. I spent it all on a new Buffet Festival (oh, soooo sweet) and a new R-13. I'm going to sell the R-13 when the Festival gets back from the Brannens. I'm looking for things to buy. Thanks guys.
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