 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: taigsmith
Date: 2019-02-12 18:42
Hi All,
Been lurking on this forum for quite some time now— For a high school clarinetist it’s been a great resource! I’ve been looking into buying a new horn, and have noticed that Selmer Recitals have a pretty wide pricing spread. A music store a couple of hours away from me in Boston, Virtuosity Musical Instruments, has a Bb for 6,200 and A for 2,800! I also saw an ad on Craigslist for a Bb for 1500. Any help explaining this would be much appreciated.
Here’s a link to the music store : https://www.virtuosityboston.com/recital-bb-clarinet.html
Thanks,
Taig
P.S: Accidently posted this twice!
Post Edited (2019-02-12 18:55)
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-02-12 19:46
Check out this site. The owner, Al Alphin is a clarinet player and former student of mine. (yes a plug for a good store for clarinet players)
http://aawinds.com/
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-02-12 20:00
The "used" market is all over the place for starters. Then there is the fact that individual instruments can be quite varied on their current condition and what has been done with them recently. Some full professional overhauls are pretty bad. Then the interest in Selmers in the US (especially more current models) runs a bit hot and cold. And finally, this specific model is a bit of a niche clarinet. It features a rather thick wooden body and it is a bit heavier than most other (any other) clarinet. The thick body also makes the sound warmer to some, and less vibrant to others.
You're probably looking at examples across the internet as well, so just trying them would cost you time and shipping. I would advise sticking with used instruments you can readily get your hands on and try out. That way you can evaluate their condition (key wear; old cracks to wood; what is the condition of the overhaul/pads; does it need one), and whether it plays in tune for you.
The price is what the market can bear. But you can still find some amazing bargains out there.
....................Paul Aviles
P.S. I just looked at that link. Looks like new old stock?
P.P.S. The Recital IS still a current model.......that is a new price
Post Edited (2019-02-12 20:37)
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Author: Bill
Date: 2019-02-13 17:57
Albert Alphin restored my Marigaux clarinet. He's knowledgeable and, I think, very ethical.
I had a Bb Selmer Recital. I think the serial number began with a "D." They are good players except for the pinched B flat (100% air). Keep in mind they weigh more than other Bb clarinets. Also, when I got mine I used those wooly snakes you place in the joints. I started to develop a "wannabe" crack in the upper joint. So, use caution to avoid cracking (don't use those things you stuff into the joints).
It's a gorgeous clarinet. James Campbell used one for quite some time.
Don't get one of the ones with the low F resonance vent. That's what I had. Ruins the look and feel of the clarinet.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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