 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Christian
Date: 2001-06-22 05:53
Hi, I used to play the clarinet in high school about ten years ago and have been thinking about picking it up again as a hobby.
I looked at a used clarinet today and just don't know if it's worth buying. It's about 20 years old, wood, and hasn't been touched for the past 8 years. It has no branding on it. The owner said her mother bought it for her from Hong Kong. There are no cracks and it plays okay but it definately needs to be re-corked (I'm sorry if I'm making up words here), one of the keys sticks, and when I play a middle C and D, there's a rattling sound. She's asking for $150. With all the repairs and tune-up, does this clarinet sound worth it? And, what is a reasonable price to expect for a beginner like me for a clarinet that I can pick up and play with?
Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2001-06-22 07:27
This does not sound worth it to me. Just because it is wood does not mean it is better than plastic. Well known brands are much better, but an unbranded model may or may not be. If it needs new cork and rattles, it probably needs new pads as well. This is an expensive operation, so you will be talking about paying the same again to recondition this. I think there are better bargains out there!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-06-22 07:47
Hi, Christian -
You state, "She's asking for $150. With all the repairs and tune-up, does this clarinet sound worth it"?
- NO -
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-06-22 13:48
Christian -
The word that worries me is "Hong Kong." I personally do not know of any good quality band instruments w]that have come from "Hong Kong." I'm not sahying that there are not some, but I have not seen any. I might make this suggestion. this is going to be the time when most music storews are geting ready for their fall instrujment drive, and I feel reasonably sure the some of them would have a "rental return" that will ge a very good quality of instrument that yu could get for a fiar price and would be in good condition. if yu don't know what to look for in the instrument, PLEASE contact someone and get them to check it out for you -- a repair man, private teacher, band instructor, etc. I'm sure that they would be happy toadvise you on such an imporatant step.
Good Luck,
Bob Curtis
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-06-22 21:25
Bob C. -
You haven't heard of any good band instruments from (made in) Hong Kong because there aren't any :| The ones I've seen first hand aren't worth the trouble to take home. The majority of reputable shops will not work on them because they're junk to start with.
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-06-23 00:50
Being a beginner myself I believe you need the best possible clarinet you and fine and or afford. If you get a rotter, cheap, broken, out of tune horn you will never, ever stay with it. What ever you do take your new/older clarinet to a repair tech. and have it fixed/adjusted or whatever. This way you know the horn is right, and now you can deal with you.
happy playing
Bob
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Eb
Date: 2001-06-23 01:04
I personally, would not think this clarinet would be worth the $150 PLUS the repairs. It would probably need a lot of work, if it were 20 yrs old, and especially if it hadn't been touched in a long time. I would suggest looking in the classifieds, and see if they had anything, at least you could see the thing, ask questions. A lot of students sale their clarinets when they quit high school band, or when the student losses interest, so you may be able to find a good bargain. Also, the concept of being made in "Hong Kong". I wouldn't buy it there either, b/c I've really don't know the reputation of a Hong Kong instrument. Its your money though, so you can do whatever you like! HOpe I helped!
~Eb~
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
