 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JazzmanJohn
Date: 2020-01-06 04:22
I'm looking at one of their used instruments.
player and teacher, based in the Chicago area.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2020-01-06 10:30
I've dealt with Clarinets Direct with no problems. Good service and good instruments at fair prices.
Tony F.
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Author: sax panther
Date: 2020-01-06 16:26
one of my old pupils bought a pre-R13 from clarinet direct, very nice instrument and decent price.
The guy who does the work on their clarinets and gets them into playing shape is my local tech - I've always been very happy with the work he's done on my clarinets and saxes.
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Author: John Peacock
Date: 2020-01-06 18:21
I've had quite a few dealings with Alex Allen, and would recommend him highly. I bought one instrument, and was very happy with its condition. I've had a few others on trial, which I sent back just because they weren't quite what I was after - although all were high quality. There is zero problem with returning things, and Alex is very helpful in trying to understand your requirements. Of course, returning will be less trivial if you're in the US, as import duties would have to be paid and would presumably be non-refundable. But if you're going to take the step of buying an instrument without trying it, this is as good a bet as you'll find.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2020-01-06 20:20
I wanted to get a short Buffet barrel that only Howarth had in stock.
As per Howarth, the buyer who lives outside the EU, would need to pay for the CITES export certificate, AND, in case I wanted to return the barrel, I would have to pay for the CITES re-export certificate...plus shipping fees.
That was for a new piece of grenadilla. I am not sure if a used instrument would be subject to the same rules.
However, if you are planning a trip to any major city in Europe, it may make sense to get a clarinet there since the prices are much lower than in the US, partially because you would not have to pay VAT. I bought a new clarinet in the NL while we were on vacation in Amsterdam.
Also, someone posted a while ago how he flew to England, bought a new Buffet, flew back the next day and still saved (I think) about $1K after all the expenses.
Post Edited (2020-01-06 20:34)
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2020-01-06 22:36
I have bought and sold (once each) through Alex. All entirely straightforward, and instruments accurately described.
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2020-01-07 02:06
I bought an Eb from them that has worked out very well. The price was fair and the delivery was prompt.
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Author: JazzmanJohn
Date: 2020-01-07 02:12
I'm looking at a used instrument. This was very helpful. Thanks to all who replied.
player and teacher, based in the Chicago area.
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Author: clarimad
Date: 2020-01-07 02:23
Alex is a previous finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year here in the UK which is a prestigious competition.
Highly regarded.
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Author: DougR
Date: 2020-01-07 02:39
Thanks to everybody for the input. I keep track of their inventory semi-regularly and am glad to know they're trustworthy. (I have let a number of instruments in their inventory "get away" because of concerns about the international shipping and veracity of description. Happy to now put those concerns to bed!)
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Author: ACCA
Date: 2020-01-10 18:39
Have purchased from him on a number of occasions in the last years, also returning something that turned out not to be what we wanted. No issues, you will only get decent used instruments at a fair price, including some quire rare items that might be difficult to source elsewhere.
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