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Re: Worth it?

Author: Tom H
Date: 2020-03-14 22:14

In reply to Chris P.

--Agree about the $100 for a used Yamaha I bought 10 years ago. It was probably "worth" a fair bit more. One of those bought from a school student who quit and they probably just wanted to get rid of it.
--What would a new Yamaha student model cost--I don't know. But the new Selmer cost me $150 CAD plus tax.
--Was the new Selmer a better idea than $300 to get the old Yamaha fixed?
I WOULD THINK SO.
--Buy used instead of new? Disagree. That Selmer gets practiced basically daily and no problems for 2 years. My Buffet R13 bought new in 1999 had to have one pad replaced--that's it. Granted, I only used it for my rehearsals (7) and concerts (7) each summer and practice on it only once monthly rest of the year. My previous R13, bought in 1979 lasted 20 years with no problems, and I practiced on that a lot more. I have no problems with the quality of new instruments.
--Cost of a new student model circa 1985 (Yamaha/Bundy, etc.) as I recall as a Band Director was maybe $400 in 1985 dollars. They apparently went down a lot.
--Why would I not go with the wooden B&H? Wood doesn't hold up over time as much as plastic. But of course there can be some great wooden clarinets as well.
I use my plastic student model(s) when it may be in a place (car) for a while in cold or hot weather. Not good for wood. I've dragged my Buffet around with me at times due to weather rather than trusting it would be fine in heat/cold. When scuba diving and having my Buffet in the car in July in NY it was put on top of an ice chest in the shade.
--Overhaul vs. new-- Really hard to say But--I've not had problems to speak of with any new one I've bought. I have had problems (different than the ones that existed) after getting one back from a repairman. I guess if you thoroughly know how good the repair guy is that might be a factor. Also, are you in an area where you have a choice as to which music store to bring it? I'm not. The reason I didn't spend the $300 to get the old Yamaha fixed as opposed to buying the $150 new Selmer was because when I took the Yamaha to the shop and instructed them that I didn't want a ton of work, just "fix the 2 or 3 major problems so all the notes play reasonably well" he said--"Can't do that. We'll only do a really good job which will cost a MINIMUM of $300, probably $400)". Perhaps that is an unusual approach by a store though.
I still have the old $100 Yamaha and can practice on it in a pinch.

Don't get me wrong--I'm not necessarily saying you are wrong about new models (pro or otherwise) being inferior to overhauled ones. But, I'd like you to provide info. as to your conclusion. You can get a lemon in a new car too, but I'll take my chances over a "previously owned" (as they say today) one.

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Post Edited (2020-03-14 22:39)

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