 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2022-09-09 18:34
My son (age 15) has a wooden Selmer Soloist (not Signature, basically a wooden Bundy, according to my tech) that was given to him. It is an OK horn but not the greatest, plus as a Buffet player myself, he can't use any of my extra barrels I have collected over the years.
In my area someone is selling an Evette Master (Serial D20633) for under $200 and I am wondering if this is worth it to try for him instead of the one he has?
I would go play it and look it over, but according to the seller it belonged to his brother and has "been in storage," so I have no idea about its condition.
Is it worth looking at and possibly "better enough" to bother switching from what he has? A more expensive horn is not in the cards right now. His other clarinet is a plastic Yamaha YCL20.
Thanks.
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2022-09-09 19:23
Buffet clarinets have less than perfect quality control. An Evette Master can be anything from a non-resonant dud to a sterling prize. You have to try the individual instrument in question to know its features, good and bad. Also the condition of the clarinet is paramount. What was once a great performer might now be a wreck with popped springs, loose cork, and leaky pads--in need of an expensive overhaul.
I wouldn't buy the Evette Master without first trying it. You've got to have the option of returning the clarinet if either the quality control is off or the cost of refurbishing it is too high. Clarinets do not perform according to their model "reputation": they perform according to their INDIVIDUAL attributes and the current condition of their working parts. Some high-end Buffet Toscas are lackluster in performance though the best are fantastic; some $600 ABS plastic Prodige Buffets sound almost like pro instruments, especially if you buy one already set up from a good tech.
Post Edited (2022-09-10 03:11)
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2022-09-09 19:33
I do plan to try it. He thinks it is in playing condition, and I can get more info when I talk to him. I don't know if I will be able to return it, though. If I find it isn't playable to test I will make that a condition of buying it, or just not do it.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-09-11 18:54
Also bear in mind what the equivalent clarinet will cost to buy brand new as that's the value of it as opposed to the cost (purchase price) of it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: marcia
Date: 2022-09-12 02:10
>He thinks it is in playing condition,
FYI-Years ago I purchased an alto clarinet from "that unmentionable site" from someone who later admitted he knew nothing about clarinets. The ad claimed it had been recently overhauled. It was unplayable as it leaked like a sieve. (I did get it repaired) So, I would suggest that if you do get to play test it, be prepared for the possibility that it might not be in great condition.
Marcia
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Author: m1964
Date: 2022-09-12 03:05
From the description ("was in storage") is sounds like a full overhaul will be needed, not just a re-pad.
I had limited experience working on old Buffets, but it is almost guaranteed that besides leaky pads, there will be lose posts and springs, and some tone holes will need re-surfacing in order to make it hold air (just like Chris P. described in another post).
My advice would be to contact local repair techs and small shops that sell clarinets and ask if they have anything for sale in your price range (could be trade-ins from someone).
If you buy from a shop, it would probably be in a playing condition (but everyone has their own definition of "playing condition").
In addition, there is no guarantee that any of the barrels you have can be used with the Evette.
I would suggest to get a late pre-R13 - they play really well. Yes, they can be on expensive side, but at least it would be a nice instrument, much better than any Evette.
Or, for a little less, get a refurbished Selmer 9, also a pro model in its day; they are a little cheaper then Selmer 10 but still play nice.
Post Edited (2022-09-15 15:10)
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