Author: MikeSF
Date: 2024-06-22 10:15
Attachment: MikeSF_Buffet.jpg (517k)
I'm reviving a zombie thread with a data point in hopes future searchers will have some usable information.
I'm in California and have been seriously shopping for a clean 70s-90's Buffet R13. After visiting all the local shops and playing instruments and making some offers on Reverb.com to some of the large stocking dealers (there's a busy one in KY), I have a good sense of what's out there and what the market will bear for prices.
I too saw scads of R13s on eBay Japan and decided to research these too, highly wary of scammers. I read reviews of high volume resellers and then studied the text of the ads for bots, duplicates, price discrepancies, etc. I then selected a reputable store and asked for specific photos (your finger pointing to the serial # on this clarinet).
Long story short, I made an offer to a Japanese shop, which was immediately accepted. I paid and received an order confirmation with the weight and ser.# of the instrument. I refreshed the FedEx shipping tracker 2x/day to make sure the package was moving. Would you believe on day 6 I got an email my R13 was out for delivery. It was here before noon and is even BETTER than described and the pictures suggested. I easily saved $350-500 vs the other dealer in Kentucky and >$600 vs anything local that new and clean.
Seriously, I am amazed at the huge selection and comparatively lower prices buying from Japan. BTW, overnight FedEx shipping was included and there was sales tax but no other duties or fees.
I also buy guitars and will tap into the giant stock of pre-owned guitars in Japan next time.
FWIW, sharing to help the next person who is unsure about trying it.
Mike
Post Edited (2024-06-22 10:20)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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