 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: John Brogan
Date: 2001-08-27 21:00
I am a novice concerning clarinets. I am looking to buy a clarinet for my 13 year old daughter. She has been playing for for four years. I am looking at a Buffet clarinet that has the Serial Number 268544, but no model or series name. I know this clarinet was made in 1985, but is there a way I can determine whether it is a beginners, intermediate, or professional model? Thanks in advance.
John Brogan, Ph.D.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-08-27 22:49
This is probably a model R13, a professional quality horn.
The serial number puts it in the 1980's.
The important factors are ;
Price - In excellent condition, with undamaged wood no more that $1200.
Condition - Is the horn immediately playable? An overhaul can cost $100 or more.
Is the plating worn through where the fingers touch the keys? Does everything look straight? 'Sight' down the bore toward a light to inspect for cracks or gouges in the bore.
Repairs do not mean that it is a bad instrument. (The best R13 I have ever heard has keys that show the base metal and two repaired cracks, killer sound.)
Repairs DO adversely affect resale. Since shes staying with the horn and you can legitimately consider this the last one she will need for at least 4 years, resale should not be your primary concern
Perhaps most importantly, how does it play? Take a tuner along, and have your daughter play with her existing mouthpiece. No single note should be more than
15 cents sharp or flat for the instrument to play well in tune.
If she can't play the horn before purchase, check the return policy.
Have her teacher give the horn a serious audition.
By the way, what is she playing now? At her age, the money might be better spent on a premium mouthpiece, excellent reeds and instruction.
anji
She should not need to struggle with the horn
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-08-27 23:18
If possible, have a repair person look at it to see if it needs anything. Having her teacher check it over before you buy is also good. (This is standard practice for strings players but seems less common for wind players- I brought in five different violins on loan to my teacher so she could help me pick one to buy.) If it's an R-13- which seems probable- it's not something her playing will outgrow in a hurry.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2001-08-27 23:37
Anji is certainly correct on all counts. You appear to be taking a wonderful step in your daughter's education - one that very well may stay with her for life. I compliment you.
I would second the recommendation for a decent mouthpiece. You didn't say what she was playing - it may be fine. Let us know and we'll advise. You can quickly turn a pro horn into a playing nightmare with a $10 stock mouthpiece.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-28 02:52
And vice versa. A Bundy or Vito (Plastic student model clarinets) with the right equipment can sound better than mediocre equipment on a professional model. I am not saying to stick with a student model, but you may want to consider other things besides the clarinet.
Ask a local clarinet instructor (Perhaps a lessons teacher?) about what they think about "fixing" reeds. There was a post recently about fixing reeds if you would like to view it. I understand that sometimes clarinet players can be very finicky about their reeds.
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