 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jacque
Date: 2001-10-24 15:29
I would like to purchase a clarinet for under $200.00. Please let me know where I can find such.
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2001-10-24 16:23
Jacque....
If yoiu're careful....ebay is a good place, but expect to spend extra $$$ for pads and overhaul in a lot of cases...
I've also found local pawn shops a good source for clarinets, plus you can try them out!
Good Luck
John Gibson
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Author: William
Date: 2001-10-24 16:26
Some possible sources of used clarinets:
Sneezy classifides, eBay, local newspaper classifieds, local music shops, garage sales, pawn or Buy and Sell Shops, auctions and estate sales, a relatives attic, etc.
Look for Bundy Resonites, Vito, Evette, or Yamaha "plastics," or older wood Selmers, Buffets, Noblets or LeBlancs (chances are against finding one for sale, used, under $200.00, but you might get lucky). Buy only the modern Boehm system, avoid the obsolete Albert key system.
Good luck!!!!!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-10-24 17:42
Be sure to check out your seller--especially if you buy on eBay. Make sure he/she has good feedback and check the feedback to see if they've sold clarinets or musical instruments. You can tell that by clicking onto the auction numbers printed out at the end of the feedback. If they have experience with instruments and lots of positive feedback, you've probably got an honest person who would know how to pack up your new clarinet and get it to you promptly and in good condition.
As John mentioned, you may end up having to have some pads, etc. done to the instrument, so find out what that would cost. I think there are some Sneezy sponsors that do that kind of work.
With careful shopping you will be able to find an instrument that would fit your budget.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2001-10-24 19:13
I don't know where you are, but if you have a Sam Ash or a Mars Music store near you (or any other large-chain music store,) it is often better to visit one of these places when looking for a used instrument.
I have helped several people purchase student grade, plastic clarinets from such stores. While sometimes you can find them for $200, or less, more often they may go for $225 or even $250. Selmer, Vito, Yamaha, Buffet.
The advantage is that these stores often have in-house repair people who clean them up and put them in reasonably good playing condition. They also give you a grace period to either return it or bring it back for adjustment or repair.
When I am looking for an instrument, first I try several small-independent-shop type repair people I know. They purchase various and sundry used instruments in lots, very cheaply, to repair and resell. There you'll often find the best prices.
And there is never any question as to returning it for any adjustments or repairs within a reasonable time, of course, because they are repair shops and will usually do whatever it is on the spot. Get friendly with some such place.
Places like e-bay scare me, especially if you are a beginner. While I know of peole who have made good deals buying from such places, I've also listened to more than my share of horror stories, and buying an inexpensive instrument cheap, only to have to spend money repairing it after it's mine, is not my idea of a good bargain.
Even if you pay a little more, stick with reputable places where you can try them out (or have someone do it for you,) then hand it back to the salesperson on the spot if you did not like it for any reason. Ditto on returning it or repairing it under warranty.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-10-24 19:53
I, too, would recommend dealing with someone who's local to you, Jacque. You don't say whether you're a beginner or whatever - but, as stated above, you're much better off dealing with someone you 'know'. For a horn you want to buy to play, you need to be able to try it out, get a second opinion etc. You can't ordinarily do that with eBay sellers. Here in central CA used reconditioned Bundys and sometimes Vitos will go for $200, more or less and you get a standard return policy; if you don't like it (within a reasonable time) take it back for a refund. They have no problem reselling them.
- ron b -
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