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RE: Advice on buying

Author: Dee
Date: 1999-07-01 02:31

Debbie P wrote:
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I am an *almost* middle aged woman who had to sell my wooden Noblet a couple of years ago. Now my financial situation is bearable, but as I am a teacher, still on the low end of the spectrum. I miss my horn terribly, and want to buy another clarinet. I *used* to be good...really good...but that was years ago and after college I played rarely. I intend to participate in a community orchestra (eventually) but won't go much beyond that except just to play at home for fun and on occasion do a duet with the music teacher at my school. I have discovered Ebay where the offerings really run the gamut! I am finicky about wood and cannot afford the very top end. I would welcome advice about purchasing on eBay (where there are some good prices) and what you recommend as far as Brand, etc., for someone like me. Be gentle, please...Thanks.

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Ebay is an auction site and 90% of the sellers are not knowledgeable enough about instruments to adequately describe the condition. There are some good buys but ask the seller plenty of questions. HOWEVER, no matter what they say, be prepared, if necessary, to have a complete overhaul done on it after you get the instrument. This costs somewhere around $150. They are not trying to cheat anybody but they think if they can hoot out an open G that it is ok.

Some good brands/models to look for that usually sell at reasonable prices:

Leblanc Normandy or Leblanc Noblet
Buffet E-11, E-12, E-13
Selmer Signet and Signet Special

Also before you start checking seriously on eBay, get hold of a catalog from the Woodwind & Brasswind and check new prices on the intermediate level instruments. This will help you decide how much you would be willing to pay for a used one.

Also check your local newspapers for private sales, your local music store (these may be a bit higher but you'll get good service), and pawn shops in your area. In these cases you can actually see and inspect the horn before you buy and even try it out at least at the store. You might be able to coax a private owner to let you try it out too. Again, know what they sell for new mail order before you start shopping around. There is no point in paying $600 for a used intermediate horn when you could get a new one for that price or (if very lucky) a used pro model.

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