 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Debbie P
Date: 1999-06-30 23:58
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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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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Author: Kylene
Date: 1999-07-01 04:41
I would say that you could either get a used pro horn or a new Intermediate. I play a Buffet E-11, and I love it to death! I got it for like $700 ( I think, it was a gift). I think you could get a good, used pro horn for that if you looked around. Im personally biased, and I would tell anyone looking for advice to get a Buffet. This aside, you may also want to look at LeBlanc, Selmer and Yamaha. Try to stay away from lesser known brands - they can be of poor quality. Also, as someone mentioned, try The Woodwind and Brasswind catalog (www.wwandbw.com) they have pretty good prices. I got my clarinet at the local store, after trying out every clarinet in stock.(what a day that was!) The main reason I would reccomend this (the local store) is that you get a decent price, and a lot of stores will throw in some stuff with the horn. I got my choice of ligatures, a polishing cloth, a cloth for my silver keys, 2 swabs, 2 mouthpiece patches, a thumb rest cushion, and 2 boxes of Vandoren Reeds for free, and a new Vandoren B45 MP for half price as well. I thought it was a great deal! Its your call. But whatever you decide, good luck, and welcome back!!!!!!
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Author: Debbie P
Date: 1999-07-01 18:20
Thanks, everyone, including those of you who privately emailed. I had some nice offers, and it gives me a base to begin my search...I am anxious to play again. My thumb callus is all but disappeared, I am ashamed to admit...
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Author: Fred McKenzie
Date: 1999-07-01 18:47
Debbie P wrote:
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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)
Debbie-
I haven't yet purchased anything from E-Bay, but have been lurking there for a few weeks. I have discovered that there are some "bad apples" selling musical instruments, so you do need to be wary.
For one thing, it seems that the pawn shops have discovered E-Bay. They have lots of old instruments to sell, that generally go for higher prices than in their stores. It doesn't mean you can't get a good deal, but their descriptions are not always reliable.
In another situation, I noticed one seller had switched to his wife's account when his own account accumulated a large number of complaints about deceptive practices.
Regardless, I recommend you check a sellers ratings carefully. Also look at their other auctions to see if they are more likely to be a dealer, or just selling an occasional family heirloom.
Examine the photographs carefully. If you don't see something like a mouthpiece or a case, don't assume it is included unless it was specifically mentioned. If there is any question, ask it before bidding.
Fred
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Author: Joris van den Berg
Date: 1999-07-02 00:31
If you are planning to play in a community band, i have got a question.
Where I live ( the Netherlands) it is quite normal for a community band to provide their players in a suitable instruments, if you want and can afford better, you can buy it, but if you don't, they'll suply.
Is this the situation where you come from too, or is it something rare.
If it is common, why not join a community band, use their supplied instrument and meanwhile save for a good instrument of your own?
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-07-02 00:43
Joris van den Berg wrote:
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If you are planning to play in a community band, i have got a question.
Where I live ( the Netherlands) it is quite normal for a community band to provide their players in a suitable instruments, if you want and can afford better, you can buy it, but if you don't, they'll suply.
Is this the situation where you come from too, or is it something rare.
If it is common, why not join a community band, use their supplied instrument and meanwhile save for a good instrument of your own?
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In the US, the community band does not supply the instruments. Some of the members happen to be school instructors and are allowed to borrow those instruments in the summer for community bands but in general the players bring their personal instruments, even the bassoons and tubas as the band doesn't own any of these. It is fairly common for the bands to own the percussion instruments for some reason though. The sheet music is owned by the band also.
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