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Re: How to choose and buy a new or used clarinet

Author: fromsfca
Date: 2023-08-27 02:03

I do play professionally….I currently play a pair of Selmer St Louis clarinets. In the last 10 years, I’ve played a Leblanc opus and an opus 2, two Yamaha CSVR customs.

I buy used….still plenty of life in most clarinets and I don’t pay depreciation.

The Yamaha were most consistent, the opus balanced in tone and intonation, but I prefer the Selmer bore design, as well as their keywork. I felt the St Louis had the most personality (I play Broadway shows, contemporary chamber music and swing trios ( think Benny).

So, when I’m looking, it must have a left hand Eb. I look because I’m dissatisfied with sound or feel.

I look on Reverb (3% sale commission means flexible pricing).

I may buy because I find a clarinet at a great price, play it and decide to keep it as my primary (I found my first Yamaha CSVR Custom at Manny’s in San Diego…priced very low: excellent clarinet).

I like a clarinet that:

Plays in tune
Has good key feel
Has solid keywork
Left hand Eb
Skin pads
Has personality

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