 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Adrianna
Date: 2008-10-25 05:07
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had suggestions where I could find a used A clarinet, that is in good shape? I would prefer not to purchase online, such as ebay, just because of scams and frauds. Also, I live in Canada so I was hoping to buy within the country if possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Adrianna
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Author: Geirskogul
Date: 2008-10-25 07:24
I think you're going to have to get over your "scams and frauds" fear. Yes, it does happen, but not as often as you think. And not at all if you're even the least bit careful.
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Author: stebinus
Date: 2008-10-25 09:58
I agree. There are many many honest sellers on Ebay and those who sell specialty items like A clarinets have a good chance of being reliable. There are many warning signs of a fraud that you can look out for: flashy, jivey descriptions, lack of good pictures, low or negative feedback ratings, poor communication. You can ask questions to get additional information you need and you should educate yourself on past sales and the values of sold instruments. Keep watching, be patient and in time something good and reasonably priced will likely come up. Bidding correctly takes a little skill and smarts and you certainly have to keep your wits about you. I have bought several good and even excellent instruments on Ebay for great prices (including an old A) and have not been burned (yet knock wood) and although there are often undetected flaws (usually minor) there are also unexpected treasures. It also helps if you have a bit of the gambler in you and are willing to consider fixer uppers. Maybe find a friend who is an Ebay addict to help you. Perhaps Ebay is not your cup of tea but there are great deals to be had there and the scams less common than many believe and generally fairly obvious.
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2008-10-25 12:37
To the list of warning signs I'd add seller's insistence on payment by check or money order only. If you don't use PayPal (which I have no love for, but it's often the best option anyway) or credit card, you have little recourse if the seller doesn't come through. Check also for recent feedback as a seller; if the most recent feedback was in 2003, you're probably looking at a hijacked account. As for lack of good pictures I don't think that necessarily indicates much. I'd definitely avoid any auction where there are no pictures, or only stock photos, but legitimate auctions with only a couple of amateurish photos are quite common.
And never buy an instrument from a seller in Asia.
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2008-10-25 13:07
Make sure the seller knows what an A clarinet is. I had one student who purchased an "A" clarinet on ebay, only to discover that it was in fact a Bb clarinet when it arrived. Seller thought that the logo "Buffet-Crampon a Paris" meant that it was an A clarinet! Lots of ignorant folks selling out there.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-10-25 13:44
Similarly I bought a Selmer Series 9 full Boehm which was listed as a Bb. When I unpacked it, it turned out to be a full Boehm A. I initially contacted the seller explaining this, but after a bit of though I decided to hang onto it as full Boehm A clarinets are a bit of a rarity (I've only seen one other full Boehm A listed on there since), and later on I found a full Boehm Bb to pair it with.
I see wwbw haven't got any Chinese A clarinets listed on their site anymore.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2008-10-25 14:19
Adrianna didn't divulge her budget, but Ridenour has a Lyrique A clarinet for $1200 new.
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Author: Adrianna
Date: 2008-10-26 00:46
Okay, so say I am looking to buy an A clarient online? What should I be looking for, in terms of price, brand, and quality?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-10-26 05:30
What is your budget?
What make and model is your Bb, and do you want an A to match it?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Adrianna
Date: 2008-10-26 16:42
Sorry, I guess I should have specified my budget. I am looking to spend between $1000 and $1500. Currently, I have a YCL 650 Yamaha Bb clarinet. My A clarinet does not have to match, I think my teacher would really prefer if I buy a Buffet.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-10-26 17:29
Before dismissing the idea entirely, check out the Lyrique A from Tom Ridenour. Best instrument for the price, by far. It would be new, with a warranty and come with free adjustments and customizing from Tom, himself. Finding a good, used Buffet A in that price range might be difficult. It is surprising the quality you can get from a brand new Ridenour clarinet for the low price! Here's Tom's site: http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/clarinets.htm
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Dan Oberlin ★2017
Date: 2008-10-26 20:25
Let me just second the suggestion of trying one of Ridenour's A's. It is more
than that your get a great clarinet for the money, you get a great clarinet period!
Tom's instruments are more consistent than Yamahas and much more consistent than Buffets. And all you have to risk in order to try one is the return postage!
D.O.
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Author: Adrianna
Date: 2008-10-27 00:18
Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into the Lyrique A from Ridenour.
Adrianna
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