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 Question about similarly priced clarinets
Author: paker 
Date:   2012-08-21 15:06

Buffet's Evette & Schaeffer and Leblanc's Symphonie are from the same era (1960's) and priced about the same, $300. But I read from the posts here that Symphonie 3 is professional and E&S is intermediate. Did I read the posts correctly? Is $ not a good indicator of the quality? Thanks.

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 Re: Question about similarly priced clarinets
Author: MarlboroughMan 
Date:   2012-08-21 15:16

I'll let others comment on the relative merits of the Buffet and the Leblanc models you mentioned (I don't have experience with either of them). But in the used clarinet market, price is a very shakey indicator.

There are plenty of stories here of clarinets purchased used for ridiculously low prices. The three best horns I own--professional models-- all date from the 1950s and cost me less than $800 combined. It helps to know what you want and what you're looking for, so if you can, try to familiarize yourself with the models before even testing the ones for sale. And then remember to always "try before buy".

[There are also plenty of over-priced horns out there...used pro models from ten-fifteen years ago, for example, are sometimes offered for close to current retail price. They might be worth it, depending onn the player and the individual horn, but caution is always advised].


Eric

******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/

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 Re: Question about similarly priced clarinets
Author: JJAlbrecht 
Date:   2012-08-21 15:56

What you have noted on other posts is correct. Evette/Schaeffer clarinets are intermediate models, and the Symphonie was the top of the line for its time.

Best if you can play test the two instruments to verify which is, indeed, the better buy.

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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 Re: Question about similarly priced clarinets
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2012-08-21 17:05

I tried to explain to someone a little while back that it's better to buy a used pro model clarinet (in full working order) than it will be to buy a brand new intermediate model (Yamaha 450) for the same price.

He seemed to think he was getting much better value for money in a new intermediate instrument than in a used pro model even though they were priced the same.

I also tried to tell him the intermediate one won't hold its value like a used pro model will when it comes to trading up to a pro model (which he won't need to do if he bought a used pro model), but it fell on deaf ears.

I gave up.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

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