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Tips for buying used bass clarinet?

Author: bbillings
Date: 2013-12-02 17:09

I thought I'd throw some questions out to the community as bass clarinets are VERY expensive instruments, and for good reason. I'm an adult hobbyist and community band player and am currently playing on a Yamaha synthetic bass. I keep reading about the advantages of a professional caliber bass and have experienced the difference in the soprano clarinets first hand. I don't think it is prudent for me to buy a $10,000 instrument. I'm not paid to play after all and if I'm honest I'm more novice than professional by all measures. So a used, vintage bass might be the answer if I were to switch (Maybe switching isn't the answer? Another opinion I'm prepared to accept).

First question, would it really be an upgrade from modern student horn to vintage professional horn?

If so, is that true for all vintage professional bass clarinets or only certain models? (There definitely appears to be a bias toward the Selmer Paris instruments from 20+ years ago as opposed to its competitors and the used prices appear to reflect that as well)

Any thoughts on "intermediate" instruments such as the LeBlanc Esprit or the newly reintroduced Buffet 1180 as compared to a student model? Would this be an upgrade worth the money or does the "simple" register mechanism "level the playing field?"

Lastly, does anyone have an idea where to look for such instruments? I've trolled the online auction site but people are "restoring" these and then putting them up for sale. No returns accepted typically and no assurance that the work was done well which concerns me greatly as one can't play test the instrument. I haven't come across any good used ones for sale locally. Should I just keep an eye out and spread the word through trusted sources?

My preference, other than winning the lottery to buy brand new, would be to buy one unrestored and have a top person whom I trust bring it to its best possible condition, which is also expensive. I think durability or the ability to hold an adjustment is a consideration though I'm very careful with my instrument. Still not looking to visit the repair shop quarterly. I'm looking forward to some thoughts from this knowledgeable group!

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