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Advice on "first" instrument

Author: Sopranino
Date: 2024-03-04 09:21

Hello! I am a jazz saxophone player who is looking to get a clarinet. I actually own a clarinet, however it is a plastic instrument I got for 25$ a few months ago. With this current instrument, I had to replace most of the exposed cork with floss to get the instrument to seal and pinky keys to close the correct amount (also had to use floss to replace the pad on Ab side). Not a great instrument, and though I'm not the best clarinetist, it seems to have tuning problems with throat Bb, and key action on the left pinky keys is worse than on the right. That's my current situation.

The clarinet I am looking at is a Martin Freres Lamont Model 2. I see on Ebay these go for 150$ (in poor condition) to 300$, the specific local sale I am looking at is for 100$. This instrument is not being sold by a clarinetist, so it's really up to me to figure out what quality it's in. I have attached photos!

I'm a student, so I do not have the money to spend on overhaul or instrument repair, which is why I have patched up my current clarinet so much. I love clarinet (jazz clarinet was my favorite instrument for a long time), and if I could use this instrument for a few years I'd consider it a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, I am fine sticking with what I have right now until something better comes up.

Finally, below is what the manufacturer has to say about this model and pricing:

"The clarinet has a rich, sweet, focused tone with good fluid action and excellent intonation. The key-work is considered “soft” and therefore requires frequent adjustments. This clarinet is best suited for the intermediate level musician.

The estimated Retail Value of the LaMonte Model 2 clarinet can be described as:

Used Parts Only to Poor Condition $75US – $99US
Used Fair to Good Playable Condition $100US – $149US
Used Very Good Playable Condition $150US – $349US
Used Excellent Playable Condition $350US – $499US"

With all of that context and the photos I've attached, do you think it's worth getting? I'll check it out in person, but I don't have the clarinet experience you all likely do.

All images can be seen here: https://imgur.com/a/LuEZhI6. It looks pretty good aside from some tarnish on the silver keys, the pads look ok and white (so might be newly repadded? not sure)

Post Edited (2024-03-04 09:38)

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