 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Klar1netteF
Date: 2026-03-05 03:26
I am a student, and I will be auditioning for youth orchestras, for which an A clarinet would be very helpful.Does anyone in the Pennsylvania area have a used A clarinet they don't want? Everything goes into consideration, but a a Yamaha or lower budget buffet would probably be best. (Gala or R13 maybe?)
Thank you!
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Author: kdk
Date: 2026-03-06 07:34
Check in the For Sale area (the green square near the top right of the page). If there's nothing there, you'll probably need to start canvassing instrument dealers and repair shops in your area to see what they have. Some shops have websites with a page for used instruments they've taken on consignment for someone who has, perhaps, bought a new instrument from them.
You could certainly try Ebay, but be careful about what you see there. Very old or beaten-up-looking in the picture is not a good bet. Be prepared to spend money on having an auction site instrument repaired.
If you have a private clarinet teacher, he or she may know where to ask about used A clarinets.
Karl
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2026-03-07 03:14
I wonder whether the youth orchestras assume you will have an A clarinet. I suspect the audition excerpts will all be for Bb.
Plz correct me if I'm wrong.
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2026-03-08 00:46
I briefly checked ebay and was kind of surprised. There used to be so many more decent used clarinets there.
If all else fails, do consider ordering from Thomann. It's called CL-17A or CL-18ASure, they're from China , but usually Thomann sets them up ok and you know you have some kind of warranty. Certainly a better option than older, cheaper Amatis. I had one and the c" was always way too sharp, along with a host of other intonation issues and not the greatest keywork. There aren't really other affordable manufacturers I can think of producing a decent a clarinet. You could order from Aliexpress, but that might be a tad riskier than you like. "Moresky" is a generic brand name for a bunch of different instruments
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Author: kdk
Date: 2026-03-08 03:01
My experience with local youth groups is that they provide whatever part comes with the set and it's the players' problem to either learn to transpose, write out a Bb part, or get an A clarinet. Of course, sometimes Kalmus (now gone from the scene) and Lucks include transposed parts or make them available separately, or a transposed part can be found on IMSLP. I definitely wouldn't assume audition excerpts provided by the orchestra will be transposed.
Still, it doesn't hurt to ask if there's someone to ask.
Karl
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Author: Klar1netteF
Date: 2026-03-16 00:07
It is surprisingly required for one of the orchestras, but I have until after the audition to get one.
Thank you for your helpful suggestions!
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Author: donald
Date: 2026-03-16 00:12
I technically have an A clarinet for sale, but can't decide which one to sell as I like them both.... plus I know someone selling a "Boosey and Hawkes Edgeware A clarinet" that is apparently in good condition... from the estate of former NZSO principal Frank Gurr and they only want about 300-400 US$ for it (plus shipping- it's in NZ)
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Author: kdk
Date: 2026-03-16 05:42
Klar1netteF wrote:
> It is surprisingly required for one of the orchestras, but I
> have until after the audition to get one.
I'm not especially surprised. Requiring clarinetists to own A clarinets saves the orchestra a lot of trouble. They don't have to take A clarinet parts into consideration in choosing repertoire, they don't have to deal with clarinet players' wrong notes as they try to figure the transposition out, and they don't have to worry about providing a transposed part. It's accommodating that they let you audition on a Bb if the excerpts are written for A.
Karl
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2026-03-16 13:30
Say, what's your Bb clarinet right now?
Also good luck with the rehearsals!
A more "extreme" (or maybe consequent) approach might be to also just sell your Bb and get a pair of the same type of instrument.
We just had a lovely chamber concert and I REALLY noticed how I was happy to have the same instrument in A (Buffet RC, that is) for the Saint Saens Tarantelle....and even then, A clarinets give you woes you won't expect from your Bb.
An excellent option might be to go for a pair of Uebel Advantages. It's like a really good mix of R13 and RC and probably still has better quality wood than many Buffets, a real bang for the buck.
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Author: Klar1netteF
Date: 2026-03-16 22:40
I currently use a R13 bb and Yamaha 20 bb. It would be helpful to have another R13 if it is in my budget.
I will check out the advantages and ask for my teacher's opinion. I'm not technically in the orchestra, but the clarinet assistant(or conductor, I'm not sure) thinks i would do well, so I take that as a good sign.
This means I have plenty of time, so your help goes further.
Thanks to everyone!
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Author: Klar1netteF
Date: 2026-03-16 22:41
What are the clarinets you have? I would be happy with either if they are similar to my R13, but if not, no worries!
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