 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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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-03-17 09:32
I recommend a used R13 A - it will hold re-sale value pretty well, will be at least a good, maybe an excellent A.
Selmer 10/10G are very similar to the R13 in keywork feel, and are much cheaper than an R13.
However, if you consider eBay or Reverb, you need to VERY CAREFULLY check the description and pictures - I was just checking eBay for a Buffet R13 A and noticed a "Vintage R13 A", except it was not an R13 but a pre-R13 with an aftermarket barrel.
Music stores also can sell used clarinets with a mismatched barrel.
I agree with kdk - your best bet is a small shop specializing in clarinets.
Buying from Aliexpress (or any other China-cheapo-made) is a waste of money.
Good luck with your audition.
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Author: Erez Katz
Date: 2026-03-17 11:15
Check out "BandJoe Music" on facebook (easier to find their page with google search though). They currently have 3 A clarinets. Their stock updates all the time. (I also sent you an email to the address on your profile).
I know both folks involved and they are first rate.
Joe Bettencourt is well known in Maine for his superb work on woodwind instruments.
Post Edited (2026-03-17 11:17)
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2026-03-17 13:23
It's an uncomfortable topic, but as off now, you might be better off purchasing an instrument from europe directly. Clarinet prices have gone up in the US (or so it seems to me) while a new E13 A clarinet could be had for around 2000$ if you buy directly from Thomann and pay around 10-15% import duties. Same with the E11, an even cheaper option, but the E13 compares quite well to the R13. Or buy their own brand. The same model is sold in the US at 2-3 times the price, for example under the "Morrél" brand name. Google it if you dont believe me.
God knows what tariffs you guys are gonna get next, but I wouldn't pay 3000$ for a used R13 right now. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with the rest
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-03-17 22:06
I'll just throw it in the discussion, but Tom Ridenour offers his hard rubber A clarinets at attractive prices. He recently discontinued his AureA clarinets (this is the accoustical equal to the Libertas II, but also has gold posts and an Eb/Ab lever).
You can get them on very attractive terms including 0% payments.
https://www.rclarinetproducts.com/aurea-a-clarinet
On Reverb he's offering it for $1,300:
https://reverb.com/item/93034097-ridenour-lyrique-aurea-2024
There are plenty of videos of Tom playing it on his website/YouTube channel.
If you want to hear someone else play on a Libertas II clarinet, here's a YouTube short with Bob Straka (he's playing on a prototype model without branding on it, but it's clearly a Libertas II clarinet with a Brad Behn setup - mouthpiece, barrel, and bell).
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ej1IxPdYIt8
It obviously won't be a 'match' to your R13, but if you just need a quality A clarinet, it's certainly worth looking into.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
ATG System and Cordier Reed Trimmer
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-03-17 22:19
Other brands to look at would be:
Clarinets by Copeland:
https://betterclarinets.com/
Lisa's Clarinet Shop's SeriO line:
https://lisasclarinetshop.com/product-category/instruments/serio-clarinets/
Btw, the SeriO line is eligible for trade-ins to upgrade to a Buffet professional model in the future. "Trade-in Value: Develop your playing and trade in your SeriO for a new Buffet. Trade in value can be as high as 80% if you have cared for the instrument."
https://getserio.com/why-serio/
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
ATG System and Cordier Reed Trimmer
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-03-18 00:18
My signature in my posts are my setup and equipment. I currently don't have an A clarinet. Back in my senior year of high school I had an R13 and later got a Leblanc LL A clarinet. They didn't "match", but it worked for me.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
ATG System and Cordier Reed Trimmer
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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-03-18 01:23
David H. Kinder wrote:
... the SeriO line is eligible for trade-ins to upgrade to a Buffet professional model in the future. "Trade-in Value: Develop your playing and trade in your SeriO for a new Buffet. Trade in value can be as high as 80% if you have cared for the instrument."
"Can be as high as 80%" does not mean it will be.
I still recommend an R13 or a Selmer (Paris) A.
Selmer clarinets are undervalued in the US and are much cheaper than Buffet.
Selmer 10/10G offer 90-95% of the R13 performance for the fraction of the price.
Modern Selmers (Recital, Signature) are very comparable to R13 and even Prestige and can be found relatively cheap.
Spend the money, cry one night and enjoy the instrument for lifetime.
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2026-03-18 10:04
The "SeriO" clarinets are also just rebranded chinese instruments.
Copeland clarinets seem to feature at least some modifications, such as different eb lever touchpieces etc. Even then, their eb clarinet looks exactly the same as others!
Still, don't be mistaken by their "low" pricetag. Chinese Instruments have come far, but they keywork is still not on the same level as the Buffet/Selmer erc. Don't 3000$ dollars because it's a (more or less modified stencil). If you want to save money, buy from Thomann.
But I'm feeling you guys ignore my posts anyways.
Good luck finding the right instrument...!
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-03-18 20:25
Copeland is designing his own - whether he does it for each one or not, I can't answer. I know he's working on a Basset A clarinet now.
https://www.facebook.com/ClarinetsByCopeland/posts/pfbid051hRtZizoup3EUtYKuHNLnPyPjUd99CroJ1jjarDnYq4bAUhRnwhDLJ2PdhWLNMkl
I'll agree on the Chinese keywork, but only as far as its plating finish is concerned. The keys on my AureA are quite thick and yes, I can bend them if I want to do so purposefully - just like any other metal on a clarinet.
The finish isn't as smoothly plated as I'd like, but that's primarily to my eye as I doubt anyone else would notice.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
ATG System and Cordier Reed Trimmer
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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-03-19 01:05
Kalashnikirby wrote:
"... But I'm feeling you guys ignore my posts anyways."
No.
Buying from Thomann can make sense (in my opinion) if you’re set on purchasing a new instrument. Even after factoring in import duties, the total cost is often still lower than buying the same instrument in the U.S.
That said, there are a few important drawbacks. If you need to return the instrument or require warranty service, the process can be more complicated. You also don’t get to choose a specific instrument—you receive whatever is shipped.
My recommendation to consider a good used R13 or Selmer is based on several factors:
1. Good resale value – if you decide to sell later, you’re unlikely to lose much.
2. Return flexibility – reputable shops often allow returns (sometimes with a restocking fee)
3. Avoiding quick upgrades – a well-selected used R13/Selmer 10/10G/Signature can prevent the need to upgrade in a few months.
So yes, Thomann’s pricing on new instruments is attractive—but there are trade-offs worth considering, and that could easily be a separate discussion.
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2026-03-19 01:37
Thanks m1964,
all I wanted to hear was my point being discussed.
I absolutely agree with trying to look for a used R13, but (at least in my eyes) prices of used instruments have risen drastically. A few years back, before covid, I'd often take a look at US based offerings - in fact, I got my Selmer alto and a Bundy eefer from the US, but these days, you will rarely see nice clarinet pairs and Selmer 10(G) or R13s in A have become fairly rare, too
I would however not spend 3000$ on a used, older R13 (at least these are the prices I'm seeing right now). For that kind of money, it has to be in tip top shape. Heck, I got my RC in A for 1300€, the serial no. indicates it's from 2001-2002 and wouldn't have paid more given what kind of work had to be done. If you buy a more recent model, you'll be able to get parts. I replaced a ring key - it need some tweaking, but turned out perfectly.
So yes, OP, if you can find a good instrument locally, or know your stuff or have someone look at it, find a used R13. Do consider that while the R13 is a good instrument, something like an Uebel Advantage will actually beat it (so does the RC, I know the english speaking part of the world feels differently, but intonation leaves a bit to be desired on the R13, with the RC being a newer development).
TLDR your options are:
1) Sell your R13. This will hurt. Start over with a matched pair
2) Get a used R13. Resale value will be good, but finding a good one that matched your instrument might be tough
3) Forget any thoughts of matching instruments and get the Thomann. That'll be the cheapest option
Side note: I played A parts on a cheap Amati for years. Got it for like 400€. For what the orchestra was, it worked ok. Good chinese instruments are already in a different league. That's how things can change...!
Post Edited (2026-03-19 01:41)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-03-20 04:59
I would like to add to my post above:
Professional Buffets and Selmers were built very well and thus restore quite well if the instrument was not abused.
They sound good and respond well even after not being played for very long time (some may need a few days to break-in).
I checked eBay prices on sold R13 As: a few in good condition (one was completely overhauled) sold under $2500. That does not sound excessive given that a new R13 A costs at least $5500 in the US, and RC A at Thomann $3600 + import duty (~$500?).
Used Selmers in A can be found even cheaper. When buying off eBay, one needs to check very carefully the description, photos and seller's feedback. If everything checks out, you get what you pay for. If not, eBay has good return policy.
Post Edited (2026-03-20 10:18)
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The Clarinet Pages
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