Buying a used clarinet

[Rhotacism]

Hello, I'm a college student who rented and borrowed clarinets throughout Highschool

I want to play longterm and am looking to buy a used clarinet

Can anyone give me some tips to look out for or links? I'm completely new to this

[ghostler]

Hello, I'm a college student who rented and borrowed clarinets throughout High school. I want to play longterm and am looking to buy a used clarinet. Can anyone give me some tips to look out for or links? I'm completely new to this

What type of budget are we talking about? I assume you are a music student using the clarinet in your studies?

Over the past couple years I purchased a dozen student and intermediate clarinets used on eBay. I know what I was looking for, do my own repairs (pads, corks, felts, adjustments, etc.). Recently I gifted a friend's son an Antigua Winds student clarinet in Resonite ($153 - like new), and another to a friend's daughter, a Selmer CL300 in Resonite in excellent condition ($108, serviced, from a music store in Idaho who withdrew from rental).

The CL300 has been replaced with the CL301, which is now going for about $1,400 new.

However, I imagine you are looking for at least an intermediate model in most likely Grenadilla wood.

Over the past 10 years used Grenadilla wood clarinets, but these required work: 3 Boosey & Hawkes Edgwares (2015 - $50; 2020 - $84; 2025 - $106) and a 1940's G. Penzel (Mueller, Germany) Pacemaker in decent condition (2026 - $54).

However, I knew what was doing. In your case, you probably want something that plays from Day 1 that has been professionally serviced, because your studies and any parttime employment leave you with limited free time.

I would check with music stores and independent woodwind repair technicians near you. In general, musical instruments except for certain esteemed pro models depreciate heavily. Because music stores must compete with on-line sales, they may be a touch more, but may offer a warranty on a serviced model plus possibly an extended warranty if you so choose.

Others here may be a bit more familiar and chime in.

[Jeabrams]

Rhotacism,

Ghostlier has good advice! There are many instruments available "out there" most inexpensive ones will require refurbishment which can be costly - beware!

As a music student a very long time ago, I began a small trade business buying and refurbing instruments that I could buy from pawn shops. I was fortunate to have several professional friends that mentored me through my first few repair's so I could afford better quality instruments for my own use. This was prior to the internet and readily available repair tutorials. It got me going and I have been servicing and adjusting my collection for many years now. If you are interested in playing but not working on your own instruments then a good well tuned used clarinet - beginner-intermediate - could have a wide range in price and quality. Spend some time testing out different instruments if you have that opportunity. I have found that comfort and playability varies even between instruments of the same brand and model. Little adjustments matter. I recommend you consult your budget and see what is available. I recently gave my daughter a Conn 16 from the mid 1960's so she can start learning to play clarinet and teach my grandson. I really liked playing the 16 I have acquired several 16's and have one as a practice instrument. Over the years I have refurbed many Bundy's and Vito's that with a full repadding cost under $200 - good solid instruments not intermediate but playable - if a wood body is your choice look at the Selmer Signet they can be great and not to expensive or can be very expensive if needing shop time, take your time you have many options - I hope you have music stores close that can provide you with choices best of luck on your journey!!

[350 Rocket]

Three major questions:

1. What's your budget?
2. What style(s) of music do you play?
3. What's your location?

And I suppose I should also ask if you have a preference for material, but your budget may define that.

You will usually be better off buying something that's already been serviced rather than buying something of uncertain condition and having it worked on, but depending on what you have for repair shops locally, you might be able to make the latter work out.