Buying a used clarinet is a great way to get a quality musical instrument at a reduced price. If you are a collector of antique instruments, you cannot help but purchase from the secondhand market. Here are a few things to look for to make sure you get your money’s worth on a used clarinet.
Buying a used clarinet tip #1: Locate the serial and model numbers
The first thing to do is find the used clarinet’s serial number and model information. There are two places where this is usually found. It can be listed above the thumb rest on the instrument’s lower joint or on the bottom of the upper joint. After you have this information, you can look up the clarinet’s spec and find similar prices for that model number on eBay or other auction sites. Some older used clarinets might not have the serial or model number still affixed to the instrument. Consult an experienced musician or a local music store for an evaluation of these unidentified clarinets.
Buying a used clarinet tip #2: Inspect the instrument for damage
If you are purchasing a wooden clarinet, check the body for cracks, dents, scratches, or other signs of damage. Some cracks may be repaired and the instrument will sound like new. If a crack is allowed to spread, it will become larger each time the clarinet is played, distorting the tone and eventually leading to splitting and breaking. When buying a used clarinet, inspect the body closely, looking for old cracks that may have been repaired. The instrument will still sound fine if the crack was repaired correctly, but you should get a discount on the sale price.
Some older clarinets were made from metal or hard rubber instead of wood. While cracking is not much of a problem for wooden instruments, metal clarinets are susceptible to dents and dings. Smaller dents may not affect the clarinet’s sound very much, but should be considered when deciding on the purchase price. Consider the location of any dents you find on the clarinet’s body. Avoid instruments that have been damaged under and around the posts and keys.
Buying a used clarinet tip #3: What to do about damaged accessories
Most clarinet accessories can easily be replaced, so damage to the mouthpiece, pads, or corks are not a major problem. It is often a good idea to purchase your own mouthpiece when buying a new instrument anyway. This allows you to choose the exact type of piece that you are most comfortable with. Check the seal created by the pads under the keyholes. If these are not airtight, the clarinet may squeak or simply be unplayable. It may also be a good idea to replace the entire set of pads when buying a used clarinet, just to make sure everything is sealed and ready to go.
