How to Buy a Used Clarinet
Tips for Checking the Quality and Condition of a Pre-Owned Clarinet
Nov 23, 2008
When considering a used clarinet, there are things an astute buyer should check to determine its value and condition. Jonathan Cathell, who has repaired woodwinds for twenty years, offers tips for bargain hunting musicians.
Student Clarinet and Levels of Craftsmanship
It’s important to determine whether the used clarinet is a student clarinet, intermediate clarinet, or professional clarinet. A related article explains the variations in quality and features buyers will run across while comparing different clarinet models.
“On a used clarinet,” Jonathan says, “the logo will usually be on each section, the barrel, the upper joint, lower joint, and the bell. The serial number is typically in one of two places: the top of the lower joint just above your thumb rest, or the bottom of the upper joint on the back.” Once a buyer has the brand name and model number of a used clarinet, a google search can uncover its quality and features.
If the used clarinet is a vintage clarinet without a model number, the task becomes more challenging. Buyers can ask an experienced clarinetist to play the instrument and give an opinion. They can also take the used clarinet by an instrument repair shop for advice.
Checking a Used Clarinet for cracks
When considering a wooden clarinet, Jonathan advises buyers to check its body thoroughly for cracks, even if the instrument is fairly new. “Cracks on a clarinet need to be taken care of,” he says. “To repair a crack properly, it needs to be pinned. If a crack isn’t pinned, it will spread. Once it’s repaired, the clarinet should play fine. A well-repaired crack is hard to spot, but the value of the instrument in terms of sale price should definitely be lower.
Some older clarinets were made of hard rubber, and that can warp. A warped body will cause mechanical problems and eventually make the instrument unplayable.
Some clarinets made in the first half of the twentieth century were metal. Most of these, except those under reputable brand names, were cheap student instruments. If a Buyer is interested in a metal clarinet, they should look the instrument over for dents. While a dent isn’t a hard and fast reason to reject a metal clarinet, cosmetic condition definitely affects an instrument’s value. Jonathan advises buyers to take the dent’s location and size into account. “Obviously, a pretty big dent in the body can cause some air flow restrictions,” he says, “but a little ping or minor dent isn’t going to effect the sound that much. Buyers should check carefully beneath the clarinet’s posts for body damage. “If a dent is situated under a post or key cluster,” Jonathan adds, “it can cause rods to bind up, pads to come off level with the tone hole, and other adjustment problems.”
Damage to the clarinet mouthpiece will effect the clarinet’s playability and tone, but since many players upgrade their mouthpiece to improve their instrument’s sound, new mouthpieces are readily available. Make certain to play the used clarinet with a good mouthpiece before purchasing.
Pads on a Used Clarinet
Any used clarinet is bound to show signs of wear and tear. Perishable parts such as pads, key corks, and felt all deteriorate over time. Basically, any perishable part on a used clarinet can be replaced. But, if the instrument needs to be overhauled or repadded, it should be reflected in the purchase price.
Clarinet pads are the cushions beneath the keys which seal the holes. A pad that doesn’t seal properly will make playing nearly impossible. ”If there’s obvious tears or wear marks,” Jonathan says, “that denotes a bad pad.” If the buyer can play, a run up the scale will reveal any leaky keys with painful squeaks. Clarinets can squawk for other reasons, though, so it’s best to use an experienced player to test an instrument. The buyer can also use an electric tuner to check the instrument’s pitch.
Tenons are where the clarinet’s parts fit together. Buyers should examine the cork on the mouthpiece, upper joint and lower joint. Cork will break down over time, but missing or damaged cork is typical and can be easily replaced on a used clarinet. If the clarinet’s pieces won’t assemble properly, cork can also be sanded down. Buyers should also check if the end rings between the upper and lower joints, and on the bell and barrel joints are snug.
Mechanical Issues on a Used Clarinet
“Typically,” comments Jonathan, “if the clarinet pads look okay, and the instrument plays well except for a little stuffiness. The [clarinet] probably needs to be adjusted. Adjustment condition is key. People sell poorly adjusted instruments at top value all the time.”
The first step in determining whether a used clarinet needs to be adjusted is checking the action. Action is partly determined by spring tension and partly by the condition of the rods and screws. Buyers can test the keys to insure they move freely and return easily to an open position. The keys shouldn’t wiggle back and forth or make clicking sounds. Action that’s too soft, or not fast enough, can usually be corrected fairly easily by adjusting spring tension.
“If the [used clarinet] has keys that are seized,” Jonathan says, “it probably means the instrument has been in water, and the customer should be leery.” Key oil can lubricate screws and rods, but isn’t used to free up rusted or seized parts. This problem needs to be handled by a professional.
It’s never a bad idea to ask a technician experienced with woodwinds for their opinion of a used clarinet. There aren’t many used clarinets beyond repair, but buyers should research to determine whether a particular instrument is worth their effort and expense. It boils down to weighing an instrument’s quality against its condition. To find tips on understanding the variation in quality among clarinets, buyers can look at the article, “How to Find the Right Clarinet.”
Quotes gained through conversation with Jonathan Cathell.
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