If you are new to the clarinet, used models may seem overwhelming. This guide walks you through what to check for as well as where you can buy them. You’ll also learn how much used models cost.
- How much are used clarinets worth?
- Where to buy used clarinets?
- What if it’s not in a good condition to sell?
- What are the included accessories?
Renting a clarinet is often seen as a cheaper option than actually buying one, but there are plenty of other positive factors to buying one secondhand. The last one is always a much safer option. Just make sure you have all the information you need and it should be fine. Buying a used one for cheaper sometimes isn’t such a bad idea either.
Where to Buy a Used Clarinet
After you’ve seen a few clarinets, it’s time to make your decision and get one for yourself.
There are lots of good places for you to buy a clarinet. The best option might be private market sellers. There are loads of them on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and Reverb. Hope that helps!
If you happen to have a music store nearby, they should be able to help you out with finding the best models. You can also check them out in person there!
If you’re looking to buy a used instrument, it’s important to start by researching by price range and location so that you can find the one that is closest to your location or home.
What to Know When Buying a Used Clarinet
You might wonder at first what the price difference is between a used clarinet and new one.
Used student-style clarinets can be used for a grade anywhere from $25 to $700. The buyer typically pays more for one if it’s in “good” condition, made of expensive material, or by a well-known brand.
For example, the cost of a new student clarinet can range from $250 to $1000 depending on the brand, model and material.
Important Factors to Consider Before Buying a Second-Hand Clarinet
When you buy a used clarinet, there are several factors to consider. The most important one is that the instrument is in good condition and has no major signs of damage since it can affect performance to some degree. Some potential issues with old instruments can be affecting the keywork or from previous owners dropping it on its bell.
- Does it have any gaps in the story?
- Anything missing or broken in the clarinet?
- You also want to make sure its case and mouthpiece are in good shape. It should not show any signs of water damage.
Make sure to check the pad, valves and screws too.
Clarinets can look really different from one seller to another. You should inspect how clean they are, as well as look for blemishes or scratches on the surface. If the item shows a lot of wear and tear then it might be best not to buy it as they won’t last you long and might cost more in the long run.
Best Brands for Used Clarinets
Currently, there are many clarinet models on the market. We’re showing you some of the most popular ones and their prices.
1. Yamaha
Yamaha clarinets are really popular and make for a good beginner instrument.
A Yamaha student clarinet could be $200 or it could cost $500. An intermediate model would be around $600 or it might cost a lot more, like the Yamaha YCL-450.
2. Selmer
A student model Selmer saxophone can cost you anywhere between $350 and $600 while a second-hand professional version could set you back anywhere from $1000 all the way up to $4000+.
3. Buffet Crampon
A beginner student clarinet made by Buffet Crampon could be between $900 and 2000$, for example, the Buffet R13, which provides a good value.
4. Leblanc (Vito)
Decent clarinets can cost from $50 to $300 and Vito makes a few of those. They are a little lower quality than other brands but generally offer a high level of playability for beginners.
Used Wooden Clarinets for Sale
If you’re thinking about buying a used wooden clarinet, think again. Not only will you have to consider the obvious difference in sound quality and the economy of buying a new clarinet then reselling it but also the sensitivity of wood to temperature fluctuations. If you are able to try out a wooden clarinet beforehand, that’s probably an indication that it will fit your needs.
What wood the instrument is made from and its age matter a lot. If possible, try to do some research on the different types of woods and find out which is best for what you need it for.
The main wood for clarinets is Grenadilla. There also may be made of Ebony, similar to Grenadilla. Grenadilla is more common for instruments than Ebony, which comes from West Africa. Grenadilla is used more often in Central Africa. Clarinets are sometimes made from rosewood, which has a softer sound.
Why Should I Buy a Used Clarinet
If you either don’t have the means to buy a new instrument or you want an upgrade from your current one, the best option that is often overlooked is buying used. They might not be in perfect condition but they still sound good and cost less.
Since there are too many string instruments on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one you want. That’s why it’s also important to research a potential instrument model in advance, see what size they are, and decide if they’re ideal for your needs.
Conclusion
Ensuring you have the right instruments before you start playing is important if you want to enjoy your experience. Some instruments only come as a package, so make sure there’s sufficient accessories to go along with it.
FAQ for Buying a Used Clarinet
What is a clarinet and how to play it?
The clarinet is a musical instrument that is often used in bands, orchestras and chamber music. A clarinet is a woodwind instrument made of metal and having a mouthpiece. It has two pipes, one on the left and one on the right, about an inch in diameter. You can play the clarinet by blowing air into the mouthpiece with your lungs and pressing the keys with your fingers.
What are good clarinet brands?
We highly recommend the following clarinet brands:
- Yamaha
- Jean Paul
- Selmer
- Jupiter
- Cecilio
What are the differences between a new and used clarinet?
A new clarinet is more expensive than a used one.
A new clarinet is less likely to have defects because it has been manufactured following strict quality control.
A new clarinet may be more likely to have better sound quality because it is made of higher-quality materials, or the design of the instrument may be better.
The reed and mouthpiece on a new clarinet are often better than those on a used one, which can affect sound quality.
How much can you spend on a used clarinet?
The prices of used clarinets vary depending on the quality, condition, and age.
The average price for a used clarinet is about $100 to $300.
How do you know if there is something wrong with the clarinet?
You may have noticed that the clarinet is not sounding as good as it used to. It might be time to get a new one. There are a few signs that can help you determine if your clarinet needs to be tuned or replaced.
- If the sound is not clear, then there might be something wrong with the mouthpiece or reed. You should try changing these and see if this solves the problem.
- If the sound is too high pitched, then you may need a new mouthpiece or a different reed to change this.
- If the sound has an echo, then you may need to get your clarinet repaired by someone who knows what they are doing so that it doesn’t happen again.
- If there is no air flow from your lungs into the instrument, then you may have forgotten to put in your mouthpiece or reed or there might be something wrong with your instrument’s mechanism (such as pads).
What should you look for when buying a used instrument?
Before buying a used instrument, you should be aware of the condition of the instrument. You should also find out how well it fits your budget. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar, for instance, you will have to make sure that the guitar is not too expensive and that it has been well taken care of by its previous owner.
What are the pros and cons of buying a used clarinet?
The first pro to buying a used clarinet is that it is less expensive than a new one. Some people may not have the budget for a new instrument, which is understandable.
Another pro to buying a used clarinet is that they are in good condition. The previous owner took care of their instrument and made sure that it was well taken care of.
There are also cons to buying a used clarinet, but they aren’t as major as the pros. One con being that you will not know how long the clarinet has been played before you purchase it. You could be getting someone else’s old instrument if you buy from someone who doesn’t take care of their instruments well or doesn’t know how to maintain them properly. Another con to buying a used clarinet is that there could be some wear on the body or keys, which would make playing difficult or uncomfortable for some people.
Do you need to buy a case for a clarinet?
Buying a case for your clarinet is a great way to protect it from damage. They are not just for storage purposes, they also offer protection from scratches and other types of damage.
There are many different types of cases available, but the main thing you should look out for is the material that they are made from. Some cases are made with hard foam while others are made with soft fabric.
What are the most important features of the clarinet?
The most important features of the clarinet are its bore, mouthpiece and reed. The bore of the instrument is cylindrical and the mouthpiece is at one end. A reed, which vibrates against a flat metal or plastic surface called the “saddle”, is inserted into the other end of the bore.
Is it difficult to learn to play the clarinet?
Playing a musical instrument is not easy. You need to have a lot of patience and dedicate a lot of time to it. The clarinet is not an exception.
It takes up to two years before you can perform simple tunes on the clarinet and there are many other skills that you need to master, like reading music, fingering and playing various notes. All these take time and effort.
How often should I get my clarinet checked by an expert?
The best way to keep your clarinet in good condition is to get it checked by an expert at least once a year. This will help you identify any problems with it and make sure that it is in the best possible condition for playing.
You should also have your clarinet checked if you notice any problems with its sound or if you notice that the keys are sticking.
What are some steps I can take to maintain my clarinet?
Maintaining your clarinet well will ensure that it lasts longer, sounds better, and is easier to play.
- Check the pads regularly for signs of wear or damage. Replace them as needed.
- Clean the instrument with a soft cloth after each use and keep it in a case when not in use.
- Polish the keys with a soft cloth or toothbrush periodically to remove buildup from oils and moisture.
- Use a humidifier if you live in an area with low humidity levels.