Ive been looking for a clarinet on ebay and i have found a selmer for around £20. I cant work out why its so cheap! is there something wrong with it that i havent noticed? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/clarinet-selmer_W0QQ...1QQcmdZViewItem

How old is it? How desparate is the seller to get rid of it? What needs doing to it?

Just a few immediate thoughts. It doesn't look to be one of Selmer's finest instruments, which is why it doesn't have a £1000 reserve.

It closes later this evening, so if you want it you'd better be quick!

It's cheap because 1. the brand name is spelled wrong (for sale purposes a clarinet should be branded b-u-f-f-e-t and a flute or sax should be branded y-a-m-a-h-a) 2. because there is no indication at all about its condition and 3. because this is the worst time of the year for sales. At worst it could need a complete overhaul. Still, it isn't a lot to lose and you can always relist it on ebay and get most of your money back if repairs prove to be too expensive.

liz

The photos do not show the logo that is stamped at the top of the upper joint. Anybody selling a clarinet should provide at least 3 photos showing the keywork, case and logo.

Selmers are well known for their very old sub-contracted models that can cost an awful lot to make playable. The logo often has 'London foreign' or 'Studente'.

Many old selmers come with a MP and barrel that are absolutely terrible.

One interesting thing about this is the case. I like those small 'pochette' type cases.

But check out this person's feedback. Not very reassuring.

My advice is to steer clear of this one.

Steve

Talking of Ebay, I thought you'd like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Just look at the photo!

Read his message: "Apologies to all about the lack of photos. My digital camera is not working properly."

Ask yourself how he got that pic of the clarinet with the white background.

It's funny to me now, but some poor naive person on a low income might buy it for their young child who's desperate to learn the clarinet. And that's not funny!


Nevertheless, there are some incredible bargains on Ebay. There ARE lots of honest people. But you have to bide your time, do your research, learn all you can about clarinets and just be patient.

Steve

you're being over suspicious, Steve. that's just a catalogue photo he's lifted from a shop listing somewhere. It doesn't mean anything at all one way or the other

You know what Liz? You may be right.

I find it strange that two cork tenons have come away. I know it's no big deal to repair, but that on a clarinet described as 'used for 12 months' and the funny photo just sends alarm bells ringing.

However, the price is ridiculously low. Even if it requires a bit of work, it's probably a bargain.

Steve