Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell me what my old clarinet is worth?
The Vintage Clarinet Doctor receives emails every day asking for free information and valuation and I just don't have the time to answer them all, so I am now charging a fee (payable to Venmo or my Paypal account) for valuations. Your best bet is to check completed sales on ebay!
Can I use my current mouthpiece on a vintage instrument?
Well, maybe... Most older clarinet barrels will accept a modern mouthpiece, occasionally requiring the removal or addition of cork. Whether that mouthpiece will be the 'best one for the job' depends on chamber shape, bore size, tip opening, reed choice, and lots of intangibles like the shape of your oral cavity and how good your intonation is. I strongly encourage buyers to try a couple different mouthpieces, different reeds, and at LEAST a few days playing scales, long tones and arpeggios before making a decision about the instrument. Modern horns are generally built on similar principles and in a narrow range of bore sizes - older instruments vary quite a bit and can require a little more work than just 'pop on the mouthpiece and go'. However, I think the tone is generally superior, the instrument will have a more 'personal' feel, and of course the price will be much lower!
What are your overhaul prices?
Vintage Wood Clarinet Overhaul: starting at $425
Vintage Saxophone Overhaul: starting at $450 + pad set
Vintage clarinets and saxes must be priced on a case by case basis due to condition issues, quality of construction, age, complexity of mechanism and special-ordered supplies (special pads, for instance). Older saxes, like older clarinets, require a lot of extra time and some specialized tools/skills to obtain the best results. This is not a quickie pad replacement, but a thorough job designed to last for years and give best results. Please check my 'Services' page for an explanation of the work involved. Once I get your horn on my bench, I can give an accurate price for its restoration!
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, checks or MO's drawn on a US bank, Western Union, Zelle, Venmo, Transferwise, money orders drawn on a US post office or Western Union, or Paypal (+3.8% for fees). The last is offered for the convenience of my international customers and is probably my least favorite form of payment. I avoid credit cards to help keep my prices low and my life simple!