 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Skimalodeon
Date: 2024-05-08 16:08
Hello everyone,
I may visit Japan in the future and I was looking at buying a clarinet while I am there, because potentially I could get a good deal on a used Yamaha. Does anyone have an opinion on where to look? Doing an online search showed me Ishibashi Music which have used instruments. I do speak a little Japanese. Also, I am quite a beginner at clarinets and so I wouldn't be great at judging quality - so I'm looking for a shop which would be trustworthy.
Thank you!
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Author: Selmer Buff
Date: 2024-05-08 22:41
Sounds like fun. Take your own mouthpiece(s) and reeds. Eliminates a variable.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-05-09 00:15
You need to do some research on shopping in Japan. Are there taxes that visitors do not have to pay like VAT in Europe? How are prices on new clarinets comparing to local to you prices?
I bought a few instruments in Europe- the prices are cheaper than in the US, plus there is a savings of VAT (about 20%) that non-EU residents do not pay. However, it works out only when buying new instruments; there is no VAT reduction on used instruments.
In addition, if you cannot check the clarinet properly due to luck of experience, buying used can be problematic...Buying a new Yamaha clarinet can be less problematic since there are supposed to be very consistent in quality.
I would try to contact a couple of music stores by email and see what they have in stock and their pricing. A store may know more about the export taxes, etc. as well.
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Author: Skimalodeon
Date: 2024-05-12 12:19
Hello
Thank you for this advice.
I found a shop which sells tax free for travellers, so even a new one looks like it would be a good saving compared to buying here in the UK.
https://www.shimokura-webshop.com/products/list?name=&category_id=967&brand=883
(The prices listed include tax, which is 10 percent)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-05-13 00:15
Just keep in mind that you will not have any warranty/after-sale support on the instrument.
If the savings are significant, then it is worth taking the risk.
For example, if the instrument cracks, you most likely would need to ship it to the store to get a replacement.
Also, stores selling to tourists are usually more expensive.
I'd try to find another store just to compare prices.
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Author: Elifix
Date: 2024-05-14 08:22
The major cities like Tokyo /Osaka has a lot of reputable shops.
Ishimori (you need to use their Japanese website, not the ones that promote the ligature)
Dolce
Yamano
Shimokura
Nonaka
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Author: JohnP
Date: 2024-05-14 11:37
Ishimori japanese webisite
https://www.ishimori-co.com/
Use Chrome to translate it if necessary.
For anybody interested in top professional instruments and living in the UK, their selection is quite surprising compared to what’s available, or rather what’s not available here in shops in the UK. E.g. Leitner and Kraus and Schwenk and Seggelke.
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Author: John Peacock
Date: 2024-05-14 18:57
You may be able to avoid paying tax in Japan, but surely you would still be liable for import duties and taxes at customs when you bring it home? You could just go through the green line and keep your fingers crossed, but if you get picked for a random check then presumably you risk a fine for not declaring, in addition to the customs charges.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-05-14 19:53
"If the savings are significant, then it is worth taking the risk.
For example, if the instrument cracks, you most likely would need to ship it to the store to get a replacement."
As all wooden clarinets are liable to cracking to some degree or other, that risk is something that's to be expected and should be dealt with as and when it happens. Plus it's far better to repair a crack than replacing the cracked joint with an entirely new one as that's got to be played in again from scratch and there's no guarantee it won't crack or it'll play the same as the original joint which is why you chose that particular clarinet to begin with. And rather than returning a cracked clarinet overseas for a replacement, just get it fixed locally by someone who knows what they're doing.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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