What should I check before buying a clarinet?

Before buying a clarinet, check the pitch standard: Buffet Crampon builds its E13 and Prodige clarinets at A = 442 Hz. Buffet supplies some models with 64 or 65 mm barrels, and players adjust tuning with barrel length. Buffet's specifications list silver-plated keywork, leather pads, cork tenons and an adjustable thumb rest, so check those parts on any instrument.