Klarinet Archive - Posting 000006.txt from 1994/01

From: Tom Ascher <U15310@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: French clarinet prices
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 10:19:02 -0500

Well, in response to Cary Karp's memo, I got my calculator out and did
some figuring:

Let's see, if the Selmer top of the line recital Bb goes for 13,755 francs,
at 5.9045 francs/$ that's $2,329. With a 15% dealer discount, this becomes
$1,980. With 13% refund of VAT this becomes $1,722. Giardinelli lists the Sel
mer B15-10R Paris Professional Recital Bb at $1,950. A saving of $227 by
going to France, assuming you can get through customs with it...

Doing the same calculations for the Selmer top of the line Selmer A15-10R Paris
Professional Recital:

17,240 franks at 5.9045 franks/$ @-----.
Less 13% VAT@-----.

So, in either case, enough benefit to look into if you find yourself in
Paris for a few days with time on your hands...assuming you know how to get
past customs and how to avoid a tax in the U.S. when it comes time to enter!

Perhaps no real savings in the way of $$, but a benefit if you have more
instruments to try. Perhaps Cary may have other insights for any of us
who wish to take this past an intellectual exercise!

Tom Ascher Internet: u15310@-----.edu
University of Illinois at Chicago Phone: (312) 413-3665