Klarinet Archive - Posting 000087.txt from 1995/11

From: Michael D Moors - Alpena <mdmoors@-----.US>
Subj: Re: Student model clarinets
Date: Sun, 5 Nov 1995 23:24:19 -0500

Lorne

As I use mostly Buffet student model clarinets and E-11 as step ups I can't
comment too much on the Yamaha. The Vito seems to be fairly consistent
as a student instrument, I use them also. I stand by my statement that
it is better to have a store to take repairs to, handle warranty work and
prep instruments.

There are certain situations where a catalog order might be necessary. I
have done it myself. We had one store (I won't mention a name) that
wanted to dictate what we used. He also charged prices as high for 15 year
old instruments as a catalog charged for new. So I went through a catalog
period myself. I learned my lesson when a clarinet cracked. Not only
did I have to send the instrument to the manufacurer (It was gone 3
months) the student wasn't able to play that entire time.

Living in NE Michigan the nearest big store is 140 miles away. Luckily
we have 200 beginners starting a year yearly. We started doing a rental
night that was competitive. We opened our rental night open to three
stores. Or best store drives 230 miles each week to service us. I feel
bad that the local refused to compete. He is now out of business.

Our kids are paying 5% over catalog price for instruments. They are the
winners. When instruments need repairing one of the two stores can
usually provide a loaner while the instrument is being repaired, saving
the teacher valuable time in trying to "catch up" the student. On the
other hand if you have a store that isn't doing what you want you need to
do what you have to do to recify the situation. This is my story on how
I handled it.

Mike Moors
mdmoors@-----.us

On Sun, 5 Nov 1995, Lorne G. Buick wrote:

> I agree with Mike Moors as far as professional instruments are concerned,
> but I think it's less critical with regard to student instruments. I have
> also observed (from my limited experience) that Yamaha clarinets generally
> seem to play much better straight out of the box than Buffet, so as the
> advice seems to be leaning towards Yamaha already perhaps this further
> lessens the importance of store prep...
>
> >In regard to buying an instrument from a catalog. At the risk of getting
> >"flamed" by readers from such warehouses I would like to point out
> >pitfalls. I have tried selected new professional model Buffets that are
> >terrible as far as being adjusted. A warehouse isn't going to "prep" a
> >instrument for you. You could probably buy a brass instrument without
> >problems but an oboe, basson, clarinet or sax I would pay more to have it
> >preped. Another pitfall with warehouses is you deal directly with the
> >company (at most warehouses) for service. This at the least can be time
> >consuming and inconvenient. If you find a good repairman (like I have)
> >buy him dinner once in a wile.
>
> Hmmm... the best repairman I've found never seems to have time for dinner.
> However he does appreciate a bottle of Scotch once in a while... :-)
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> LGB Lorne G Buick Draft III Music
> mcheramy@-----.ca Wind Music
> Arranging, Copying, Publishing
> Have basset horn, will travel
>