Klarinet Archive - Posting 000884.txt from 1996/03

From: Gary Van Cott <mccmis@-----.COM>
Subj: Buffet Clarinets ( was Re: Buffet Festival Jazz)
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 1996 13:25:27 -0500

Dr. Ronald P. Monsen wrote:

> It is my understanding that the Festival model is made and sold for
> the "retail" (non mail order firms) and is distributed as such in
> the USA by the American agent. Perhaps some of the large mail order
> houses have them but I do not think you will see them advertised.
> Of course this could be a rumour--but I have heard this from several
> sources. You may want to contact the Buffet area representative for
> you area of the country and check with him.
>
What I would like to know is:
What is the marketing strategy of Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet? (I am
assuming they have one.) It is certainly not clear from their product
line. This is unlike, Lablanc which has several models of higher end
instruments clearly distinguished by price (although the continued
sale of their LL series muddies the waters somewhat).

My new Buffet Crampon catalog shows the following models which are
profession level: Elite, Festival, RC Prestige, RC, R13, R13 Prestige,
and DG. The Green Line instruments were listed in a separate brochure.
Is there anywhere in the United States one could actually try all
these instruments?

Since I am planning to buy a new instrument in a few months this is a
very really problem for me. The more choices there are the more
frustrating it can become. I know that many of you have also faced
this dilemma.

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV
mccmis@-----.com