Klarinet Archive - Posting 000589.txt from 1996/05

From: niethamer@-----.EDU
Subj: Re: A CLARINETS
Date: Sun, 26 May 1996 21:13:16 -0400

On Sun, 26 May 1996, John Gibson wrote:

> I am thinking about buying a new A clarinet.
> 1. Where are good places to go in the Los Angeles area?
> I want to be able to try some out.

I'll let someone from LA comment on this.

> 2. I had a clarinet technition tell me that Yamaha makes good quality
> A clarinets. Does anyone have any experience with them?

I've played a Yamaha 72cx in the Richmond Symphony for over 10 years, and
I can highly recommend them. They also make a 72cs model - distinctly
different bore configuration and feel. It's not a Buffet in terms of tone
quality, but in terms of the scale and indestructability of the keywork,
it's a wonderful clarinet. I found after about a year that I couldn't
tell the difference between how I sounded on the Yamaha and how I *had*
sounded on the Buffet. Maybe I was just confirming my prejudice that "you
sound like what you hear".

> 3. Are there any reputable mail order houses anyone would recommend?
>
I've done business with Fred Weiner in New York, and my wife with
Woodwind/Brasswind. I believe each will let you try instruments. IMO,
though, if you can *go* someplace, you'll maybe have better luck with the
trial.

Good luck

David Niethamer