Klarinet Archive - Posting 001100.txt from 1997/08

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Bass clar. price and more
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 13:50:05 -0400

I am afraid I disagree with Neil Leupold on Argeris and his opinion of
Weiner. While both Weiner and Argeris may have had difficulty with some
orders, they both do an enormous amount of retail. Anyone who has worked
retail knows how difficult that can be. While I still hand out his
catalogue to my students, my negative experience with Mr. Weiner and his
handling of a bass clarinet purchase for a student helped me conclude I
would never buy from him personally again. He may have had very good
dealings with some - just not all of them were good with some of my
students. Let me stress.....this is a decision I have made for
myself..not for others.

My posting is not meant to slam Mr. Weiner, it is meant to point out that
IMS is a reputable supplier of instruments....and many excellent clarinet
teachers recommend Lisa to their students....I could list them, but the
point has been made. Get recommendations from many before looking at a
company to buy from. Then.....look at those companies that carry a large
volume with RECENT stock. Repair and servicing is important during the
warranty period (usually one year)...so be sure of what it will take to
replace the upper joint when it cracks or to have the horn adjusted by a
professional player.

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Illinois Wesleyan University

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, Neil Leupold wrote:

> On Mon, 25 Aug 1997, Lisa Argiris wrote:
>
> > Nick -
> >
> > You must have misunderstood as there is no $500 shipping charge.
> > When instruments are taken out on approval we charge a deposit
> > amounting to 1/2 the price of the instrument. If the instrument
> > is returned & not purchased we refund your deposit, however we
> > charge you for the shipping cost plus a $10 return fee.
> > Do you have our current catalog? The approval policy is clearly
> > spelled out there. Let me know if you need a catalog.
> > Please call us at 800-762-1116 if you have any more questions.
>
> Nick,
>
> Don't bother with Argiris and IMS. Go through Weiner or
> Woodwind/Brasswind or Muncy instead. These three dealers
> have a solid record of fairness and integrity, and whatever
> deposit they demand will be re-credited to your credit card
> very quickly if you decide not to purchase -- rather than
> dragging on for months and costing you $100's in interest.
>
> Weiner (800) 622-CORK
> Woodwind/Brasswind (800) 348-5003
> Muncy (800) 333-6415
>
> Fred Weiner is a great guy, as is Phil Muncy, and I've always
> received professional and honest service through WW/BW in
> Indiana as well. Their products are guaranteed to be in
> pristine condition when they get to you, and they'll be on
> your side if there's any sort of problem. Prices are quite
> good too. Get their respective catalogues and all of your
> needs should be met between the three of them.
>
> Best of luck,
> Neil
>