Klarinet Archive - Posting 000452.txt from 1997/09

From: vanbuul@-----.com
Subj: Re: Pawn Shops
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997 16:06:22 -0400

On Tue, 9 Sep 1997 Al Chiavarini wrote (a.o.):

> If you want the "baddest", clarinet you have to own a hand made clarinet
> such as the Wurlitizer (he is now dead) and pay around five grand for it.
> These clarinets were owned by the likes of Sabine Meyers and Karl
> Liester.
>

I don't know in what sense you mean 'baddest'. The Wurlitzer (note the
spelling) brand is seen by many professionals as the very BEST instrument
available. The brand is still in business and clarinets can be ordered (only
direct sell from the factory in Germany).
Sabine Meyer and Karl Leister (note also these spellings) do still play on them.
I think Dieter Klocker does, too. I know the clarinet section of the Royal
Concertgebouw Orchestra does. In fact playing a Wurlitzer is (almost) an
prerequisite for a job in the top orchestras in Germany and Holland.

If you mean 'bad customer service' then you are right. Reclamations after
payment are not covered ('Our clarinets don't crack') and you can not choose
from several instruments: they make them on demand and only one is intended for you
('Take it or leave it'). They send them to you by means of a postal packet.

Luuk van Buul
1st Clarinet Philips' Symphonic Band

Ps. I play on a Leblanc Opus, myself. Our band has bought some Wurlitzers
several years ago.
--
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L.J.M. van Buul vanbuul@-----.com
Philips Research Waalre Philips Optoelectronics
Prof.Holstlaan 4
5656 AA Eindhoven Tel. +31 40 2744649
The Netherlands Fax. +31 40 2744335
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