Klarinet Archive - Posting 001267.txt from 1997/10

From: "David S. Naden" <dnaden@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Buffet Prestige RC
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 17:21:06 -0500

Cynthia--

I purchased a set of Buffet RC Prestige instruments in 1985. At that
time, the list price was approximately $2500 per instrument, but the
actual price charged was approximately $1250 per instrument. Since that
time, the list price for a set (Bb and A) has increased to approximately
$9500-$10000. Big increase. I would suspect that the actual price to
be paid is still approxomately 50-60% of list, or about $2500-$3000 per
instrument.

Unfortunately, I do not know of any dealers in the Dallas, Houston or
Philadelphia area. Please be aware that often the Prestige instruments
have to be direct ordered by a dealer from Boosey and Hawkes in New
York, and are not often available to try before you buy.

David S. Naden

Cynthia M. Lee wrote:

> I am an American living in Norway. I have rejoined the clarinet world
> two
> years ago when I moved to Norway with my job. (chemical engineer by
> day,
> clarinet player by night). I took a 20 year leave of absence after
> high
> school band and orchestra, which I now regret. Every town in Norway
> has a
> community band called "Musikkorps", and my norwegian neighbor is the
> korps
> director, and I could not say no to him when he asked me to join two
> years
> ago. Muiskkorps in Norway is a big deal, with parades on the 17th of
> May
> (Norway Independence Day), concerts throughout the year and several
> week-end gatherings of area bands. I have thorougly enjoyed playing
> again,
> and have started somewhat serious study with a professional in the
> Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. I am interested in purchasing a new
> clarinet
> (I currently use a borrowed Buffet E-11), and my teacher is
> recommending
> either the Buffet RC or the Prestige RC. Another professional
> colleague is
> traveling to Paris next week and will hand select a Prestige RC for
> me.
> This sounds ideal to me, however, I will be in the US during the
> Christmas
> holidays, (Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Wilmington, DE) but I don't know
> any
> really good dealers who could help me select a quality instrument.
> Most
> everything in Norway is more expensive than the US, so I suspect
> clarinets
> are less expensive in the US as well. So my questions are:
>
> 1. What does a Prestige RC cost in the US?
> 2. Can anyone recommend a good dealer in Dallas, Houston or
> Philadelphia
> area?
>
> By the way, we have about 30-50 cm (~12-18") of snow on the ground
> here in
> Norway, and I am waxing my skis, after korps practice of course. I
> also
> really enjoy all the great info on the Klarinet. (My teacher is
> pushing
> long tones and scales, and daily practice is really making a big
> difference) Thanks for the help.
>
> hilsen
>
> Cynthia