Klarinet Archive - Posting 000607.txt from 1998/01

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Beginner Beginner teacher questions
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 09:04:09 -0500

On Mon, 12 Jan 1998, Bill Hausmann wrote:
> I know Buffet mouthpieces have been trashed on the List before. But
> Yamahas are OK.

These are definitely a step up from the other mouthpieces that are sold
stock (at least, in my opinion...for whatever that is worth). Prolem
stock mouthpieces, for the most part, include Vito, Bundy, Artley, and
Buffet. This is one of the reasons my sabbatical work involves working
with mouhpiece makers to get an idea of how to reface student mouthpieces
(don't worry, too many good mouthpiece makers out there for me to think I
should ever join those ranks!)......maybe with a bit of practice, I can
adapt some of these awful stock mouthpieces. Yamaha is smart to have a
little better designed mouhpiece with their clarinets.

> Retail stores have considerably higher overhead than mail order places. We
> try to offer service to make it worthwhile. $95 is standard retail price
> for Vandoren mouthpieces. Don't get me wrong. I used to buy a lot of mail
> order stuff from WW/BW and National Music Supply, but at the time I lived
> two hours drive away from the nearest music store.

Bill's reasoning is quite good. Unfortunately, for the consumer, $95 vs.
$55 is almost another mouthpiece. It's a tough choice
sometimes....especially when you want and need service from the local
store. It isn't always their fault, and there are those times that you
really do rely on the local store. When you can, it is worth it to spend
a little extra and stay home with the purchase. Besides, in the case of
mouhpieces, you often get to try out 5 or 6 instead of order one or two
and send back with a restock fee.

Roger Garrett
IWU