Klarinet Archive - Posting 000872.txt from 1998/08

From: MorgyJr@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] major decision
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998 13:10:12 -0400

I would have to agree with Mr. Stutzman. He makes some very good points.

I started out with a birch Pan-Am (made by Conn) of my mother's. I played
that until I was in 8th grade. Then my folks and I spent about $800. on a new
Selmer Signet (model 115, I think. It's been since '84). I played that until
I was a senior in high school, got I's at State, Made District Honor Band and
I think I had my R-13 when I made State and got my scholarship for college.
That Selmer Signet was a good little horn for me. The mechanism could have
used some work, but the sound was good, and it was a well constructed horn. I
still play it as a back up horn. I will probably never sell it because of the
sentimental value it has for me.

IF you decide on a Buffet professional model, and as everyone has said, they
are good horns, no doubt about that, I think the recommendation to buy a used
one is a good one, as the quality of the wood is not what it used to be, and
Buffet is making a R-13 Vintage model that is supposed to imitate the r-13s of
the '60s. (I think; I know I will be corrected if I am mistaken.) I was told
when I bought mine that 50% of all new clarinets will crack in the first year.
If you can buy a good used one, the risk of it cracking and TLC will keep it
in good shape for many years to come.

Good luck! My advice would be to play LOTS of horns and play them with your
teacher and decide which one will be the best for you. It's more work than
buying a new one, perhaps, but it can be a great deal more rewarding.

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