Klarinet Archive - Posting 001038.txt from 1999/04

From: haydenmusic@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Buffet owned by Rico?
Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 20:31:16 -0400

Birch,
You are incorrect about Rico owning Buffet Crampon. Boosey & Hawkes
acquired Buffet Crampon in the 80's and Boosey & Hawkes acquired Rico
International in 1996.
----- Original Message -----
From: Birch <birch@-----.ca>
Subject: [kl] Re: The Moennig Challenge

> Regarding the longer barrels to bring the pitch down to A440, I have no
> problems with playing a 64.5mm barrel and lipping it down, save for
> slight undrtone problems on the high left hand A, B, C. Though that may
> be just because I'm using a cheap crappy old barrel that, otherwise,
> works beautifully.
>
> Second, regarding Alvin's statement:
>
> "What is most frustrating for me is that I have witnessed the true
> potential of the R-13 clarinet when properly set up to the proven
> traditional standards of A-440."
>
> "proven traditional standards of A-440"?!?!?! If they're so proven, why
> aren't they standard? That's a pathetically America-centric statement.
> It would be nice if there were a world-wide standard, though there is no
> particualar reason why A-440 would be any better than A-442 or even 445.
>
> Thirdly, I am thoroughly dismayed to discover that my suspisions about
> increased automation in the Buffet clarinet factories were correct. It
> is bad enough that there isn't enough good quality wood to go round any
> more. Yet, it is only to be expected when Buffet is owned by Rico,
> Selmer by Steinway, and Leblanc sold out to Vito and the U.S. (please
> correct me if I'm wrong. It is becomming nightmareish.) Those are the
> three big makers sold out. Where do I go now when I want to buy my next
> horn?
>
> One extra point: The best clarinet I have ever played (and I have played
> a few) is my father's 80,000 or so (early 1960s) Buffet R-13. I weighs
> almost twice as much as my 430,000 (1997) R-13 Presige, plays much
> nicer, and sounds phenomenally better. And that was before he got his
> pads replaced for the first time in 35 years.
>
> Next thing we know, McDonalds will buy the whole Rico conglomerate, and
> start promoting the disposable clarinet.
>
> --Birch
>
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