Klarinet Archive - Posting 000357.txt from 1999/07

From: "Mark Weinstein" <cpaok@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Buffet E 11
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 20:07:52 -0400

Don't look now ... somebody set you on fire tonight, huh ?

>> The prices mentioned don't deal with things like (expert) regulation of
>> keys.

>Sure they do. The reputable mail order houses make sure that the instrument
>is in good working order before it leaves the place. Now, if you want some
>fine tuning done - great - but it shouldn't cost you hundreds.

No they don't. That is my experience. I have bought/chosen six clarinets ...
and have had 3 times as many sent to me. IMO, they don't do a proper job of
regulation. Period. I NEVER said that fine tuning should cost somebody
hundreds. Where did you get that? NOT.

>>Also, changing to cork pads in the upper of an E-11 is every bit as
>> worthwhile as for an R-13 or other instrument.
>
>But not necessary - and some people may not like the change in sound. It's
>something that can be left for later.

Who said it was necessary. Buying a clarinet isn't necessary in the firstg
place. People are starving in China!

Clearly, this is a matter of personal opinion/taste. I have a symphony
musician who says, in this case, it made a world of difference. If you,
don't like cork thats fine by me. I didn't say that everyone should replace
with cork pads. I NEVER said it was necessary. I said it was AS worthwhile,
which implies a VALUE JUDGEMENT for the reader.

>Now, I don't mind paying a small premium for obtaining instruments locally,
>but I balk at the 100% markups. I know the costs involved, etc. - but for
>the difference in price many of us can fly to Illinois & have Francois
>adjust the clarinet for us, or fly to a clarinet festival and have 100s to
>chose from.
>
>A Buffet B-12 for $1095 is a rip-off, plain and simple, and gives music
>stores a bad name. It'll end up driving the honest music stores out of
>business.

Easy. Easy. Not everyone has access to Francois Kloc or can drive to see
him --- if 100 people show up to see Francois tomorrow I fail to see how he
can accomodate them. Nor can everyone justify flying to a Clarinet Festival
... or spare the time involved.

In any case, I was NOT advocating the purchase of a B-12 at $1095 ... I was
merely DEMONSTRATING the "breadth" of the market as to pricing.
DEMONSTRATING. ie eg --- America ain't always the beautiful. Don't come
running to the US for the difference between 600 pounds streling v. 600 U S
dollars.

>>The world over, one thing rings true, you pay for what you get.

>In that case - you should have got close to 3 B-12s ....

What are you talking about? Who bought a B-12 ? If I didn't buy any, why
would I want 3?

I think you've got a BEE in your Bonnet ? I think you owe me an apology for
your flaming attack ! This was totally unwarranted, uncalled for and.
literally, NOT nice.

Mark Weinstein

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org