Klarinet Archive - Posting 000573.txt from 2000/12

From: Knaphet@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Instrument Quality
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 15:40:42 -0500

I think there is a significant difference between R-13's. It is not like
buying a McDonald's cheeseburger, where they taste the same whether you eat
one in Boston or Seattle or London. (Please, everybody, I am not trying to
start a debate about cheeseburgers, maybe in Japan they taste a little
fishy...this is just my analogy) The R-13 is a much less consistent product.
Woodwind & Brasswind in South Bend, Indiana has a good price, if not nearly
the best in the country, but if you can't go there to try them, I don't know
if I would buy one through the mail, from them or another company that it
interested in volume over quality. In the case of a new clarinet, this
business mentality hurts the buyer.

I have had good luck with the clarinets I have purchased from International
Musical Suppliers, with the help of Lisa Argiris. I know that David Hite
used to do some hand-picking and custom work on clarinets, don't know if he
still does. I would contact Peter Spriggs as well (Penticton, BC), I have
heard that he is knowledgeable about these issues. I don't know if Phil
Muncy or Clark Fobes do any clarinet hand-picking, but I would try them too.
You may spend an extra $100, but it will be money well spent.

About 2 years ago I went to the trouble of picking clarinets carefully.
After a couple of trips to Chicago, and a lot of work, and a bit of help, I
am very satisfied with my instruments now. And having these clarinets has
focused my standard, about playing as well as the instruments themselves.

--Anthony T

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