Klarinet Archive - Posting 000225.txt from 2002/08

From: barb073@-----.com
Subj: [kl] A new standard of mediocrity?
Date: Sat, 24 Aug 2002 17:45:15 -0400

Hi, all............

Recently a new student brought in a "Mark II" clarinet that his parents had
bought at one of the large warehouse clubs. What a nightmare! Right out of
the box, every pinkie key was bent, the RH ring mechanism was not working,
and the bottom side key was bent toward the back. Needless to say, I had the
parents return it. The next week, he brought in a replacement "Mark II" that
was not quite so bent up, but still had the bent bottom side key. Arggh!!

Beware! A check at a warehouse club revealed that there are "Mark II"
flutes and trumpets available, too. Even though the outer box said it was
made "in consultation with professionals" (or words to that effect) by the
"American Music Conference", this looks to be another poorly made attempt to
appeal to the mass market.

Barb Levy

---------------------------------------------------------------------