Klarinet Archive - Posting 000924.txt from 2003/02

From: "R. Williams" <rwilliams@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Clarinet Market Price-Leblanc
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 22:09:07 -0500

I debated for a bit before posting this wondering if it was of wide enough
interest to warrant posting, if this is already general knowledge I
apologize up front.

During the last week I've been in a quest for an A clarinet. I play a
Leblanc so I was looking primarily for a Leblanc. I was also working out
the details on sending my Bb clarinet to the Brannens. What I've been told
by two sources is that Leblanc is reworking the head/pin mechanism on their
current models. The Concerto II and Opus II reflect these
changes. According to Linda Brannen, the change should make the
instruments less prone to coming out of adjustment. That said, at least
two of the major dealers, WWBW and IMS are seriously discounting non II
Concerto's and Opus's. I was quoted $1800 for an "A" Opus and I received a
written quote of $1399 for a new Bb Concerto. Evidently dealers are
clearing their current inventory of non- II instruments. So, if you've been
thinking about an Opus or Concerto...now may be the time.

Also, since I haven't read a lot about the new Concerto II and haven't seen
it personally, Lisa at IMS filled me in on a few details. Besides the new
key mechanisms, Lisa stated that the key shapes were a significant
departure from the first generation Concerto, being more curved. She felt
that a person playing an older Concerto and switching to a different key'd
Concerto II could experience problems. Please note, these are her comments
not mine.

Best
RW

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