Klarinet Archive - Posting 000202.txt from 2003/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] More corporate shenanigans in the instrument
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 06:07:27 -0500

At 09:07 PM 3/4/2003 -0800, Kevin Fay wrote:
>The truth is that you get what you pay for. As noted in another post, folks
>have been complaining over the lack of hand craftsmanship in mass produced
>instruments forever. This isn't because the instrument makers are big, or
>even evil - it's because the instruments are mass-produced. If you want
>extra hand crafting, Bill Brannen, Morrie Backun and their ilk will sell it
>to you. 1,600 bux for a artist-level horn is a bargain.

"Mass produced" is, of course, a relative term. As compared to the plastic
Bundys, Vitos, etc., each R-13 and Series 10 and Concerto is lovingly
hand-made. Compared to Rossi and Fox models, they are being cranked out
like sausages.

>I applaud the Buffet deal, as far as the press releases go. I'm not all
>that familiar with Rutledge, but the fact that they have retained the senior
>managers bodes well - looks like a classic management buy-out. Put another
>way, it's entirely possible that the clarinet factory will now be run by the
>clarinet makers, and not the music publishers at the parent company. If
>there isn't too much leverage (i.e., debt), we could see really innovative
>things. I'm optimistic.

We can only hope!

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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