Klarinet Archive - Posting 000528.txt from 2003/10

From: "Ken Wolman" <kwolman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] to the Buffet Mafia
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 12:55:53 -0400

Sue Raycraft wrote:

> > OK, if he could still play worth a darn, he would choose something other
> than a Conn. The point is, if Conns were/are so great, why aren't more
> people still using them as a first choice?
> >
> > Nancy (You know what I meant!)
>
> We just like to tease you. :-)
> Sue

Okay, Saturday when I went to see this technician/repair guy, he told me that
50+ years ago everyone and their mothers played Selmers. That was the premier
horn of the swing era, maybe even in symphonic and chamber repertoire as
well. Now you say "Selmer" and people look at you funny. Where did Conn sit
then? Obviously in a prominent enough spot so guys like Shaw staked their
careers on them. I don't believe Conn even makes clarinets anymore. As
nearly as I can tell, part of the company was taken over around 1985 by United
Musical Instruments and now the clarinets carry the older-than-the-takeover
Artley brand name. No idea how good they are but I've never heard of anyone
major playing one. Fashions in instruments surely change. Wichita Band
Instrument has a bunch of Conn instruments for sale even now: probably they
are older than the hills. If I had over a grand to invest, it might be fun to
find out.

Anyone here ever played a Conn clarinet?

Ken
--
Kenneth Wolman
Proposal Development Department
Room SW334
Sarnoff Corporation
609-734-2538

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