Klarinet Archive - Posting 000171.txt from 2003/11

From: Tom.Henson@-----.com
Subj: RE: [kl] Clarinets in Paris
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2003 17:46:46 -0500

Danny, I can give you a little information that I learned indirectly about a
week ago.

I purchased a new Bb Festival clarinet from a professional clarinetist in
Switzerland. He had gone to the factory and test played about 20-30
clarinets.

He had to arrange this through an authorized Buffet dealer in Switzerland
who was also a friend of his.

He narrowed his search down to 2 clarinets, but could not make up his mind
as he said they were both excellent. Therefore, he ended up having both
shipped back to the dealer in Switzerland. He recorded the serial numbers to
make sure the right ones were shipped. After playing both for another couple
of weeks, he made his decision and then ended up selling me the second one
at a nice discount.

In our conversations about this process, he did confirm that Buffet will not
sell directly to an individual, but only to an authorized dealer. Therefore,
whatever instruments) he choose, had to be shipped directly to that dealer
and the instrumen(s) invoiced directly to them.

By doing this, he also avoided paying VAT in France, although he probably
paid VAT in Switzerland.

Now, the big question is whether you can do this through an American dealer
or not. I can't help you there, but you could email Francois Klock at Buffet
USA, or even call him and he could tell you for sure. You should be able to
find this information in the archives.

I also know for a fact that you can go to the warehouse in Sun Valley (Los
Angeles area) and test play instruments there and select one and then have
it shipped back to the USA dealer. I know of one dealer that has told me
that Francois, on occasion, will do this selection for you if you like since
they are on very good terms with him. You just let them know what qualities
you are looking for in the clarinet.

Tom Henson

<< I will be in Paris in December, and am considering buying an instrument
from the Buffet factory. Does anyone have suggestions regarding this, and
are there likely to be any advantages/disadvantages versus buying on in the
U.S. ? Thanks.

--- Danny Bittker >>

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