Klarinet Archive - Posting 000466.txt from 2004/02

From: "Thomas" <thomas@-----.com>
Subj: Re:[kl] Costco Clarinets!!!
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2004 17:20:31 -0500

A student of mine had an Armstrong student model 4001, until it got knocked
off the bleachers at pep band the other week @@ They took it to the shop,
and they told her it would be $200 because they'd have to replace the entire
joint. Well, that rarely works. I've had a couple of students who
replaced a joint on one of those, and it throws them so out of tune...NOT a
good idea and not worth the money.

SO, since she needs something for marching band....and she could get a used
Armstrong for $50 on eBay...they decided to just go the eBay route.
They've bought other horns there, no problem. I warned her about the
dreaded Chinese clarinets....told her to stick with the Armstrongs, or an
Evette, a Bundy, something that's a known quantity, Yamahas are more
expensive.

So her dad finds something called a Proline for $75...........and she brings
it in. Plays ok, pads seal.....UNTIL you use the register key........and
WHOA Nellie, totally out of whack!!!! After some careful looking, I think
I see that there is something missing - the piece that goes inside the
clarinet from the thumb tone hole? Don't know what you call that thing,
but heavy swabs get stuck on it all the time. ;) My guess is someone did
just that, too.

Evidently this Proline is a Chinese horn with an American sounding
name....guess Dad was looking for a YangMing clarinet or something....she's
going to take it in to the shop, I am sure they can't fix this thing, but
you never know......

Lynn

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