Klarinet Archive - Posting 000819.txt from 2004/07

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Material influence on sound...one more time
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:58:57 -0400

> This is very much like comparing the keywork, etc. of the Wurlitzer or
> Hammerschmidt to that of the Buffet. The workmanship of the Wurlitzer and
> Hammerschmidt is exquisite. It puts that of the Buffet to shame.

Nancy...I've played both Wurlitzer and Hammerschmidts....and Buffet's
keywork is just fine when compared to these instruments. (the last Wurlitzer
I played at a Clarfest was grossly out of adjustment)

> But those of us who buy the Buffet are in the same boat as those who buy
the
> First Act, as far as the availability of money goes (for the most part).
>

Watch out for that "us" stuff. I don't choose to play on Buffet based on
what it costs.....I play on Buffet clarinets because they are, in my
opinion, better clarinets in almost every way. My peers in the Dallas/Ft.
Worth area think the same. Some players in the area have "chased" something
better (they thought) and almost all have moved back to Buffet.

In your statement, are you trying to say the the majority of professional
clarinet performers in the U.S. (who play Buffet by the way) buy them
because they don't have the money to buy anything more expensive?

This claim of "bling bling" is not reasonable. It's clear that you (and some
others) believe that the many, many professionals playing Buffet do so
because we were brain washed by teachers or have responded only to market
chatter. It's just not the case Nancy. Professional players are the very
people that are the most discriminating. When selecting a clarinet, pros
play many clarinets, from many sources...always looking for the better
instrument. They chase the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Professional players have given more time and/or effort to development of
their skills. They often have the finest music education. These players are
working daily in the trenches and the tools they use, may determine at what
level they will/can achieve. It's their life. Many of these pros purchased
their clarinets when Buffet WAS the most expensive clarinet availiable. It's
only recently that custom makers and European makers have entered the U.S.
market with their more expensive clarinets. Buffet loves this market change.
It's allowed them up up the ante. This because their clarinets are every bit
as good as most of the builders in the world. Even as they raise their
prices are still less money than most of the custom makes or models from
Europe.

While there are many other options available, and some of these very good,
Buffet is still the leader (by a huge margin) within the North American
continent. The reason lies mostly in the fact that they produce great
instruments. Even after players mature and develop a career....and could
choose any clarinet.....they come to Buffet more often than any other brand.
Buffet makes a great clarinet! The Tosca, by Buffet, is a perfect example.
If it's as good as the many positive reports claim....you'll see lots of
professionals spend the money to purchase this new Buffet entry into the
marketplace. Isn't it amazing how Buffet keeps putting out new
"professional" level clarinets to try to please a broader spectrum of
players throughout the world.

Forest Aten

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