Klarinet Archive - Posting 000954.txt from 2004/07

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Jupiter Parisienne Series Clarinets, etc.
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 21:55:32 -0400

At 04:54 PM 7/27/2004 -0400, Robert T. Creutz wrote:
>...I'm in the dreadful (I'm
>sure you'll all agree) position of not knowing any clarinetists to approach
>for advice on an affordable (for me that's under $1000 U.S.) professional
>clarinet. I'm not capable of fully evaluating the condition of a used one,
>so I've been thinking "new." Which, considering the price constraints,
>brought me to the Jupiter Parisienne Series, which can be had, mail-order,
>for around $620.00, nickel-plated keys. I haven't been able to find any
>reviews of these instruments. I'd be interesting in knowing the prevailing
>opinion of them, as pro-quality instruments, among clarinetists. So, here I
>am.

Welcome to the list. You will not find a place with more people willing to
share their opinions! ;-)

Although the Jupiter people call it a professional model, I'm not sure any
REAL professionals would agree (absolutely NO snob appeal!). That being
said, I have played two Parisiennes. One was so-so, but the other was
excellent! Be advised that my experience with Buffet R-13's has been much
the same -- some blah, some very nice. I believe the Jupiters are R-13
copies, since they seem to feel and play that way. It is best to order
three or so and chose the best one if you do mail order.

Decent used professional-grade clarinets show up on eBay in your price
range, but not any stamped "Buffet." Buffets are overpriced on the
secondary market (great news if you have one to SELL). You can buy
comparable Selmer Paris or Leblanc models for HALF or less, often around
your Jupiter price, sometimes even less. Figure in $150 to fix it up and
you might just pick up a bargain that way without having to worry about
your ability to evaluate its condition.

Bill Hausmann

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

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