Klarinet Archive - Posting 000269.txt from 2005/05
From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] Vandoren, Buffet, and other stuff
Date: Sun, 15 May 2005 16:04:17 -0400
I received this Klarinet post off list (edited for space):
"I received a flyer in the mail yesterday from Lisa Argiris. Yes, she is
alive and well, but according to the flyer, had to sell International
Musical Suppliers due to a divorce last December. Many of you are aware
that she is no longer affiliate with them and may have wondered what happened."
and
"Lisa says that the investment group that bought Buffet had a ""sole focus
on profit and not the production of products". She claims that this has had
a disastrous affect of their ability to produce some of their products as
they started to focus mainly on marketing the R-13 clarinet. She also says
that Buffet has now been purchased by a newly formed "French group which
contains remnants of former ownership" and hopefully this will allow a
return to product focus."
I also received a copy of Lisa Argiris' Newsletter. What I read was
disturbing to say the least. In addition to the seemingly free discussion
about Buffet, Leblanc, Vandoren, and Selmer, there are many unspoken facets
to the IMS debacle and why the current owner claims he purchased IMS and
other related issues - such as why they are no longer the sole distributor
of Zinner. The current owner was very specific about why and how he came
into ownership. I have even received email messages that appear to be
circulating that discuss some of the specifics of the current owner's
claims - as well as some that addressed problems at IMS prior to January of
2005. I guess I would urge everyone to be careful in relying or believing
one person's opinion (such as a Newsletter or an anonymous email) when
trying to judge the current situation at IMS (now IBO). I read with much
certainly a "sour grapes" attitude in the tone presented in
the Newsletter. There is also a lot more information surrounding the
issues raised that has not been (nor should be) discussed on an open forum.
I do have advise regarding the selection of clarinets:
1. I would be careful in choosing who selects clarinets for you or your
students. I would also be very careful with the use of a credit card in
such a transaction. It might be best to spend the extra $50-150 to go with
a well-established company that has a solid track record for success in
dealing with individual choices. Be sure that the person who tries the
instruments out is a superior player in all respects. To that end - it
might be best to find a well thought of university professor or a
well-known clarinet professional (I understand Greg Smith used to try out
Buffet clarinets for a fee - but I don't know if he still does that) to try
the instruments that are sent to you via a reputable dealer. When making
an investment of this magnitude - it is wise to be conservative in who does
the selecting.
2. In the form of a recommendation - I feel comfortable with the recent
purchases I and my students have made from Muncy Winds, and I still enjoy a
very positive feeling about Dennis Bamber at The Woodwind and The
Brasswind. Both of these companies are well established, continue to
thrive, and there is no sense about either that they will do anything but
do the best they can to serve the clarinet community. As far as I know,
neither has incurred any significant (if any) complaints. Even our local
store in Bloomington-Normal, The Music Shoppe, has done a great job of
handling Buffet clarinets. Don't forget your local dealer! Combined with
a local professional, this is often the best way to go - and establishes a
nice relationship with the local store.
Any further questions directed my way regarding the newsletter are best
handled off list. In the meantime - I hope everyone enjoys their
summer. Break just began for me, and this next week I will deliver the new
Buffet basset clarinet to Bill Brannen for his "magic." Lawrie Bloom has
graciously agreed to bring his Buffet basset clarinet to the shop so that
we can work things through with Bill, and then I look forward to some fun!
Best wishes,
Roger Garrett
http://www.iwu.edu/~rgarrett/
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