Klarinet Archive - Posting 000332.txt from 2005/09

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Sad commentary
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 17:19:57 -0400


As a technician and customer of Ferree's, I receive an intermittent
newsletter. It is often informative and chatty, with a few "specials" for repair
techs.

This item caught my eye:

"We will not be taking special orders for Selmer or Leblanc items anymore.
Due to delayed orders and receiving incorrect parts we will no longer be able
to offer this service."

Part of this information is no surprise to repair techs. Ordering repair
parts for Selmer (USA) instruments has long been fraught with long delays and
inaccuracy -- even when you are asking for something simple which they MUST use
on the manufacturing floor every day, like a replacement Bb key for a 1403
bass clarinet!

However, Leblanc was really getting its act together. They had websites when
you could select your make and model of instrument and get an exploded
diagram of the instrument showing EVERY PART - even the screws. You could then
click on that part -- and it would take you directly to order entry, where you
could specifically order that part online. If it was in stock, the part would
be on your doorstep in two to three days!

Apparently, Selmer USA has dragged down this level of customer service since
the takeover of Leblanc. Rather sad....

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetXpress.com
World-class clarinet mouthpieces

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