Klarinet Archive - Posting 000273.txt from 1997/12

From: David Frank <dave81477@-----.net>
Subj: Is it worth the extra $?
Date: Mon, 8 Dec 1997 13:14:42 -0500

Here's a question for this group, I'm sure many will have opinions. I'm
considering replacing my 30+ year old R13's. There's been quite a few
postings over the past month or two on Greenlines, Prestige, Prestige RC,
Leblanc Opus and Concerto. Clearly the top professional models ( Prestige,
Prestige RC and Leblanc Opus) run $1000 to $1500 more than the R13 line and
the Leblanc Concerto. Are the differences worth that additional expense?
Seems hard to justify. I can read that the differences are the silver plated
keys...........looks nicer, but does that make any difference otherwise. I
know these models have the auxillary Eb lever, but would that really be
used? Is the "Premium Grenadilla" wood really different, and worth the added
expense? I'm certainly not a professional player, but a serious amateur.
What do others think........is the added expense worth it?

David Frank, Seattle