 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: retro69
Date: 2010-02-16 06:27
Hi and thanks for reading.
Does anyone know of any places either online or that I can visit in the UK that are able to send me or let me test at their site a number of clarinets?
I have been playing a few years on a student model clarinet and want to upgrade. I am keeping an open mind on what brands to go for, I have tried a few so far (a selmer 9 and a few buffet buffet R13's) and these have have had issues (intonation, poor keywork etc). I and have ended up costing me quite a bit just to send them back and forth to test!
Its driving me crazy, all I want is to get myself a nice instrument which will last me through college, I never thought it would be so difficult! (I guess it was just wishfull thinking...)
Thanks a lot.
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Author: Mike Clarinet
Date: 2010-02-16 07:37
Where are you in the UK?
If you are near London, then Howarth's (I only know them by reputation, I have no experience of them).
If you are near Maidenhed then Dawkes. I have always found them to be excellent. If you are in the South West, Dawkes have a branch in Paignton. (No connection except as a satisfied customer).
Others can probably advise about other parts of the country.
In both cases if you call ahead then they can make sure that there is a good range of instruments available.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2010-02-16 07:48
Where in the UK are you?
No matter where you are though, it's not difficult to get to London. A trip to Howarths will surely be fruitful. Call ahead just in case however I've never had to book ahead for anything, even small repairs!
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2010-02-16 10:12
> Others can probably advise about other parts of the country.
Windblowers in Nottingham and John Packer in Taunton both used to be very good.
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Author: Brendan Martin
Date: 2010-02-16 12:04
Hi and many thanks for the replies so far, very helpful.
I live in the Midlands Near Leicester. To be honest, at this stage im happy to travel anywhere in the UK!
Howarth sounds interesting. I will have to have a look at their website. Do Windblowers have a lot of choice? I have head the name but have not been to the shop.
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2010-02-16 14:59
Don't forget John Myatt in Hitchin in Hertfordshire(less than hour by train from London). They have a great service
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2010-02-16 15:10
> Do Windblowers have a lot of choice?
Many years ago I bought my E11 there. I turned up on spec and they opened up three for me to try without batting an eyelid. I remember a couple of smart little practice rooms. But I haven't been for years.
With ALL retailers I'd make sure to ring ahead and make sure they've got (or can get) what I'm interested in.
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2010-02-16 16:05
Howarth here in London is really the first choice. Donny will look after you and your clarinetting needs. The service is great there and they really know what they are talking about. Professionals have been going there since it opened in the 40s.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2010-02-16 18:43
Myatts sadly went into liquidation (they were a very fine store with plenty of choice). They have been resurected in a small way on the internet but seem a mere shadow of there prevoius operation.
Both Howarth and Dawkes are fine shops with good range to try. Howarth are not noted as keen pricers so you may get a better deal at Dawkes but try both. Maidenhead is not too far out of London and on good rail link.
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Author: Paul Miller
Date: 2010-02-17 03:52
Peter Eaton makes an outstanding clarinet. You might want to make a trip down to his shop.
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Author: Brendan Martin
Date: 2010-02-17 07:07
Thanks Norman,
I spoke to Dawkes, they have good prices and a great testing facility from what they say. They also have a good selection available. I think I shall head down there at the end of the month for the day, hopefully come away with something nice.
I just have to choose between an E,11, E12, R13 or leblanc or Selmer or... Eek im going to be there all day! Hehe...
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Author: Chris_C ★2017
Date: 2010-02-18 22:49
John Packer in Taunton are still good. Happy to let you try things all day! Call in advance to make sure you visit when a specialist is working is a good idea.
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2010-02-18 23:55
Paul,
Peter Eaton doesn't have a shop. It is all done in his front room. I know because I tried 6 instruments at his house when I bought mine.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Paul Miller
Date: 2010-02-19 07:12
Heh, that's awesome. I've never played one of his instruments or been to his house but Jim Kantor always sounded great on his Eaton horns...
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Author: Spencer Stromquist
Date: 2010-03-17 01:41
I've always wanted to try the Peter Eaton clarinets. Has anyone had any great experience with them?
Spencer
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Author: BentoBandito09
Date: 2010-03-17 05:23
I know that there is also a small family owned (I think) company called Hanson Clarinet Company they make nice instruments and offer a great service for hose in the U.K.
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Author: BentoBandito09
Date: 2010-03-17 05:26
I forgot to mention they are based in Yorkshire and have a nice (but in need of clarifying) website.
www.hansonclarinets.com
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Author: graham
Date: 2010-03-17 08:14
Also
http://www.wwr.co.uk/ProfessionallevelClarinets/cid703/ProfessionallevelClarinets.asp
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Author: music9631
Date: 2010-03-21 11:16
Have you tried Sheehans in Leicester. I spent most of the day trying every brand of clarinet in there. Very good service. It's a short walk up london road from the train station.
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Author: scot455
Date: 2010-03-21 21:28
I have bought a Hanson SE clarinet in grenadilla, and am more than satisfied with the help and support they have given me. Their instruments are high qual;ity and their service is friendly and fast.
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