 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tholland
Date: 2010-05-14 19:47
I will be in the market for a new clarinet this fall, and will more than likely want to stick with Selmer - as this has always been my preference. However, I am open to trying other brands, and if I find an instrument that feels, blows and sounds "right" will most defnitely not hesitate. Therefore I would prefer to locate someone who is an authorized dealer for Selmer as well as Buffet, LeBlanc - etc.
Can anyone give the name of a good reputable dealer who can provide me several instruments to sample prior to making a purchase decision. I live in Arizona and my "local" dealer "is not planning on carrying any more top of the line Selmers because they don't sell" and do not provide any type of trial program.
I am willing to travel, but not too far if at all possible. Does anyone have any personal insights that would help me out with this?
Thanks.
Tammy Holland
Returning Lost Clarinetist
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2010-05-14 20:17
If "is not planning on carrying any more top of the line Selmers because they don't sell" means you can help your poor dealer get rid of what he still is having in stock, go for it. :-)
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Ben
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Author: tholland
Date: 2010-05-14 20:45
yeah, no thanks Ben...they won't even bring any Privileges, Signatures or Recitals in for me to test, and all their Buffet horns are, well, let me just say in crappy condition - there is no way I would even consider spending that much money on a horn like that. I would have to spend another couple $100 just to get it up and runing - and i'm certainly not going to let that shop do it. I simply don't trust them, but they seem to have cornered the market here in the valley, except for Music and Arts and, well.....
Anyway, if they were a better price than I could find anywhere - maybe, but they're way overpriced as it is...plus...oh never mind, I could go on and on!
Maybe now you'll understand why I'm looking out of state!
Thanks though.
Tammy Holland
Returning Lost Clarinetist
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2010-05-14 21:01
Well, of course I was pulling your leg, thanks for coping with it in a good-humoured manner.
For what it's worth, I only had one clarinet that was "new", everything else is or was either a shop demonstrator or a 2nd/3rd/... hand model. And I've got very satisfying results that way. So I suggest broadening your search to the "used" instruments fields. Doesn't necessarily mean That Auction Site but also classifieds, craigslist, BBoard members and so on. Just continue to be open to suggestions.
Sites to visit (in no particular order, and I have no affiliation with neither of them) are
- Clarinuts
- Music Oldtimer
- FrannyToo!
- Clarinet Closet
They might not offer what you want/need/have in mind, but they give you at least a rough idea what's available "out there". Knowing the marketplace a bit rarely hurts...
Going new with a big showroom? Uhm... <waits for others to chime in>
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Ben
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Author: tholland
Date: 2010-05-14 21:26
Ben you're awesome! And your levity is surely appreciated. I currently have three horns...my original 10S that I bought...(wait for it...) new (yes new) in 1983, a similar 10S that I bought last year as a backup from That Auction Site which is a good horn, and a 1950-something Olds Studio that I got from CL for $100 - great horn by the way. So no, I am not opposed to purchasing a good used horn.
Here's the thing. I have recently been accepted to study and offered scholarships at ARizona STate and will begin my studies this fall. My 25+ year old horns - I fear - will not withstand the rigors of university playing. Since I love them so much I would prefer to "save" them for home playing - plus the original 10S has had some crack repairs recently that I would like to baby as much as possible. I now find that I require a horn without a history - if you know what I mean - one that can build a history with me and take me all the way through to my next musical destination - whatever that may be.
After I finish my bachelors I would like to pursue a masters and possibly further so, I want something to carry me through to that point.
Am I making any sense at all here?
I am looking for a good reputable shop - one that can provide me with personal service and a good selection of horns to choose from. I am not necessarily "locked" into Selmer, but this has pretty much been my preference since the beginning....
Thank you, Ben, for your suggestions I will certainly give this consideration.
Tammy Holland
Returning Lost Clarinetist
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Author: tholland
Date: 2010-05-14 21:28
Thank you Sylvain, Kessler's is on the list for sure!
Tammy Holland
Returning Lost Clarinetist
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-05-15 17:29
Yes, Kessler !!!!
The Privilege is an AMAZING horn !!!!! I am a former R13 player firmly in the Yamaha (CSG) camp at the moment. But if I could talk myself into the $8,500 or so (a little more now?) for a pair of Privileges, I'd do it in a heart beat. Also, they are set up great from Selmer (that's part of the selling point per the brochure too).
.............good hunting,
............................Paul Aviles
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-05-15 18:42
I guess Delaware is a bit far. Call Woodwind - Brass Wind and ask them what they have in stock, I think they're closer than my guy in Delaware. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-05-15 19:33
Unfortunately, you missed a real gem. John Parette was auctioning a very special Recital on that infamous auction site earlier this week. It had been customized by Morrie Backun for RICARDO MORALES and was his primary symphonic instrument before he went to one of Morrie's Legacy models. I think it went for just over $2K. I know it wasn't brand new. but still..... given its pedigree, it was something to consider!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2010-05-15 19:35)
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