 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: mbh
Date: 2005-09-30 18:26
Howdy:
I just moved back to nyc after living on the left coast for 25 years. In the spirit of "better late than never" I am seriously considering resuming the study of the clarinet after a brief 20-year hiatus. Of course, my only remaining instrument is still sitting in storage in California, so I would need to obtain a new instrument.
Any suggested places in NYC to try instruments, particularly those with a good selection and where my extremely rusty technique and sound would not be subjected to ridicule ;-) ?
Thanks,
Mitch
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-09-30 20:02
I tried out some clarinets from "Weiner Music" earlier this month. The technician had handpicked a few of his better clarinets (about twenty in all), and had corked the upper joints of the ones he REALLY liked, and they all sounded very nice. They also had very good prices on the instruments. Right around where they should be. He was knowledgeable and helpful and stated that people are definitely MORE than welcome to go try out some clarinets.
http://www.weinermusic.com
You might want to at least give them a call, and if you set up an appointment to come in and try some out, I'm sure he'll set aside some time to help coach and guide you towards a good instrument.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: allencole
Date: 2005-10-01 15:51
I bought two clarinets from Weiner last year. They came highly recommended, and definitely delivered on their reputation. That tech is a nice guy and really knows what he's doing.
Allen Cole
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2005-10-01 17:01
allencole wrote:
> That
> tech is a nice guy and really knows what he's doing.
Mark Kasten, from Fred Weiner Music is one of the best techs in the metropolitan area. As good as his clarinet work is, which is superb, his sax work is even better ...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-10-01 17:58
You'll find better prices, and liberal trial policies, outside the NYC metropolis.
Their costs for business are outrageous, and the price of their gear is a reflection of those costs. The few horns I saw worth considering in a sweep two years ago were VERY tired examples.
After all, most pros that give up a horn do so after it has been used.
*****
I would recommend strongly that you look to Dave Spiegelthal, Vitas Krass and other members of this BBS for a clean, refurbished instrument.
To be specific, you should be able to find a working and cosmetically appealing example of each of these instruments for reasonable prices -
Couesnon Monopole $350
Ridenour TR147 $250
Buffet R13 $1000
You will certainly pay more inside the 5 boroughs.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DougR
Date: 2005-10-02 01:57
I live in NYC, and if I were shopping for clarinets, I'd definitely try Weiner, even thought it's a schlepp out to Long Island where the store is, simply because of their selection and because of Mark Kasten. When I WAS in the market for an R13, I had WW/BW ship me three to try, since no one in town really has much of a selection any more. Sad but true!
If I had to do it again, I'd hit Weiner first, then possibly Muncy Winds, although that's buying by mail.
Good luck whatever you do! if you do find the kind of store we WISH was still here in New York, do us a solid and say so!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Erdinet
Date: 2005-10-02 19:58
Mark and the crew at Weiner are the best. I bought a Buffet R13 and Prestige Bass from him in the last year. They were both set up impeccably, and he will take them back for maintenance no problem. They have more of selection than ANY place I can think of in Manhattan, none of the attitude, and more desire to accomodate the customer. If you are a doubler Weiner is the place for you.
"There is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over."
-Frank Zappa
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: larryb
Date: 2005-10-03 15:44
Weiner's is definitely good.
1) If you're on the Island, you may also want to check out:
Wright Music Inc
938 Port Washington Blvd
Port Washington NY 11050-2932
516-883-0043
They carry Selmer clarinets (which are hard to find). Jonathan Watkins is the President. He used to manage the WW&BW store in Manhattan (before it closed).
2) Also worth visiting is Roberto's on West 46th Street in Manhattan. They're good about letting you play instruments (mostly Buffets on hand) and are friendly.
3) There's also the Yamaha Artist's Service at 689 Fifth Avenue. I haven't been there, but presumably they have Yamaha clarinets on hand to try. Here's how Yamaha describes it on its website:
"Yamahas Band and Orchestral Atelier is located on the eleventh floor. A display room showcases the latest in professional brass and woodwind instruments. Adjacent to the display room is a full-service, state-of-the-art custom shop. It not only provides orchestral and professional musicians with unique customizations, it also offers quick repairs. Most importantly, the shop gives artists the opportunity to try prototypes of Yamahas latest professional instruments. Yamaha utilizes the response it obtains from the artist community to refine these products before they go into production."
Post Edited (2005-10-03 15:48)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
