 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: ElBlufer
Date: 2008-04-14 23:18
Does anyone know if Mr. Grabner has become ill or is otherwise out-of commission in the short term? I sent in my mouthpiece to him about a month ago, and although I am not worried about the mouthpiece itself-I know it's in good hands-I am somewhat worried that I haven't received a response to either of my last two e-mails (one sent 6 days ago, the other sent 16).
If anyone has any information to report, that would be great!
My Setup:
R13 Clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique as my backup/marching instrument)
Walter Grabner K11 mouthpiece
Rico Reserve 3.5's
Bonade ligature
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-14 23:52
I know he is extremly busy and was for example about 2 weeks to put up some clarinets for sale on his Webpage after his trip in mid March to Buffet in Florida. I did send him a question about his C35 Chicago mouthpiece because it's supposed to have replaced the SW1 personal mouthpiece but while I play on #3.5 reeds I find myself wanting to use slightly stronger reeds on the SW1 than on eather Kaspar14 or AW personal. But when I tried my band conductor's Chicago C35 I didn't manage to use any of my reeds(Fresh new ones or broken-in) because they felt like 1/2 to 1 # to stiff. It's more than 2 months and I haven't got a reply. I think he has just stoped answering questions other than question from customers who are going to place an order.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2008-04-15 00:08
I emailed him the 3/26
got a response 3/27
GraberWG@aol.com
Are you using that?
Another note:::
his mouthpieces have gone up in price
the intermezzo is now 117 and before was 85
all other ones are 195
Post Edited (2008-04-15 00:22)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: rsholmes
Date: 2008-04-15 01:08
He uses Zinner blanks... offhand I'd guess the weak dollar (vs. the Euro) means he's paying more for the blanks, and that's the reason for the price increase.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-15 02:26
Yes I used grabnerWG@aol.com since I always get replies from him from that adresse not the clarinetxpress email. And I sent the email 12th of February so it's over 2 months with no reply.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: LonDear
Date: 2008-04-15 03:22
Have patience with Walter; he won't let you down. He has had to scale back his offerings, notably custom barrel making because his mouthpieces are in such high demand. Walter's a great guy and mouthpiece artist. If he goes unresponsive to email for a few days it will undoubtedly be for a good reason.
Please note that in addition to his formidable skills in the clarinet world he also has a business to run, and it is tax time, and his IT skills are in demand. And if the guy needs a vacation from time-to-time, let him get out of IL for a while.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: ElBlufer
Date: 2008-04-15 03:30
Ok, so it's good to know that he's not ill, I'll just wait patiently for a reply. Thank you very much for your responses.
My Setup:
R13 Clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique as my backup/marching instrument)
Walter Grabner K11 mouthpiece
Rico Reserve 3.5's
Bonade ligature
|
|
|
|
|
Author: LonDear
Date: 2008-04-15 03:38
El,
If you can add your email address to your profile, I have more info.
Post Edited (2008-04-15 03:39)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: ElBlufer
Date: 2008-04-15 05:10
added, thanks LonDear
My Setup:
R13 Clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique as my backup/marching instrument)
Walter Grabner K11 mouthpiece
Rico Reserve 3.5's
Bonade ligature
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-15 12:10
LonDear you need to read my post. I didn't wrote to him a few days ago I did it over 2 months ago with no reply at all.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2008-04-15 12:20
E-mailed Walter about a new mouthpiece and only heard back sporadically on questions that came up. Wound up buying another from Greg Smith. Greg will return your e-mails.
.............Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2008-04-15 13:13
(Disclaimer- Walter is just a friend)
The good news and the bad news about a one person show is that it allows good and direct personal service but also life situations (sickness, a computer down, office and equipment renovations in my case, etc.) can cause black outs and disruption in that service. Unless Walter has changed his leopard spots recently he always gives prompt and good service. I have not talked with him to see what is going on but you can expect that he will return to his norm of excellent service. A little patience is in order.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2008-04-15 13:36
Has anyone tried using a telephone? :-)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-04-15 14:18
>> Has anyone tried using a telephone? :-)
What's that...? 
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2008-04-15 15:11
what a novel idea. telephone. hmm.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2008-04-15 16:17
"Hello, no one is here to take your..........................................(lol)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-04-15 19:17
What the Doc said.
Walter has always given me prompt and excellent service. Cut him a little slack, and if necessary, call his business number, as listed on his website.
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."
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-15 20:24
So if I understand it then you guys are saying that 9 weeks without a reply and I should just sit back and be pacient. I'm asking for to much I think. No I'm not and I've taken my buisness somewhere else. If he says on his website that he is ALWAYS available to answer your question and answer EVERY inquery but doesn't then he should take that off the site just to be fair.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: leonardA
Date: 2008-04-15 20:48
I recently ordered a mouthpiece from Walter and after it didn't come for a week I emailed him. He responded right away that he had been sick and had fallen behind. The mouthpiec was then shipped promptly and it is wonderful. I responded promptly to my emails about the mp after it arrived, so i don't know if he's having problems now or not, but with me he was very communicative.
Leonard
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-04-16 02:04
Watch out everyone! Iceland Clarinet is going to be championing a new mouthpiece producer shortly!! (Heaven forbid his Festivals fail him!)
Pro-Walter story:
Several years ago I met Walter at NIU Clarinet Cornucopia. I tried some of his mouthpieces, loved them, and wanted to buy. Didn't have enough cash on me. So I asked him if he would hold the one that I had picked. He said how much do you have (I had $40)...he said give me your address, take the mouthpiece and send me the rest when you get home to VA.
He later sold me a bass mouthpiece at discount...and then refaced a Selmer C* for me for peanuts.
It is relatively easy to imagine a host of things that could be slowing him down and a pity having to imagine them happening to such a wonderful individual. Time to cut the slack...I'm with Dr. Henderson.
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-16 02:24
James I got 6 mouthpieces to try out from Ben Redwine and I didn't had to pay for them until after I had choosen the ones I liked and sent the others back. The Excellente is so good that my teacher wanted to buy my mouthpiece for full price after trying it for couple of minutes. I didn't want to sell it so now he is ordering some from Ben.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: ElBlufer
Date: 2008-04-16 05:12
Just wanted to make sure this is clear, as it doesn't seem to be:
This thread has nothing against Mr. Grabner, i was simply worried about an unusually slow response (I have dealt with him in the past and had nothing but satisfactory experiences).
My Setup:
R13 Clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique as my backup/marching instrument)
Walter Grabner K11 mouthpiece
Rico Reserve 3.5's
Bonade ligature
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-16 10:15
I have nothing eather against him and think his mouthpieces are fantastic. It's just that if hes says on his website that he answers every email then he should. If not then he shouldn't state that on his webpage. This is in fact the first time he hasn't replied to my email but my former teacher who plays his mouthpieces and his college in the Symphony who also play his mouthpiece told me that he is too busy to answer emails if you are not ordering something from him.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-04-16 13:03
Cut Walter some slack. Especially, if one doesn't know the personal circumstances that he may be having right now. Walter has limited time in a day to create mouthpieces, teach, respond to inquiries & questions, have a life, etc. It's been my experience that Walter gives a good amount of time & energy to responding to emails and calls. It may be that he's reached a point where he needs to be more selective in his time management. That is an issue when one has a one-person business.
Anyway, often the best way to reach someone is to call.
Roger
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-16 13:11
Roger I understand this all very well. What I don't understand is why he doesn't take off from his webpage that he answers EVERY email or tell people that he is too busy now to respond to all emails. It's just fair. I just want to know if I could exspect a respond to my email to him or not.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-04-16 13:18
Iceland,
I've had similar situations with other mouthpiece craftsmen. Really, there's nothing unique about your experience. I'm sure that whatever Walter's situation is right now he's doing his best to balance everything. It's possible that your email might have gotten misplaced or accidently deleted. I've done that myself. Especially, if Walter is swamped with work. If it's important for you to talk with Walter I highly recommend that you give his a call. That's worked for me.
Roger
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-16 13:31
I've never seen on any mouthpiece maker's website that they answer every email. That is because they can't do so when they are very busy. So Walter should take that off his webpage so he won't have dissapointed customers. I mean 1-2 weeks before replying is still within answering EVERY email but 9 weeks or longer aren't.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2008-04-16 13:41
If one has a personal issue with another, why not take it up with that person rather than air it in public? Sure, the public forum may make one feel better, but likely will not resolve the issue.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-04-16 13:43
Not meaning to belabor the point, but you don't know the circumstances with your email. Anyway, what's the most important thing -- to talk with Walter or fret about your email? If it's talking with Walter about your question then, again, it's highly recommended that you give him a call. That's what I've done at times.
Roger
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-16 14:02
It's too expensive to call 5min are 1.5$ here in Iceland.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2008-04-16 14:42
"It's too expensive to call 5min are 1.5$ here in Iceland."
I would think the 5 minute call would be worth the investment on a $200 mouthpiece. Think of the money you spend on a box of reeds.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-04-16 15:43
Iceland, maybe you should take up a personal crusade to have Walter alter his website to suit your desires.
After that, have him change his business practices to conform with what you feel they should be.
Then have him close his shop entirely, and live on the street. Eventually he can die in poverty, because he spent so much time redoing his website that he lost all his customers for the great mouthpieces and clarinets he offers.
Maybe that would make you happy? If not, please stop whining. Almost without fail, every post I have seen regarding Walter Grabner has sung his praises. I was so impressed that I have purchased an A clarinet, a Muncy barrel and a mouthpiece from him, and the service has always been excellent, as almost everybody else on this list can attest to.
Oh yeah... nice imagery, Jack!
“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."
|
|
|
|
|
Author: J. J.
Date: 2008-04-16 16:16
I think Iceland is being unreasonable throughout this thread, but what is even more unreasonable is the complete distortion of his position. JJAlbrecht, your straw man arguement doesn't even begin to address the issue being discussed.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Mary Jo
Date: 2008-04-16 17:08
This thread brings to mind my own bitter disappointment, learning the truth about Santa Claus, who didn't actualy read any of the numerous letters I sent him. Evidently, elves handled the mail, not the most efficient, it turns out, at filling orders.
I'm still waiting for a pony.
Better luck getting an email reply from Mister Grabner.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-04-16 17:41
Woooohhhh guys tell me one why does Walter say on his website that he answers EVERY email but doesn't ? If someone has a good answer for this I would be glad otherwise I don't care what you say.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2008-04-16 17:43
[ This thread is now going in circles. If Walter cares to respond he can contact us off-line and we can re-open it - GBK ]
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2008-05-08 20:27
Hello all -
I recently became aware of this thread from a note from a friend. I have not followed the Bulletin Board lately. I asked that the thread be re-opened so I could make a brief reply.
In regard to Mr. Sigfinnsson, (Iceland Clarinet), I reviewed my sent e-mail folder. I found that in 2007, I sent him at least 12 e-mails, (many more than I exchange with most customers) answering his questions.
I did receive one e-mail from him in Feb of 2008. I did not realize had a question in it, but thought it was merely observations. Since it had to do with a mouthpiece purchased by SOMEONE else, and I saw no question within it, I simply read it and went on. Had there been a subsequent, follow up e-mail, with a question clearly articulated, he would most likely have received a reply.
I am sorry that Mr Sigfinnsson was disappointed, but he certainly could have sent a follow up e-mail. I do not understand, and am dissappointed by, his vehemence.
In a larger sense, however, this does point out a bigger issue. I have been very fortunate to enjoy a lot of success in the past few years. I realize that I owe a lot to the help of many clarinetists all over the world (some of whom have commented above).
The problem is that I currently receive more phone messages and e-mails than I have time to respond to.
To illustrate - right after finishing income taxes, my wife and I took a short four day vacation to get away and relax. When I got back, I had 30 voice mail messages and over 100 e-mails to answer. It took me one entire work day to answer all of these. This means that 25% of my work time is now devoted to answering inquiries. Obviously, I will have to put in some kind of prioritizing system, or no work will ever go out!
Until I get this worked out, I appreciate everyone's patience and forbearance. A little courtesy and consideration goes a long way.
Thanks,
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
|
|
|
|
|
Author: ElBlufer
Date: 2008-05-08 23:11
And, thank you for re-opening this thread.
I wanted to mention that my mouthpiece came back in superb condition, and I could not have asked for a better job on the repair. It was worth every second that he-Mr Grabner-had it.
Thanks for everything Mr. Grabner!
My Setup:
R13 Clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique as my backup/marching instrument)
Walter Grabner K11 mouthpiece
Rico Reserve 3.5's
Bonade ligature
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-05-09 00:42
Walter
I understand it really well that you can't answer every email but I also thought it's unpolite of me to send many emails at a time if I don't get a reply. But if I hurt you would you please talk to me to sort it out.
Stefan Thor Sigfinnsson Grabner fan :D
|
|
|
|
|
Author: CPW
Date: 2008-05-09 00:49
Methinks dear Mr. Grabner has what is known as a
"high maintanance" client.
Just part of the price of doing business, I reckon.
.
Against the windmills of my mind
The jousting pole splinters
|
|
|
|
|
Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2008-05-09 02:43
Walter is a friend. He is very dedicated to his craft and IMO makes a very high quality product. This is hand work folks and takes a significant amount of time to get just right (I am not a mouthpiece maker but I have spent a lot of time watching them work). He is also a small business person and many do not appreciate the other tasks and time sinks associated with running any kind of business. With success also comes the time demands of expanded business and Walter, as others of us, have reached a point (I presume) that there is too much work for one person - with the ancillary tasks of life and running the business.
At this point, at least for me, a decision to hire help or expand the space is difficult to make and a cost/benefit decision that may or may not work. Hiring experienced help in his game, or mine, is not that easy either and all of a sudden you become an employer with the other tedium that comes along with it and the desire to keep quality standards at the same high level with someone else doing some of the work.
So, Walter has responded and told us of his desire to continue with his excellent work and service but reading between the lines I would say that he is overworked and just cannot fulfill his own wishes - it may also be a time of expansion for him and there are not enough hours in the day to complete the work - I do not know. But, I feel that he is dedicated to his art and will continue to do his best - apply some patience and not rebuke would be my advice.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ryan25
Date: 2008-05-09 13:59
Walter is a great guy and asset to the clarinet community. I have been to his home many times and have done lots of business with him. Personal service doesn't get better than what he provides.
I'm sure he will adjust in whatever way he needs so that he can continue to provide his great products. I think this situation is a perfect example of why Clark Fobes mostly sells through retailers only....unless you live in the bay area. One can only deal with so many neurotic clarinetists in a day.
Post Edited (2008-05-09 17:38)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: redwine
Date: 2008-05-09 15:26
Hello,
I do think a step back is in order. I have certainly had e-mail problems in the past, with messages never received, and, I'm sure, simply being too busy to remember that I had meant to get to the e-mail... I would hope that if someone did not get a reply that they would attempt to contact again. I'm sure Walter did not mean to ignore anyone.
On the other hand, let's remember that Iceland Clarinet is from Iceland (I assume) so he's using English as a second language. Perhaps the perception of his harshness is the result of usage, he not meaning to be harsh, but rather a slightly awkward English usage. I'd hate to have what I'd written in the Icelandic language translated.
We should all be friends here and should cut each other some slack. I hope we can all get together in a couple of weeks in Oklahoma and talk about something more important, like how many good reeds you can get in a box!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
|
|
|
|
|
Author: lj
Date: 2008-05-09 16:21
Bravo.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-05-09 17:31
> Bravo
I suggest that this week's "De-escalater's Award" goes to my name cousin.
PS: What's in Oklahoma? A reed picking contest?
--
Ben
|
|
|
|
|
Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2008-05-09 18:20
You'll have a better chance of snagging a great clarinet from a famous manufacturer at OK which is only weeks prior to ClarinetFest because they have already picked their best for both shows and they will appear first, with less competition, at OK - hint, hint. Walter will be there too to speak to in person as many times as you wish!!!
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2008-05-09 18:54
I read every message in this thread. Just offhand I can think of three artists/suppliers who were famous for "going missing" with client clarinets and mouthpiece projects. None of those individuals currently post here, and one is passed away.
My point is there is a precedence in the clarinet community for this kind of communications break-down, in which a customer's instrument or investment is simply ... sacrificed.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-05-09 19:35
Sorry, but I do not know this fellow. I did send him several emails a year or so ago and he never replied, so as I said , I do not know him. I do however know when I
read pandering notes about buying a horn at some convention, or finding a box of reeds of which every one plays. As far as a great clarinet is concerned, just what is that supposed to be? I appeared as an invited paid guest at the Clinic when it was in Denver many years ago, and I got my fill there. You can forget about great clarinets, conventions, mouthpieces and reeds. Just practise.
Post Edited (2008-05-09 20:01)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2008-05-09 20:13
Sherman, your advice about practice is probably the most sage advice given, and I was not pandering my own clarinets (Forte') - you'll note that I said major manufacturers. Any clarinet within a given line can have a better tone (who judges I know) and better intonation, a better feel (for some I guess) and other attractive factors. The manufacturers tend to bring a few of these with features that some find attractive to the major conventions. It is their choice of their best clarinets that they at least find to be superior to some others in the same line. Reeds are reeds - just free at conventions. Conventions are not for everyone but I love them as a place to meet old friends and have a good time meeting people.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Alseg
Date: 2008-05-09 21:02
I had one person email me over twenty times, each time with a new wrinkle to the same question.
I responded EACH time....I finally suggested he/she consult someone else. The person still persisted, and ultimately I disuaded them from making a purchase. Lucky me
Some folks want a cure for a problem for which there is no remedy....aside from Sherman's elixer....Practice.
Another person said that I did not answer several emails (I did answer them and sent a copy of all of the replies as proof).
It is "The Price of doing Business."
I feel for Walter....who, by the way, is easy to deal with (personal experience).
And then there are the "tire kickers." Let's quit on that note.
Allan
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2008-05-09 22:31
Bill Fogle said:
<<I read every message in this thread. Just offhand I can think of three artists/suppliers who were famous for "going missing" with client clarinets and mouthpiece projects. None of those individuals currently post here, and one is passed away.
My point is there is a precedence in the clarinet community for this kind of communications break-down, in which a customer's instrument or investment is simply ... sacrificed.>>
Bill, to set the record straight, there was no communications breakdown. There was one mail, with a question about a mouthpiece that the gentleman's teacher had purchased. No instruments or mouthpieces went missing...nothing was sacrificed...except all the time we are spending here discussing ONE e-mail.
Walter
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-05-10 00:30
Read comments from E1Blufer comment and Paul Aviles. Because of these comments I thought that Grabner didn't have time anymore to answer every email but wasn't sure since he still states on his webpage that he does so. I didn't mean to be harsh and in fact didn't even care that I didn't get a respond to my email. But maybe if he puts up on his webpage that the waiting time for mouthpiece to be shipped is 1-2 weeks then he might also put up if he is unable to answer every email. His mouthpieces are among the very best mouthpiece I've tried and I've used every opportunity to tell people here on the Board or around me how good they are.
In this context I should not have said that I did take my buisness somewhere else so for that I'm sorry but I was not the only one to say that so others can also get little bit excited in the heat of the moment.
I will deffinatly have more buisness with Grabner in the future if he allows that
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-05-10 04:10
"I didn't mean to be harsh and in fact didn't even care that I didn't get a respond to my email."
You only posted 8 times your dissatisfaction with the individual in question. Your myopic view should be recognized for what it is and this portion of the discussion should end.
Kudos to Ben Redwine for adding that the language barrier is great. Nonetheless: you can't complain and say you don't care at the same time.
James
Gnothi Seauton
Post Edited (2008-05-10 04:12)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Keith P
Date: 2008-05-10 05:49
Perhaps some of Mr. Blumberg's "Pot" key oil is in need of use here =p.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-05-11 18:31
Tobin if you think that I complained about not getting a reply to my email then you are wrong. I only said that I think it would be fair to report on his homepage that he couldn't answer every email. Maybe I should have said I was succesting rather than saying it would be fair. Why do you think that I "waited" for over 2 months for a reply but didn't email him again? Because I know he is very busy and I don't wan't to email him again and again. I didn't complain about him not answering my email. I only pointed out that maybe if people don't get an answer after long time then it might be clever to put the situation as it is on his homepage. It was only a sucesstion and I've always got very good service from him. I'm sorry if people misunderstood what I said. I have nothing but the greatest praise for his service.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2008-05-11 18:39
Mark -- Glen -- time to close this string again?
|
|
|
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.