The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: cj
Date: 2001-12-15 00:18
Hello all,
I've been searching through the messages on this board and I found something about Leblanc clarinet mfg. warranties only being good if the instrument is purchased in North American (I live in the USA). I didn't really understand that post the first time around and can't find it again for the life of me. I was wondering if someone could explain it to me. If I purchase an instrument from a dealer in Europe or Australia, and have the horn shipped to me here in the states, am I not covered by Leblanc's warranty, even if the dealer is an authorized dealer?
Also, could someone explain just in general how Leblanc's warranty works for a new instrument? I was looking at their web site and can't find any information about it. If I bought a horn from an authorized dealer, and had a problem with it, to whom do I need to bring it to get it fixed? An authorized dealer? The same place I bought it?
Please, if anyone could help, I'd be very appreciative. I have never bought a professional instrument before, and I'd like to protect my investment. Thanks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-12-15 00:47
An object purchased by an end user in one country for use in another country is considered a "gray market" product and is not covered by warrantee in the end user's location <b>unless</b> arrangements in writing have been made beforehand. This applies to all mechandise, not just instruments: watches, cameras, radios, TVs, etc., and is the bane of servicemen returning from overseas.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-12-15 13:18
If there is not a Leblanc dealer near you, you would have to ship the clarinet to the factory here in the USA for repair. However, if you bought it at a local or near local dealer you would merely return it to the dealer and it would be repaired. The charge would depend upon the problem. The warranty covers cracks and factory workmanship (if a spring or key breaks due to the fault of the manufacturer). It doesn't cover abusive treatment of the instrument--like dropping and breaking or other things.
And, yes, if you buy overseas you won't have a warranty except from the dealer and that will be a pain.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: cj
Date: 2001-12-15 14:14
Thanks for the replies!
One last question: the warranty lasts for a fixed period of time, correct (one year)? After that expires, then what would I need to do to get it fixed if something happened...would I have to bring it to just any old repair shop, as though I never had a warranty in the first place? Or would I still need to go through the dealer I bought it from, or an authorized dealer, etc?
Thanks again!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-12-15 17:11
You can take it to any shop; however, just like with cars, if you've developed a rapport with the dealer and their prices are reasonable it's a good idea to take it to the same place. Remember to meet & talk to the repairman - many people just leave their instruments with someone at the counter. Talking to the repairman can really help! If the store sends all their instruments out to someone else and you're out of warrantee - I'd run, not walk, to a place that has an on-site repairman!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-12-15 19:40
Read the fine print on the warranty. You have to send in the warranty card within 10 days from when you purchased your instrument, or the 1 year warranty is void. So, all bets are off if you didn't do that. After that, as we have said, just be sure to get it to an authorized Leblanc dealer--hopefully the one from whom you purchased your clarinet--and they will take care of it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|