 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mark M
Date: 2002-03-12 19:02
On a business trip and would you believe it? Called Selmer/Buffet to stop by and was told I couldn't look the place over. Had to have a group of 20 or more.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-12 21:04
Wow - that's a little unfriendly of them - might I suggest a stroll along the Place de l'Opera and rounding up some (bemused) fellow travellers to boost your numbers?
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-03-12 23:25
tellthem you had 19 others that WERE going to buy a clarinet, sorry I didn't have 20
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-03-12 23:55
I understand Vandoren will let you have a wee look, especially if you buy a few reeds.
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Author: ClairGirl
Date: 2002-03-13 03:04
Do they let you try as many reeds as you want at the Vandoren factory, and then pay for only the ones you want to buy? I thought I may have heard that somewhere... or is it just some fantasy I had on a really bad reed day?
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-03-13 05:48
Maybe they would even let you pick out good ones, and then put one in each box....
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Author: Simone
Date: 2002-03-13 07:33
If you're still in Paris, visit the "Cité de la musique" (http://www.cite-musique.fr) which is situated in la Villette park, in the North-East of Paris. You find there a superb and modern museum of music (opening hours Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm).
Enjoy your time in Paris,
Simone
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Author: beejay
Date: 2002-03-13 09:43
To set the record straight, Vandoren no longer allow customers to try individual reeds for reasons of hygiene, but you can try as many mouthpieces as you like at their Paris headquarters (56 rue Lepic). You can also take in your favorite reed and they will measure it and match it, so you can actually ensure a pretty consistent supply once you have established the correct grade.
I agree with Simone, the museum at the Cite de la Musique is a great place to visit.
Both Selmer and Buffet Crampon have their factories at Mantes la Ville, west of Paris, and you are right -- they don't encourage visits, but these are essentially industrial plants. However, Selmer does have a nice showroom in Paris.
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Author: Stephane
Date: 2002-03-13 12:34
Mark,
Next time let me know. One of my friend (a retailer) has excellent relationship with Selmer and used to be commercial director at Buffet. I am sure he could arrange something next time you visit.
And on top of the Cité de la Musique, you should also try the instrument museum at La Couture-Boussey, west of Paris. This is one of the best place to understand everything about the history of the clarinet.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-03-13 13:26
All I can say is sitting in Paris is better than sitting almost anywhere else ... and walking in Paris is even better ...
Mark C., who spent a week in Paris on vacation and was never bored
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Author: Mark M
Date: 2002-03-13 19:42
Thanks for all the suggestions et al. To bad I'm actually on a business trip, so I do have to get some work in. I might have to come back in late April (to baaddd) so, Stephane, I'll let you know
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Author: Jean Adler
Date: 2002-03-14 23:06
Maybe 20 of us could put together a little clarinet tour...any travel agents out there?
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-14 23:43
Hm, Paris ... one of my favourites - I'll be there next in November 2003 *sigh*
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