 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Gordon Bainbridge
Date: 2002-07-18 18:35
Do people go to trusted local shops to buy clarinets these days? Or are you buying
from the internet sellers? Have people had experiences (good or bad) with:
- Matthews
- Wichita Band Instrument
- Music123
- The English shops (e.g., John Myatt or George Gladstone)
- Others (any recommendations?)
How important is it to have the pads and keys adjusted or replaced before the
instrument is shipped?
All comments and advice appreciated.
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2002-07-18 21:01
I bought my R-13 Buffet in June. I live in California. I ordered this clarinet from Weiner Co. in New York. They offered a two year crack warranty. They test it before mailing it out. I was very happy with it. Also, the price was great, less than retail.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-07-19 01:25
Matthews is very good, low in price, and ships quickly. As with all new instruments, a little work may be needed to optimize the instrument. I bought one instrument and a friend bought two. Good Luck!!
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Author: John Moses
Date: 2002-07-19 04:06
Try THE WOODWIND & BRASSWIND NY, they have great deals on all their horns.
Speak to Jonathan or Lori, you can't go wrong with their prices.
JJM
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-07-19 06:26
Gordon, personally, I'd much rather buy from a shop - afterall, most "decent" retailers will allow you to "tootle away" until find a clarinet that sings your tune.
They may very well ask you to provide your own mouthpiece for this (quite understandably). Just play as many as you care to - one of them will have your name on it.
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Author: Susan Taylor
Date: 2002-07-19 09:16
Forget the catalogs. Support your local music store!! You won't get the service from a catalog that the local retailer will give you. What if you get a lemon from a catalog? What a hassle. Also, some repair shops won't work on an instrument that was bought from a catalog.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-07-19 12:10
I agree with diz & Susan in principle ... but ...
1) Some shops charge exorbitant markups for instruments
2) Many have no professional or even intermediate instruments and must order them for you
3) If (2) is true, then the chances they have a professional repair department are nil.
4) Susan, warrantee coverage is covered by the manufacturer, not the store, and a store that won't cover the warrantee on a new instrument, whether they sold it or not, are in violation of their reseller's agreement. However, warrantee coverage does not cover routine adjustments (whatever that means), so don't expect a store other than the one you bought it from to spend any time working on your clarinet for free.
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Author: msroboto
Date: 2002-07-19 12:52
I guess I got lucky. I bought from a local shop at a good price. Under $1500.00 for an R-13 and they had a selection of at least 6 to choose from. I tried a bunch of them.
I always tried to buy from them when I could because they are a nice shop. The prices were comparable to mail order especially if you figure in shipping charges. They had a nice selection of accessories and reeds.
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Author: Mindy
Date: 2002-07-19 13:48
I really like International Musical Suppliers also. I have gotten all my clarinets from them so far, and have been very happy with them.
Mindy
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-07-19 14:39
I have purchased several clarinets during the past year,both new and used, and have considered purchasing several more. I have purchased from my local music store and eBay and considered purchasing from one of the highly considered stores mentioned above. Most of the horns were purchased for reconditioning experience and possible resale but about half a dozen were purchased for personal playing purposes and evaluation. The horns that I have found that I like the best were purchased from two eBay sources that are reputable dealers. I hesitate to name names as doing so may infringe on BB "rules".
My experience with one well known non-eBay dealer was,let's say, far from satisfactory. My local dealer charged too much but not exhorbitantly. If I was considering, now, to purchase a new or used horn for personal use I would contact both eBay dealers...and,for what it's worth, if you want their names please contact me directly.
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Author: Tom Stroud
Date: 2002-07-20 02:37
Take a look at Albert Alphin Wind Instruments, Inc. at http://alphin.bigstep.com. I have placed several orders with them and have been very satisfied with their service, prices and shipping charges.
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Author: Jim
Date: 2002-07-20 13:06
One local dealer tried to sell me a refurbished rental Buffet E-11 for $1102.00. The other (we only have 2) quoted a price of $850.00 for a new one. But, they do not stock them, order only.
Woodwind&Brasswind sells the same horn, brand new in a box for $589.00.
WW&BW sent me a E-11, and a E-13 to try out for two weeks. They would have sent a 3rd if requested. I ended up buying the E-13 at $1099.00 + 14.00 shipping. Still cheaper than the price quoted for a used 'next step down' horn from local dealer.
So living in a smaller town, where one does not have the advantage of folks living in big cities with a lot of different dealers to choose from, mail order in the only way to go. IMO
Jim
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Author: Sandra F. H.
Date: 2002-07-20 15:13
Try Muncy Winds. Phil Muncy is a pro clarinetist, and he's very knowledgeable. He makes his own mouthpieces and reeds, and he plays a custom clarinet. Prices are comparable. I purchased my oboe from them. The local store where I purchased two of my R-13's (A & Bb) are out of business.
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