 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lenny sizzlack
Date: 2003-06-05 06:46
I'm thinking of purchasing a clarinet online at Woodwins & Brasswinds, becuase it seems they have the best prices. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with them...good or bad experiences. Im thinking of purchasing either the R-13 Bb vintage or prestige...they botth seem nice from their specifications. I live in Southern California and from what i know there are not that many Buffet dealers...that carry either the vintage or prestiage. So im kind scared having the instrument shipped. Also, does anyone know the difference between the stained and unstained wood, because i know the R-13 Bb is stained and the vintage and prestige are not.. Is it a matter of taste or does the sound of the instrument differ ? Im am also wondering if they allow exhanges....it seems that all the makes of the R-13 Bb differ.....could someone please tell me the things I should watch out for....it's a big purchase. thanks alot.
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Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2003-06-05 07:00
I've purchased from WWBW on several ocassions and bought my Leblanc Concerto from them. Yes they do allow exchanges and in fact you can order several clarinets at once for trial. My experince with them on all ocassions has been excellent but I'm sure others have had issues...it just happens when you have as many transactions as they do.
Regarding stained and unstained. I haven't played the Buffets specifically but I have other clarinets both stained and unstained and I really don't see how that would effect tonality of the instrument and even if it did, I'm not sure how it would effect it. Typically and speaking as an amateur woodworker, stain is used to enhance the appearance of the wood and bring out grain patterns. I wouldf imagine that the two unstanined models use wood specifically selected for its beauty and striking grain.
Best and good luck with finding an instrument you like
Rick
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Author: Anon
Date: 2003-06-05 13:28
Have you considered RDG, Inc. in Los Angeles?
Bob Gilbert is a knowledgeable guy and I always use Tom Yaeh as my repairman...
I got a super E flat Buffet RC from Bob a few years ago...
At least this way you could try several of them...let us know!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-06-05 13:43
Yes, I've bought from them but nothing as expensive as a clarinet. If I lived on the west coast I'd probably consider a closer source for a clarinet. I've not had any bad experience with them.
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2003-06-05 18:37
I had a few mistakes made by WWandBW, but I only buy small things, the most expensive being a barrel (which they had sent me the wrong one.) But I know my friend bought a clarinet from them and was happy with it.
--Contragirl
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2003-06-05 19:20
I'm interested in trying some of their "new B stock" horns. Anybody know if that's a category to avoid?
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2003-06-05 19:44
I once bought an E flat and a bunch of accesories from WWBW and everything was fine except they did not include a Blayman peg I had ordered. They refused to send me one, so I was out 35 bucks. I will never order from them again. I prefer a smaller company where when I call, they know me by name. I just recently bought a set of Buffets from Lisa Argiris at International Musical Suppliers that was awesome. While she is not as cheap as WWBW, I will pay for the superior service any day.
At IMS, Lisa (a great clarinetist) wil hand select a few horns for you based on what you are looking for-response, tuning, etc. She has always sent me fabilous instruments and on occasion she will not send an instrument that does not meet her standards. I just don't see WWBW doing that.
Francois Kloc told me that the stain on the wood is only there because of tradition. It has absolutly no effect on the sound of the instrument.
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Author: wyatt
Date: 2003-06-05 20:16
i just ordered a clarinet from wwbw and after a short trial I sent it back. cost me $21 to return it via usp. it was worth it to try the horn.
I' waiting for fedex to deliver an Opus that i want to try. The price is so good I just had to give it a go.
I have had no problems with either IMS or wwbw.i
bob gardner}ÜJ
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-06-05 20:55
Having either of the above named major houses send you three horns sounds like a good idea until you find out how long it ties up your refund. Yes, she is a great clarinetist.......
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2003-06-06 02:18
Usually, IMS charges your credit card for just one instrument and still sends out three horns. You would only need a refund if decided not to buy any of the horns.
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-06-06 03:37
From *any* Buffet owners I know, they would probably all recommend the unstained variety, as they all complain about that lovely "Buffet purple" color on their swabs (and sometimes, hands).
BTW, one of my friends recently purchased a new R-13 from IMS and was very satisfied with the service and her purchase. I've only ordered mpcs through Muncy Winds, but I was pleased with my transaction w/ them, and they were recommended to me by a friend who bught her clarinet through them.
Personally, I bought my horn online through a used instrument dealer in Texas, then had it overhauled.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2003-06-06 04:21
I've had good service from both Muncy and Woodwind and have bought instruments from both. I had a warranty issue on a Selmer sax, Muncy was great, Selmer was not.
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2003-06-06 16:50
With Muncy, you get very friendly service and they have an easy to use website.
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