 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Wayne Thompson
Date: 2003-12-11 06:23
Two questions, one easy and one tougher.
What are FE Olds clarinets like? (I'm having trouble searching the site for info; "olds" brings up millions of references to "old".)
And the harder question: If most agree that the 'big four' make the best student clarinets, then why? In the US, Leblanc (Vito), Selmer (Bundy), CGConn (Artley and Armstrong), and FE Olds all make similarly priced student clarinets. Leblanc and Selmer are big four, of course. I assume they all have similar economic environments, similar work forces, similar musical tradition, and at least the first thee sell lots of instruments. Yet the first two have this great reputation and the last two don't. Why? If I was Artley, I would figure out how to improve my instruments and my reputation. Why don't they?
Wayne Thompson
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-12-11 08:24
Olds was a brass instrument manufacturer. I don't believe they ever built a Clarinet but rather "stenciled" the name on Clarinets made by others. I own an old Olds Clarinet, and it is, to say the best, sub-wonderful. I offered to give it to a student recently for back-up service, and she refused it.
I have never played an Artley, but I have known those who did as students and found the instruments quite okay.
Concerning the "Big Four," I think the usual suggestion is "Don't buy a student instrument outside this group (unless you know what you are doing)." Sticking with those suppliers can pretty much ensure one does not buy a real dud.
Regards,
Joh
Post Edited (2003-12-11 08:28)
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