 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-03-22 02:30
I have noticed in the last couple of days that the price of Buffets have increased. I am currently looking for a new Buffet R13, but the price is crazy high. I asked a shop about the price increase and they said this is due to the US dollar being worth less than the Euro and so the US distributor has to buy the clarinets from France for more money.
Should Buffet be increasing their prices when their quality has been decreasing over time? I hear of how great the quality of old Buffet's were and it frusterates me to the extreme because it practically is impossible to find a good Buffet these days. I have tried at least 5 new Buffet R13's in the last month, nickel and silver plated and I have been disappointed by each and every one of them.
I currently own a YCL52, and I NEED a professional model clarinet now. Where could I buy one that isn't 2,200 and that I know that I can get a good quality one. I am sick of getting disappointed. I would love to buy a used Buffet (around 5 years old) but I can't seem to find one in the Kansas City area.
Why is Buffet doing this? Is this problem frustrating anyone else? You would think that if something is "the best" than the quality would consistently be the best to hold the monopoly on that particular market.
Sorry, I am extremely annoyed and discouraged by Buffet lately and needed to vent.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Shorthand
Date: 2005-03-22 02:39
If there aren't any in your immediate area, widen your search for a used horn - Start with the classifieds here:
http://test.woodwind.org/Classifieds/
someone is listing a Brannenized R13 for $1250.
and then try eBay. (If you go the eBay route - sniping software would be recommended.)
If you're worried about recieving the instrument, use eBay's escrow services (in either case).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-03-22 03:19
Clarinetgirl06 wrote:
>
> Should Buffet be increasing their prices when their quality has
> been decreasing over time?
1) The quality recently has been said to be very good.
2) The prices have to rise to reflect the current state of the world economy.
3) Clarinets are cheap compared with almost every other instrument.
4) Buffet has every right to charge what the market will bear. If the price is too high, they'll have to lower it eventually.
> I have tried at least 5 new Buffet R13's in the last month,
> nickel and silver plated and I have been disappointed by each
> and every one of them.
Try 10. Try Leblancs and Yamahas. Try Selmers. Those five are probably perfect for someone else - you have to keep trying.
Perhaps some of those you rejected would be great if you had given them to a competent repairperson.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mystery science dieter
Date: 2005-03-22 03:20
Don't blame Buffet for the weak dollar. Buffet didn't run the US trillions of dollars into debt and undermine its currency. As for the price, have you priced oboes, bassoons or flutes lately? $2,200 looks very cheap compared to those prices.
Let's see, you don't currently own or play a Buffet R13 but you say there aren't any good ones. How can you know? What is your reference point?
My guess is that you are expecting a new clarinet to make you a better player. This won't happen. A clarinet is never better than the person blowing through it.
As for that tired old story about older Buffets being better. . .why do so many Buffet playing professionals buy new clarinets regularly? Why don't they try to make old clunkers last forever?
A very fine player I know recently selected a bunch of clarinets for his students. He had no problem finding more than a half dozen superb new Buffet clarinets out of a selection pool not much larger. I myself have tried 4 new Buffets that were superb in the last 6 months. One I bought, the others were bought by colleagues.
My advice: pay a professional to select a Buffet for you. Mark Nuccio (of the New York Philharmonic) does this for a small fee through Mark Sloss, a NJ clarinet dealer who frequents this board. You will get an excellent clarinet at a very reasonable price. The few extra bucks you pay for Mr. Nuccio's many years of experience selecting clarinets is worth it. He, unlike you, has played Buffet clarinets for years and knows what to look for (in other words, what is truly important to look for). The downside of this approach is that you will not be able to blame Buffet for your problems.
Buying a clarinet isn't like buying a car. Don't bottom line it. An extra few bucks spent to get the right one is money very well spent.
If you want to find more good clarinets, play better. It really is that simple.
Post Edited (2005-03-22 03:23)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-03-22 03:20
Thanks for the help, but my mom is extremely stubborn and won't buy a clarinet from someone that she doesn't know. She wants to buy one from someone in the Kansas City area. I told her that hmm... would you rather have a slightly broken in clarinet that has been Brannenized, which includes a Gregory Smith mouthpiece and a pad and spring kit for 1295 or a new clarinet that has no upgrades for 2200? She's being completely unfair. The lady will let me try the clarinet before I buy it and everything. This makes me somewhat more frustrated with Buffet now. Sorry for the ranting.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2005-03-22 03:34
It has been reported on this board numerous times that recent shipments of Buffet clarinets have had far more "keepers" than in past years. A colleague of mine recently told me he found many excellent Buffets while trying out R-13's for a student, at a large New York Buffet retailer. He said that if he had needed a clarinet for himself, he would have not thought twice about buying one of those.
In my opinion, all clarinets (Buffet, Selmer, Yamaha, etc...) are going to need a bit of tweaking to get it where you finally want it. Find one that is in the ballpark, has potential, and then spend the extra $ to get it up to your preferences.
Is $2200 for a professional instrument unreasonable?
Amortize it over the lifespan of the instrument.
It is still a bargain....GBK (who still remembers paying about $325 for his first R-13 and $30 for a Kaspar mouthpiece in the 1960's)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-03-22 03:42
I am not saying that a new clarinet will make me a better player. Also, the Buffets that I have tried from three different dealers and locations just seemed quirky, I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE WORKED, one had some weird resistance that was uncommon on the others that made lots of notes sound really bad, another had AWFUL intonation, and so on. I could go on but I don't feel that I have to fully explain myself, I shouldn't have to explain myself.
I may not own an R13, but I have played many that are owned by my friends and teachers which are far better than any I have tried out. I love their instruments.
If as some people say that Buffets quality is getting better, how come my luck sucks? Its not like I suck or anything. I'm not the best clarinet player but I know when there is a major flaw in a clarinet. Other people tried the same clarinets along with me and they all said that they sucked too, including my teacher and many of my school mates.
I know clarinets are cheap compared to most intruments, but for people like me who need a new clarinet and have very little money, it IS A LOT OF MONEY. You know I wish I had the money, I really do.
Also, my clarinet teacher won't allow me to buy any clarinet besides a Buffet. I would love to try out Selmers, Yamahas, Leblancs, etc.
I may not be as good of a player as half or even all of you, but I am practicing to make myself better. I am in All-State Band, which is a good accomplishment, but I know I am nowhere close to being great. , I don't need a new clarinet to make me better, so please NEVER ASSUME. I just need a new clarinet because mine is awful.
Thank you for the advice GBK, I see your points exactly.
And mystery science dieter:
He, unlike you, has played Buffet clarinets for years and knows what to look for (in other words, what is truly important to look for). The downside of this approach is that you will not be able to blame Buffet for your problems.
Thank you SO MUCH for all of the kind words! I can feel my self worth soaring! In other words: Don't be so mean, yeah I bet that he's AN AWESOME person to have pick out a clarinet, but it doesn't mean that I don't have an ounce of skill or that I would blame Buffet for my problems after he would pick a clarinet out. Please don't assume. People that this make it hard for younger players like me to find a person to look up to, a person who's advice they can trust. You have very good points, but your execution was off.
Post Edited (2005-03-22 03:51)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-03-22 04:07
Quote:
Thanks for the help, but my mom is extremely stubborn and won't buy a clarinet from someone that she doesn't know. She wants to buy one from someone in the Kansas City area. I told her that hmm... would you rather have a slightly broken in clarinet that has been Brannenized, which includes a Gregory Smith mouthpiece and a pad and spring kit for 1295 or a new clarinet that has no upgrades for 2200? She's being completely unfair. Surely not the ideal situation, and in my mind, you seem to be thinking along some great moneysaving and well thought out lines, but just remember, that at this stage of life, you just gotta plod along. If you want, start thinking about saving up money on your own so that at some point in the future (whether it be in a year, two, three, whatever) you can get whatever clarinet YOU want, the way you want it. Took me a while to save up that money but I now have a great clarinet I'm almost done working with, and then it'll be time to save up for an A clarinet.
At any rate, take comfort in the fact that you're mother is helping you get a new clarinet at all. Right there is more than I was ever offerred.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dano
Date: 2005-03-22 04:18
Your clarinet teacher won't allow you to buy anything but a Buffet? If you can't even try a Selmer, Leblanc, or anything else, and can't find a decent Buffet, what does your teacher want you to do? Quit clarinet? Or find another teacher? If your teacher is a decent teacher, they should be able to teach clarinet on any brand of clarinet, as long as you feel comfortable with it. Not your teacher feeling comfortable with the clarinet. I am always amazed at the ego of some clarinet teachers. I do not hear comments like "my teacher won't ALLOW me to purchase a certain brand" from trumpet students or piano students. I suggest looking into a new teacher. One that is not brand specific and more into teaching the clarinet. It sounds like you have enough knowledge to be able to pick a clarinet that you like.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2005-03-22 04:22
Exactly the way to look at it. I understand that 2200 or 1000 or whatever IS a lot of money. I personally don't care how much other instruments cost...I don't play a 30,000 dollar bassoon like my best friend does, so trying to compare and say how easy it is for us is a little unfair. It also presents the challenge that many high school students (including myself back in the day) faced, that is trying to play against others who already HAD r13's when you're trying to get by on your excellent e11. I have to say it got me to all-state and districts for 4 years but for a high schooler, it's almost expected that if you're good you will have an r13. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked whether my instrument was an r13 and then gotten scoffed at when I told them it was an e11. Bassoons, tubas, etc.: you don't see high school players with Heckels, etc. that cost rediculous amounts of cash. For a clarinet, though, 2200 for a brand new r13 is really not that absurd. You CAN though get used ones for around the 1500 or 1600 mark, but be careful, it may be in YOUR best interest to get a new one and then have it quirked by a repair man as most of us have done when we bought our instruments. Certainly try them and if you're teacher says they're not up to snuff, then take her advice, but YOU are the one who has the final say. If you like it and it plays well and feels good, you should definitely consider a purchase.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-03-22 05:01
"Should Buffet be increasing their prices when their quality has been decreasing over time?"
That sentence really bothered me. Buffet DID NOT increase their prices. The Dollar is getting weaker compared to the Euro. Buffet prices in Euros stay the same, but American dealers have to pay more Dollars for them. That's why the American dealers increased their prices.
Also your teacher not allowing you to get a clarinet other than Buffet is just rediculous. I don't know about Yamahas (never tried them but I hear they are also good), but Leblancs and Selmers are excellent clarinets, just like Buffets.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2005-03-22 05:46
I agree with those who have said that your teacher shouldn't be insisting that you only play Buffet clarinets - this seems a very blinkered approach to trying and buying new instruments. IMO you should be trying out as many as possible from the 'big four' before making your choice. I've got quite a few clarinets (including Buffet), and I like my Leblancs the best, closely followed by my Selmer 10G. It's all down to personal taste really - and how can you get to know what the others are like if you're not allowed to play them?!
I teach recorders and piano, and while I might recommend certain makes when pupils are thinking of upgrading, I wouldn't dream of insisting that they only play one particular sort - I always tell them to try out as many as possible from reliable brands, and then to choose what feels and plays best for them.
Joanna Brown
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2005-03-22 06:05
the teacher doesnt pay for the clarinet - you do.
and you pay the teacher - you're the customer.
i 'recommend' certain models , as do most teachers.
but 'require' specific ones - no way.
i require that students have a horn that works, and plays in tune.
i suggest that they have me or another teacher check it out before buying, to avoid buying one with problems, but i dont 'require' a specific brand.'
someone's teacher has an ego problem.
maybe find another teacher? thats probably not what you wanted to hear, but limiting students to only one brand is not reasonable.
in reference to the post about yamaha's, i've had good experience with them - the better models are excellent.
the other observation is to call some of the internet vendors - phone prices are sometimes cheaper than posted internet prices. give ww&bw a call for example. see what the real price is this week.
-paul
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mystery science dieter
Date: 2005-03-22 12:22
>>>Thank you SO MUCH for all of the kind words! I can feel my self worth soaring! In other words: Don't be so mean, yeah I bet that he's AN AWESOME person to have pick out a clarinet, but it doesn't mean that I don't have an ounce of skill or that I would blame Buffet for my problems after he would pick a clarinet out. Please don't assume. People that this make it hard for younger players like me to find a person to look up to, a person who's advice they can trust. You have very good points, but your execution was off.<<<
Sorry, you didn't post a full resume. I assumed that you are a high school student. If you have a full time job in a symphony orchestra, I apologize.
You posted a message, you got an honest response. You didn't like it. Too bad.
The advice was solid. Were the clarnets you tried not good? Who knows? Maybe they were terrible ones. On the other hand, maybe they were excellent ones that had easliy fixable problems. You are not experienced enough to know the difference.
How much have you spent so far on mailing instruments back and forth from a dealer? How much gas have you burned up running around to every local distributor? By now you could have had an instrument good enough to play through graduate school in your hands and it would have been easy. That was my point.
In any case, you said the magic words that will cause this thread to go out of control. You said that your teacher 'required' you to play a Buffet. Now the next 75 messages will be from outraged, self-rightous people who want to lecture your teacher instead of people who want to help you find the Buffet clarinet that you really want.
Good luck. Now you need it even more.
Post Edited (2005-03-22 12:25)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2005-03-22 15:52
Clarinetgirl06:
I suggest you start by asking your teacher why it's so important that you only own a Buffet? This is a serious statement. This'll get you on the road to determining your own future, of standing up for your beliefs, of questioning authority. So make your teacher work for his money. Get him involved in this discussion, get his perspective of why other manufacturers aren't acceptable to him, ask him to state his reasons & give you proof of why he believes that, and make sure you understand his viewpoint. Once you have this information you can then make the decision for yourself on whether you purchase only a Buffet or open your eyes to other manufacturers.
My take on this is that you should go into this discussion with your eyes totally open already to any one of the "big 4" plus a few of the others. The best way to do this is to play some of the competitors instruments and see what you like or don't like about them. You may find that you love a Yamaha or Selmer or Leblanc. You may also find that you really like the Buffet. Until you try them you won't know!
I personally think anyone who says "Buy only Buffet" or "Buy only Leblanc" has their head in the sand.
BTW, if you have a large music dealer within a couple hours of your house (instead of in the same town) consider this an option to go on a "musical retreat" for a day. Get your mom to drive you to the store and spend the day trying out everything you can. It's a great way to spend a day!
MOO,
matt
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinets1
Date: 2005-03-22 16:05
please don't take this as mean-spirited, but I got into All-State (band and orchestra), regionals, numerous other honour bands, and earned a talent grant at college on an intermediate Yamaha. I worked my tail off with the best that I had. even then, it wasn't until my sophomore year in college that I got ahold of my Buffet.
don't beat yourself up, and don't let others, but don't blame the equipment.
just work hard.
~~JK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2005-03-22 16:17
Had to comment here. My "old clunker" which I purchased in 1970 is still serving me well. I bought a brand new Buffet R13 several years ago and found it to be "heavier"! My wrists are weak. The old one is "lighter" and easier to play. So I sold the new one to a friend and he's still using it. He has strong arms and hands. But I've had the clunker re-done twice during these past many years and I figure I just lucked out when I bought it because it was the only one in the store at the time.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-03-22 19:41
Thank you all for the advice. I honestly didn't say that my teacher wouldn't allow me to buy anything but a Buffet for anyone to attack her. I see your points exactly on her opinions about Buffets and I agree with you. She is an excellent teacher though, and that is the only issue that I have had with her. All of her students are in All-State Band and she has a great approach to teaching. I have taken from professional Symphony members before and the way that they approached teaching lessons just wasn't my style. I mean yeah, this guy could play like no other, but he just wasn't that great of a teacher.
I really wish my intermediate Yamaha would work out. I wish I didn't have to get a new clarinet. But I don't find it worth it to put more money into a instrument than what it is worth.
Matt-I love your idea about a musical retreat. My mom was looking on the internet and the wwbw store is 8 hours from our house. Then I could try many different kinds of clarinets, and then once I figure out which model I like then I can try out many of the same model and see which one is the best.
I have tried the mailing thing mystery science dieter. We had to spend LOTS of money on shipping and we just can't handle the expense. And yes, your advice IS SOLID, but could you maybe just be a little more kind in your approach? I trust your advice: you have good advice along with every other person who has posted!
sfalexi: I see your point, and I am saving every bit of money I get, but I don't have enough time for a job because I am extremely involved in school, church, band, orchestra, choir, musicals, etc. But you are right, I am thankful that my mom is getting involved!
And yes, I think I was just frustrated when I said that Buffet increased the prices. Yes, they did NOT do it. I am sorry for putting Buffet in the blame when it is actually the US dollar.
So thank you all. I have been practicing dilegently on my clarinet for contest, and I know that it's the player and the practicing that counts, and that you have to work hard. That is exactly my plan!
I am open to any more advice if anyone has any. : )
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-03-22 20:28
If you are paying under $3000 for a Professional Clarinet, consider it a bargain. There aren't many instruments out there as cheap as the Clarinet is (flute, sax, oboe, fr horn, etc..... certainly aren't).
And certainly don't ever play bassoon - they ain't cheap either.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Shorthand
Date: 2005-03-22 21:31
Clarinetgirl,
I understand that your mom is afraid to lay out $1k to a private party via mail order. This is what escrow accounts are for:
https://www.escrow.com/
(Owned by eBay)
Any reputable seller should be more than happy to sell you a clarinet via escrow as long as you guys front the cost of one (usually like $20-40). This should allay your mother's fears. Remind your mother that at the price differential, you can have at least 10 failed transactions before you've spent the $1000 you can save by getting a good used horn.
If your mom has questions, send her here to ask.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-03-22 21:51
Thank your David and Shorthand. Yeah, I am glad I don't play the bassoon: a 15 or so waiting period and $30,000 for a Heckel.
I will look into the escrow! Thank you! Hopefully, she'll like the idea too!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-03-23 05:08
I flew 12 hours, then drove another 15 hours to the WW&BW store, bought my clarinets, and drove 13 hours back (less time because no rain), then flew back 12 hours. I'd say you should drive to a big store and try as many as you can. Not necessarily the WW&BW. If it takes you 8 hours to drive there, I suggest doing it in two days, or even three, so you get at least a few hours in the store. I only had 4 hours and it really wasn't enough. By the number of clarinets I think you want to try, I'd say you need ten hours in the store.
Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2005-03-23 05:22
Clarinetgirl06,
I live in the same KC area as you do. I've probably been to the very same shops you're talking about. Please e-mail me. I may have some good suggestions for you. I know of an older, beautiful Buffet R13 for sale not far from here and I think it merits a look from you. E-mail me personally. I'll write you back with the info.
Rebecca
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Igloo Bob
Date: 2005-03-23 20:21
Quote:
There aren't many instruments out there as cheap as the Clarinet is (flute, sax, oboe, fr horn, etc..... certainly aren't).
Some saxes and F. Horns are, though. Yamaha and Cannonball altos and tenors are for sure under $3000, I believe Keils are too, though I'm not completely sure there. Of course, Selmer pro horns are priced way higher, and Yanis are pretty expensive as well, but it's not difficult to find a good sax for under $3000, unless you play bari. Horns are a bit more difficult, but Holton makes many considered "pro level" for under $3000. Comparing the absolutely most expensive models of other instruments with what is essentially our "minimum required to be a pro" instrument doesn't quite work. Sure, top of the line Selmer saxes are quite a bit more expensive than the rest of the field, but so are Rossis and Buffet Toscas.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Avie
Date: 2005-03-24 03:18
Clarinetgirl106......There are probably thousands of clarinet players out there that go through the process of looking for the best horn possible to make the best of there clarinet playing. I dont think I would play any better on a new R13 than I do with my present Buffet but Im still looking. ![[whoa]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie10.gif)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarispark
Date: 2005-03-24 13:32
I have made it a priority to NOT play a Buffet for a good long time. I think they might be slightly overrated--and too expensive. Someday I'll try one...but that's not today.
Leblanc makes really good clarinets...I have an old Noblet that a clarinet player in my old hometown wanted to buy from me for $950, which of course I turned down.
Now that I've ranted on for ages, the moral of the story is--check into some other brands too. Maybe it's not in the stars for you to play a Buffet just yet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D Dow
Date: 2005-03-24 13:59
I have decided not to return to Buffet or their clarinets ever. The reasons are very simple...how can Buffet expect to make any money from the R13 line when they clearly have downgraded the quality and also the value of the R13 while at the same time still pouring all their technology and efforts into other products.
The simple matter is the Tosca and Elite(discontinued) have become hugely overrated and on top of this inflated in price. Let's face it...right now the finest instruments for clarinetists are being made in Austria and Germany but alas companies like Wurlitzer and such do not make a Boehm clarinet except with the german bore.
The other matter is the total lack of stability of the firm Buffet Crampon...it seem no one wants to own it and therfore it gets sold from time to time and of course this leaves the work force at Buffet in a bad situation as well...Does anyone out there know at the moment who owns Buffet Crampon..?e i
David Dow
Post Edited (2005-03-24 14:00)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-03-24 14:30
I do not think the quality of Buffet has decreased. Quality of everything fluctuates according to human error, machine flaws, etc. Price fluctuates as well. Buffet R-13s have gotten cheaper to purchase since people began purchasing clarinets online. Our local music store used to sell R-13s for about $3,200.00 (as recently as 2001), but now sells them for $2,048.00 due to online competition.
I recently purchased a Buffet R-13 for myself and am quite pleased with the quality. The prices dropped a bit right after I bought mine, and now they're up a bit. Just keep your eye out and wait for the right price and clarinet to come along. If you go to a local dealer, ask him if he'll match the price of Woodwind and Brasswind, or other legitimate online Buffet dealers.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D Dow
Date: 2005-03-24 15:02
I have been playing for about 30 years and can honestly say the R13s with the tendency towards cracking and on top of this the strange dye they use as well as inconsistent wood really is an incumbrance to many pros who are out there looking for the reliability in a wood clarinet. ON top of this the R13 Vintage is superb but again it has alot of the troubles which affect the regular line R13...added to this is the fact the company is in great dissarray really gives one pause to think.
The Tosca clarinet alone is a really super idea but overpriced and not really the sound and concept orchestral players in North America are interested it...materials which go into making clarinets are becoming far more expensive but like oil are market driven. People are only going to pay so much and if the quality is not what a player expects then naturally they are going to go for something which works alot better than R13s. The A R13 is a total disaster in terms of intonation and playability much trickier to pick...
David Dow
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ginny
Date: 2005-03-24 15:25
We got an R-13 for my son for under $1,000 several years ago that had been listed in this bboard's classified. We drove something like 500 or more miles round trip to try it. We had a nice time sight reading duets and meeting a frequent poster. Took it home with the agreement to ship it back if not satisfied. A good experience. He'll likely be using it for the rest of his life. We also found an A clarinet for him through our repair man, when another client moved up.
I had one experience on ebay, it reminded me of the age of the Latin phrase caveat emptor. Happily it was only about $40.
I can understand sticking with the R-13, it's a solid 'vanilla' choice. You'll have little trouble getting your money back out of a used one.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D Dow
Date: 2005-03-24 16:51
I remeber telling Harold Wright at a lesson in the mid 80s.."I just spent 1200 dollar for a new Buffet R13"
and he looked at me..
.then he said"I can't believe they are that expensive...I paid 60 dollars for my first R13 and in those days that was expensive." Then he added..."They aren't as good either which is too bad."
Its all a matter of perspective.
David Dow
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ralph G
Date: 2005-03-24 17:16
Found in Hyacinthe Klose's diary:
"Un clarinet que j'ai acheté de Jean-Louis Buffet ai eu le prix indiqué 10 francs. C'est dommage les clarinets qu'il fait sont inférieur aux clarinets a fait par son père."
/kidding
//can sympathize
///played several Buffet clarinets before settling on my used R-13
________________
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
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2005-03-24 18:14
call up ww&bw- they just quoted me a price LOWER than they did 6 months ago on a new R13.
-paul
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: msloss
Date: 2005-03-25 12:29
As soon as I got the new price list from Buffet, I knew it was only a matter of moments before the periodic "R13s suck more than ever and the price increase is unfair" thread would start. I am a dealer of Buffet, Selmer, LeBlanc and others, so I have no brand axe to grind here. I didn't hear anyone scream over the last couple years when Selmer and LeBlanc revised their pricing. When dealing with internationally manufactured and distributed product, the global economy plays a big role in price dynamics. If you want everything manufactured in China, I'm sure prices would fall.
I would like to see somebody prove out the assertion that the newer clarinets from any of the manufacturers are inferior to those of yore. Perhaps somebody can procure their warranty claim records? Mr. Drucker picked my first R13 more than 2 decades ago and lo' and behold, it cracked. Bill Brannen pinned it and you'd never know the difference. My second R13 I acquired used from a very prominent student of Mr. Bonade. It was assembled and tweaked by Hans Moennig back in the day, right down to the mismatched serial numbers and unmarked Moennig barrel. And surprise surprise -- it was cracked and had been pinned by Moennig. An R13 I bought about 3 years ago remains uncracked, and is a superior instrument in many respects to the other two. I played Mark Nuccio's new R13 about six months ago and nearly fell off my chair it was so amazing. I'm having trouble seeing the trend toward disaster.
Now I say this to everybody, and about every brand -- (1) Understand your own playing and your own proclivities for distorting timbre and pitch before you try an instrument. (2) Understand your own instrument and its idiosyncracies. You learn to adjust to your instrument's weirdness, and then impose it on other horns to bad effect. (3) Try the instruments with different barrels. I have found certain R13s to be mediocre with a Moennig barrel and sparkling and in tune with the factory barrel. Others it is the opposite. (4) Get a professional involved. It helps to have someone who can make an absolute assessment of an instrument rather than a comparative. Yes, one horn might be different or "better" than another, but does it have the attributes of a superior instrument?
BTW, the price of brass is climbing, so everything from saxophones to tubas is about to jump in price in a week. Y'all don't have it so bad.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
