The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mnhnhyouh
Date: 2006-06-21 21:19
I started playing 12 months ago, though have not played the whole 12 months due to injury. However I have played most days for the last 3 months.
I am thinking about buying an instrument from www.clarinuts.com and am wondering if any of the members here have use them?
I am looking at one of the LeBlancs for USD$322, are these good value?
Many thanks
h
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Author: carrielj
Date: 2006-06-21 22:00
I have bought several clarinets from clarinuts.com. He's an upstanding guy, knows his stuff, and does great work. I've gotten an R-13 from him, a Leblanc classic as well as a LL, a few V-40's for my kids, and a few flutes. He remastered my old sax and the old Noblet that I broke my teeth in on. He even gold plated the keys on that one for my son. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone, and have. He has done other work for me too, I've been very pleased. And yes, I have GAS.
Carrie
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Author: David Lee
Date: 2006-06-22 00:36
I purchased a used Leblanc Symphony clarinet claimed to have been free of cracks and remastered (new pads etc.). It had a crack in the upper joint and had a couple of leaky pads. I sent it back, I got a refund minus my shipping costs. The owner was irate when I asked for my shipping costs back. He claimed I should have called and negotiated. I didn't mind the leaks, I could fix that, but I did not want a cracked instrument. He talked me into buying a mouthpiece, I had not read his rules that mouth pieces were unreturnable. It had chipped rails, so I returned it. Just trying to give you the whole story. He did refund the mouthpiece cost.
I purchased a new Leblanc Infinity from WWBW, it had a crack in a tone hole. I returned it, got all my money back including shipping.
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Author: cdvs
Date: 2006-06-22 02:58
Charl Van Schoick of Clarinuts.com here. I offer a 7 day trial and a warranty with every instrument I sell. I have hundreds of happy customers and then there is Mr David Lee, who was refered to me by one of them.
There were no cracks or leaks when the clarinet left here, but there was a crack in the center mortise and the Ab key leaked when it was returned. I don't know what happened to cause these, but I refunded every penny he paid me.
He asked about suitable mps. and didn't even try the one I sent, rather examined it with a magnifying glass. It played fine for me and had no chips. Until this posting he never said anything other than it looked rougher than he'd like.
I sincerely want every customer to be pleased, but concluded it was impossible in this case and so far, only this case.
I cut off communications when he accused me of knowingly sending him an instrument with problems. I was saddened, never irrate.
You can see that the facts, as I know them, differ from Mr. Lee's 'full story'.
I thank you for indulging my need to respond.
Best wishes to all.
www.Clarinuts.com
Post Edited (2006-06-22 02:59)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-06-22 03:47
WWBW is www.wwbw.com and is where I bought three of my clarinets. Although, I bought two of them at the Indiana store and one at the New York store that unfortunately closed. I would never mail order a clarinet. The overall atmosphire of the store in Indiana is sort of like a convinient store, but they have good prices, nice people, and a huge inventory. They didn't try to talk me into buying anything, just let me try clarinets for hours.
Good luck.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2006-06-22 10:57
I've purchased several clarinets from Charl at Clarinuts.com -- including my treasured 1960 Couesnon. Charl is a pleasure to deal with and his instruments are in good condition. When I've had questions Charl's answers were detailed and seemed to me to be on the mark.
If one is in the market for a good quality inexpensive clarinet it makes sense to me to get one from Charl than to get a cheaper quality new instrument from another store. Charl is also a good source for vintage clarinets.
I'm lucky to have a superb repair tech in my area (Eric Beach). Eric has worked on all of my instruments and has come to know what I like. With that in mind, whenever I get a clarinet from Charl -- or anyone else for that matter -- I'll have Eric check it over and make any adjustments that he suggests. Thus, I always factor in Eric's cost when I'm thinking about getting an instrument. This approach works beautifully for me.
Roger
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Author: LCL
Date: 2006-06-22 17:50
I too have bought an Eb Alto Clarinet from Charl, and he was wonderful to deal with. The instrument plays great, looks nearly brand new and I would not hesitate to recommend clarinuts.com to anyone. In fact I often monitor his site to see what else there might be. I missed a beautiful rosewood Bb, but am looking for an Eb Sopranino soon.
Regards,
LCL
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