 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: TomD
Date: 2006-08-04 14:46
I live in Connecticut and I have been going through the tedious process of trying out high end clarinets through the mail order places, e.g., WW&BW and Pro Winds. This is very time consuming and confusing at best since I only order 2 or 3 at a time. It's difficult to remember what the strengths and weaknesses of all of them are when you don't have them all in front of you to switch back and forth. It seems as if there are no longer any local places to do this. They have been put out of business by the mail order places. Sam Ash doesn't seem to carry the higher end instruments. I am amazed that New York City doesn't even seem to have any place, at least that I'm aware of. Any suggestions or am I stuck with mail order.
Thanks.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2006-08-04 14:59
Pre-selected: Walter Grabner (clarinetxpress) click mouthpiece section to the right of this screen.
There are also some pro members of this board that preselect. I have some names on my address book but not...senior moment.... on top of my head...one is NY area who also produces recording.If u contact me directly I will ferret it out for you.
You Select from a bunch: Marinelli and Muncy.
Also Weiner...in NY area is said to have selection. And Alphin in ?Mass.
See retail section of woodwind.org
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-08-04 15:20
Weiner Music
http://www7.mailordercentral.com/frederichweinerinc/Aboutus.asp
usually has a VERY LARGE inventory of instruments to try.
If planning a trip to the NYC area, Weiner Music is located in Mineola (about 30 minutes east of NYC, on Long Island).
Call ahead, ask for Mark Kasten and tell him when you will be arriving and what you are looking for. He will have numerous instruments set up and ready for you to audition...GBK
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2006-08-04 16:12
If you really want the candy store, you may still just have enough time to join the ICA (if you haven't already) and go to Atlanta for Clarinetfest. All the big-name manufacturers and some of the custom-makers will be there exhibiting and you know that they will have instruments that are well set-up.
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2006-08-04 18:20)
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Author: Erdinet
Date: 2006-08-04 23:21
I second the above reccomendation of Weiner music. Mark is the best. I bought my R13 and Bass Clarinet from him. He will set up as many instruments as you like and give you as much time as you need to try them out. Call him and he will hook you up for sure!
"There is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over."
-Frank Zappa
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Author: larryb
Date: 2006-08-05 01:26
Weiner's is definitely good.
1) If you can get to the Island, you may also want to check out:
Wright Music Inc
938 Port Washington Blvd
Port Washington NY 11050-2932
516-883-0043
They carry Selmer clarinets (which are hard to find). Jonathan Watkins is the President. He used to manage the WW&BW store in Manhattan (before it closed).
2) Also worth visiting is Roberto's on West 46th Street in Manhattan. They're good about letting you play instruments (mostly just Buffets on hand) and are friendly.
3) There's also the Yamaha Artist's Service at 689 Fifth Avenue. They have Yamaha clarinets on hand to try. Here's how Yamaha describes it on its website:
"Yamahas Band and Orchestral Atelier is located on the eleventh floor. A display room showcases the latest in professional brass and woodwind instruments. Adjacent to the display room is a full-service, state-of-the-art custom shop. It not only provides orchestral and professional musicians with unique customizations, it also offers quick repairs. Most importantly, the shop gives artists the opportunity to try prototypes of Yamahas latest professional instruments. Yamaha utilizes the response it obtains from the artist community to refine these products before they go into production."
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-08-05 02:29
Erdinet wrote:
> Mark is the best.
Not just the best, but one of the best in the entire USA.
He's been with Fred Weiner for more than 20 years, setting up new instruments and working on the horns of MANY pros in the NYC area as well others shipped to him from across the USA...GBK
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Author: TomD
Date: 2006-08-07 15:09
Thanks for all of the comments. Sounds like Weiner Music is the place. In reference to the Yamaha Artist's Service in NY, sounds like it is for professional musicians only. Is this true?
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Author: DressedToKill
Date: 2006-08-07 15:18
I believe you just have to call ahead and make an appointment to enter the showroom.
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Author: amyeliz
Date: 2006-08-10 03:19
vince marinelli is a great technician who is located in the suburbs of wilmington, de and also deals in instruments. i have gone to him for repairs/overhauls and been very impressed (i go to school in boston and despite the huge numbers of musicians in the city of boston, there are no really good clarinet technicians or dealers there). i have heard a few complaints about marinelli's supply in the past 6 months- he doesn't deal in really high volumes and it largely depends on how long after he recieves a shipment that you hit him. also i have heard that he's been a bit short on time lately and not been adequately pre-screening instruments before letting people try them. however, he's by far the closest to you.
i have gotten two great instruments from muncy winds in the last year (the most recent just this week!) and because my family lives in north carolina, i have been able to go to his store and try them there with phil (muncy). he will also try some himself and send you a selection (2 or 3 at a time) and if you tell him what you're looking for and what kind of set up you have (for tuning purposes), you may be surprised at how well he does. as of this past monday, he claimed to have about 300 clarinets in stock, and he does extensive conditioning and pre-screening before they make it into anyone's hands. he gets my vote, but unless you're willing to come down to boone, nc, you'll just have to settle for mail ordering.
as a side note- wwbw and the like usually sell the remnants from other dealers, so don't be surprised that they're unimpressive.
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