 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: stephen
Date: 2000-06-23 02:10
I found a music store in the netherlands that sells clarinets along with many other different horns. I live in the united states and I don't know if i can trust them, and i wanted to know if anyone has had any dealings with Matthew's music or any music company that they bought an instrument that isout of their continent or even on the other side of the world. I understand that it will have high shipping and handling, but are there any other hidden fees out there?? Any info is appreciated!!!
Sincerely,
Stephen :-)
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Author: Bob Gardner
Date: 2000-06-23 03:04
if you pay with a credit card you are protected. if you pay with paypal you are not protected--it's the same as a money order.
have for a couple of names of customers in the U.S. and give them a call.
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Author: Nicko
Date: 2000-06-23 03:12
Bob is right, but buying from overseas also means that you don't have as much flexibility in choosing your new instrument. Im assuming it's a clarinet you're after, and clarinets vary, even when they are of the same model. Be careful.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-06-23 05:27
What about pitch? I've heard there are still some countries where high pitch is still used.
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Author: Eoin
Date: 2000-06-23 07:42
Many European orchestras tune to A=442, while American orchestras tune to A=440. Clarinet manufacturers make European and American models to cater for this. If you are American, make sure to go for the A=440 model.
Credit card transactions are guaranteed: Visa (or whoever) will give you your money back if the clarinet never arrives.
Buying from any mail-order company, you may have minor problems, wherever the company is located. Screws work loos during transit, so it is a good idea to get a technician to check out the clarinet after it has arrived to make sure everything is properly aligned and tightened. This service would be included if you bought the clarinet locally. Also, a local shop will normally give you a guarantee for some period such as a year to cover similar problems. I've had my clarinet 9 months now and have already brought it back for minor adjustments three times. You just can't do this with mail order.
If you are prepared to mail order there are some good bargains out there. I found a shop in Paris which sold the Buffet E13 at about 40% less than the going rate!
Non-Europeans note: in Europe, there is a sales tax which can be as high as 21%. Non-Europeans do not have to pay this tax. Check prices very carefully to see if the tax is included in the price quoted. In English the tax is called VAT. You may see "including VAT". In French, the equivalent phrase is "TTC" (Tax Tout Compris).
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Author: stephen
Date: 2000-06-23 10:21
actually I am wanting to get an E-13! It costs $1100 appr.
It comes with a left hand Eb key installed on it. I do have to check on the pitch though. Thank you all for the info you provided!!
Sincerely,
Stephen
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Author: BAC
Date: 2000-06-23 17:55
Antother thing to consider - you may not have to pay value added tax (VAT) - but you better check into import taxes. I recall that only $400 is exempt.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-06-23 22:26
Why not deal with one of the major mail order dealers here in the US? It will be much more convenient even if the price is somewhat higher (and might not be any higher by the time you figure in shipping, import duty, etc).
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Author: gary van cott
Date: 2000-06-23 23:14
Another thing to consider is that your instrument may not be covered by the manufactures warranty in the US so if you have a crack you may have to send it back.
I am actually surprised that you could get a total price that would be cheaper than buying mail order in the US.
Are you looking for something exotic?
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2000-06-23 23:28
Why should you be surprised? Buffet clarinets are made in Europe. They should be as cheap in Europe as they are in America. I know that they aren't always, but sometimes they are. For example, a certain Parisian shop which I can't mention for fear of the Wrath of Mark is selling the E13 at 5994 Francs, which is $866 dollars, not including tax. I believe that you will not match this in the US.
Stephen, You say that the E13 you want has an extra Eb key. Is this an option? My E13 does not have this key.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-06-24 03:44
Eoin McAuley wrote:
<br>-------------------------------
<br>For example, a certain Parisian shop which I can't mention for fear of the Wrath of Mark is selling the E13 at 5994 Francs, which is $866 dollars, not including tax.
<br>------
<br>Excuse me. I don't understand this. People mention store names and brand names here <b>all</b> the time with little or no interference from me <b>at all</b>. I don't know where you get the idea that you can't mention store names. What you can't do is <b>advertise</b> your own wares here. If someone uses some store name for a mail order house I may remind people that there's lots of mail order places. That's just about it.
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2000-06-24 11:27
Sorry Mark! I didn't mean to imply that Big Brother is Watching and that you run this group with a whip in your hand :^)
I just thought that you didn't want people to be plugging their favourite shops here.
The very good value shop in Paris is Vincent Genot, under the web address www.musique-et-art.com. They have real bargains on some models. They have a page in English, but it helps to be able to read French.
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Author: mark weinstein
Date: 2000-06-24 15:39
I think that Gary hit close to home when he cautioned regarding the warranty/guaranty. IF a US Dealer bought from Matthews there would be problems. Some might way that you are, in some manner, bypassing U.S. dealers & the North American distrbutorship for B & H. Be careful. Int'l Music Suppliers & Weiner have excellent mail order programs with what I would call "market aware" pricing. WW&BW can be hard to beat at times. All of these U.S. vendors will ship you more than 1 clarint for your selection. I am reminded of the crack guaranty (available at add'l cost) as advertised in Weiner's catalogue. It provides for full replacement of the clarinet should it crack within the covered period. Not repair/replacement of joint; a new clarinet is furnished. Sounds at least worth considering/discussing with potential vendors. Good luck. mw
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Author: stephen
Date: 2000-06-25 02:49
Yes it is an extra feature that this company offers for about $200 extra! Which I do not think is very bad at all!
Sincerely,
Stephen :-)
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Author: stephen
Date: 2000-06-25 02:53
I am not going to have ANY further dealings with Weiner music. I just recieved a catolog and wanted to get some price quotes and They treated me with such disrespect (long story) that I wish to have NO dealings wiht them in the future!
Sincerely,
Stephen :-)
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Author: Dave Lee Ennis
Date: 2000-06-26 08:50
OH Dear! Does this mean I have a clarinet (UK) with a different pitch than in america? BLAST! (I think I'll start a new topic on this one - oh! and just to annoy Mark again [he ha he], did anyone spot the star trek phrase in one of the threads before, on this topic?)
P.S. HA HA ha ha ha!!!!!!!
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