 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Frank
Date: 1999-03-13 18:32
A few months ago, in part encouraged by some comments here, I became interested in a Pete Fountain clarinet. Jazz is what I play most of the time.
I called one of the large woodwind houses mentioned on this bulletin board. They told me that they were out, but that they might get them in again. I live in Ireland [which they well know] and I asked them to email me with information on what they carry and what will be available. They never did. The folks at this store are very pleasant, but they do not always follow-through [this was not the first time] and they do not always know their merchandise. A few months ago, I asked about their line of Rovner ligatures and got no help at all. I never spoke to anyone in their technology department who knew about music software, either.
I should say that I have purchased many items from this store and my purchase record is available to them on their computer screen.
I emailed Witchita Band Instruments. Gary Ray, the owner, told me the price of the various Fountain models, and how long it would take to get them - and also mentioned that he knew of a used clarinet in his area. He quoted me a price on a used 1610S. When he got back to me the next day, he said that the Fountain he got in was a 1611, you know the gold-plated one. If I was interested, he would sell it to me for the price he cited for the 1610S, and this was about $300 less that what he would ask for a good used 1611.
The sale comes with a long term guarantee; it is free from cracks and gets a full re-corking, re-padding, etc. before it leaves their store.
I rather like the quick and cordial treatment I got with Witchita. By the way, when they posted it [for $9.50] to a US address, they sent me email. The person I spoke with at the time of sale was an accomplished clarinetist who gave me some excellent advice about cases. So, all it all, Witchita gets high points for being quick and cordial and informed. They also told me that they did not have a large accessory inventory, but could get items at the same prices as the large woodwind store I allude to above.
If you are looking for a new or used instrument, you might check them out. Everything they sell gets a shop check. By the way, Witchita does not know I have written this. They have a web page [wbic@wichitaband.com].
All the best from Ireland
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Author: Irwin
Date: 1999-03-13 22:22
Gary Ray is a prince! I bought a Selmer Prologue, and after about a month, had buyer's regret and wished I had purchased an R-13. I called Gary, and he said no problem. He gave me a full credit for the Selmer. He also suggested that he send me "a gaggle of mouthpieces" (his vernacular) so that I could try them all together and make an informed decision. This attitude, coupled with Wichita's low prices, make it the first place to shop in my book.
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Author: Albert
Date: 1999-03-15 00:19
So how much did you get the R13 for?
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