 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jeff
Date: 2000-12-13 16:21
I'm in the Boston area and in the market for a new instrument (probably Buffet R-13 or Yamaha YCL-64). I'd prefer buying from a local shop rathe than via mail just in case I have any problems and need to return it. I'm familiar with Rayburns Music (near Symphony Hall), which is a pro shop, they know their stuff.
There is also a chain (Mars Music, http:www.marsmusic.com) that is a general music store. The employees in the woodwinds department know next to nothing about clarinets but in general, their prices are very low.
Is there a great difference in the quality of the instrument if I buy from a professional, specialized store like Rayburn's versus a "chain store" like Mars? I'm working on the theory that Mars' prices are fairly low because they might be selling "lower quality" instruments (manufacturers seconds, instruments with minute defects, etc.). Any thoughts on this?
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2000-12-13 16:42
i would go to both stores and play the horns that you want. every ones says that even 2 R13 in the same store will play and feel differential. Only you can make the choice.
i would go with the lower price for the same horn.
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Author: mw
Date: 2000-12-13 19:49
For a Clarinet player, amateur or pro, a Buffet R-13 is an investment. An investment in time & money. The money to purchase the instrument & the time it takes to select the instrument & to get it setup correctly. Even a *GREAT* Model R-13 will undoubtedly need (some) work done ... adjustments of different types.
Rayburn Music is *HIGHLY* thought of repair-wise & will have a good selection of accessories, such as mouthpieces & barrels (very often, a retailer will offer special pricing on accessories, in acknowledgement of the money that their customer has just spent with them).
If I were looking strictly for the cheapest price, more than likely, I would be buying from a catalogue store. If I was looking for the best in local service or clarinet setup, I would be buying locally or from a specialty technician/clarinet vendor (like a Tim Clark). Many people travel to a place like Chicago or New York & purchased their clarinet from a Catalogue House & then make arrangtements to take it to (what I refer ro as) a special technician, like a Brannen, Jacobi or Yan, etc.
Price has a way of catching up with someone who buys initially on price alone, as the attributes that factor in later ... complete the puzzle.
Certainly you should sample the instruments at both stores. If you are not extremely knowledgable in tone & other distinguishing issues, I would consider asking for some help from a teacher or a professional clarinetist.
I must warn you that I have found my local Mars Store to know a great deal about drums, guitars, & electronic equipment ... but I was not impressed by their technical expertise when it came to woodwinds. I was also not impressed by their selection of reeds, accessories, etc. Of course, no two stores are exactly alike.
Best of luck.
mw
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Author: mary
Date: 2000-12-13 19:55
Be sure to factor in the store's repair warranty. Yes, new horns come with a factory warranty, but if you have adjustments needing to be done within the first year (not unlikely), it's not a bad idea to buy from the store with a good repair shop.
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Author: gary
Date: 2000-12-13 23:50
We have a Mars here in Torrance, CA, and as the other posts have stated, they have a lot of drums and guitars. They do carry band instruments here, but carry Yamaha and Le Blanc. No Buffet, and Buffets are the most popular horns in Southern California. Good luck in your search.
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Author: Jen L.
Date: 2000-12-16 17:18
I've had great luck with Rayburn's; you might also try Albert Alphin's, out in Needham. You would most likely end up paying more than at one of the big chains, but Albert play tests and tweaks his horns instead of just selling them to you "off the shelf." I've found the difference to be very worthwhile.
Jen L.
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