 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: FlSurfer
Date: 2011-08-27 18:13
Does anyone have recent experience with this company? We just returned from more than one local instrument repair shops and they all said basically the same thing, "What a piece of over-priced crap." The last repair shop wouldn't even repair it. They said it wasn't worth it. (And no, they did not try to sell us a new clarinet.) We paid $750 for what was supposed to be a top quality clarinet and it is not as good as the $300 Suzuki student model. Any experience with getting the company to make good on their claims of top quality materials and workmanship? I know we are new to clarinets but this has been a true bummer. I am not sure that I want to pack it up and return it in case we end up with no refund AND no clarinet! ANY information anyone has will be appreciated. Thank you.
P.S. If my web search is accurate it appears that the company has been bought out by an overseas outfit and may or may not still be operated by the founder.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-08-27 19:21
My experience with Ridenour products hasbeen great. I think half the techs prejudge just by lookingat thename. If it isn't Bufffet, Selmer, Yamaha or Leblanc, they immediately dismiss it as junk. Tome made a great clarinet for me, and it always played wonderfully. What model did you get? The 146 lists dfor less, and the top line 576 costs more, even without a MP. Where did you buy it? I got mine directly from RCP, and TOM was great to work with. I have recommended his products to friends in my band. I wouldnot do so with"junk."
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-08-27 21:21
I have no personal experience but I've heard mixed reviews. Some people love them, some hate them. May depend on the model or workmanship. So I guess it's a mixed review. Your repairman probably knows what he's talking about in your case if he's a good, honest man. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: FDF
Date: 2011-08-27 21:31
You don't say what was wrong with your clarinet, but I suggest sending an email requesting info , as suggested on the Ridenour website, rather than venting here.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2011-08-27 22:25
I have owned 5, three used and two new. All very good, particularly in intonation. No problems . Give him a phone call.
richard smith
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Author: BobD
Date: 2011-08-27 22:26
You provide very little information. If you bought it from Ridenour just contact them. Mr.Ridenour is as reputable as they come.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Clarnetamaphone
Date: 2011-08-28 00:26
My son Ted pointed this thread out to me, saying I may want to respond.
I have a few questions.
First, you did note that we have a full, standard manufacturer's warranty posted on our clarinet page in plain language, did you not? Did you print it, fill out the form and send it in?
Second, what do you think writing all these folks here will accomplish when none of them can do a single thing to address and resolve your issues––which up to now remain completely undefined.
If you are interested in resolving the matter let me suggest that you please contact us directly by phone or email, return the clarinet if you want with some description of the problem(s) and we'll be glad to do our best to resolve the matter. We'll happily issue you a refund as long as the clarinet hasn't been damaged through carelessness or abuse––these are not covered in our warranty or any one else's.
Tom Ridenour
ps
Just for the record: we have not been sold---we are as we've always been: Ridenour Clarinet Products, incorporated under the name Southern Star Clarinet Enterprises, inc.
Ridenour Clarinet Products
1-888-AKUSTIK
ridenourclarinetproducts.com
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2011-08-28 10:41
Hi Naomi,
Welcome to the Clarinet BB; I see this was your first post. I have several of his great clarinets and products, have done business with him for many years, really do not care that much for his mouthpieces (sorry, Tom), and have always been treated with a great deal of professionalism and respect.
Please report back to us as to how your issues are resolved. Hopefully, you will gain valuable experience as a new board member and as a satisfied customer of Tom's.
HRL
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-08-28 10:55
I've known Tom for many many years. Simply a super and very honest guy. His products are like a mouthpiece. If you like your mouthpiece - great. If you like his clarints they are also great for many people. Musicians are picky so test one and see how it goes. Some musicians will like it better than Buffets, yet others may not. You really need to break in the horn and find the right barrels and mouthpiece combos. Another example is some people dig rico products,some prefer the Vandoren thick blanks.Try hard to find a great match before making any judgements. Take your time playing assorted setups. I have to say it plays really well in tune. I only tried 1 horn and it was actually pretty decent with perfect tuning. I've been playing Buffets all of my life so I may be a bit spoiled. If Buffet wasn't around most likely I'd take a serious look at these horns.
Sometimes you really can't tell until you play it in a band or an orchestra to really hear the qualities.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2011-08-28 11:09)
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2011-08-28 13:03
I have had an Arioso since April. I like it a lot. It's clearly better than my other clarinet which is a Yamaha 52. My teacher likes its intonation in the altisimo register better than his RC Prestige. I plan to upgrade the barrell when I can afford it. I do prefer my Portnoy BPO 2 mp over the one that came with the clarinet. I would love to test play one of Tom's new wood clarinets.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2011-08-28 18:41
I've never even seen a Ridenour clarinet, but I believe I am a pretty good judge of character, having spoken with Tom on the phone several times, and having purchased several of his books and other items.
I can't believe Tom would put out "over-priced crap" as the OP so eloquently states that she was led to believe. Makes me wonder just who is credible here, and who is not!
CarlT
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-08-29 03:14
I've had shop discrimination as well. If it's not one of the big four, they don't work on it, unless they also SELL that fifth brand (in my discriminating case it was them selling cannonball clarinets).
Yes it's a bummer, but it's up to you. Do you like the way it plays? In YOUR hands, is it worth 750 dollars? If so, find a place that WILL service it and go there.
Alexi
PS - I find Tom a refreshing breath in the industry. One of those guys that really just says what's on his mind and how he finds things. If he thinks a certain product is crap, he says, "That's crap." If he thinks something is good he says, "That's good". Not too many people out there that will be honest....too many sugar coat everything.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-08-29 06:56
FlSufer:
As much as you probably haven't crossed the line, your comments on this board--at least in my opinion--approach irresponsible.
You've got a clarinet problem. Okay--I understand that can be frustrating. But the people on this board aren't therapists, they're clarinetists. State what your problem(s) is, even if it's only the best you can do given your self proclaimed limited knowledge of clarinets (that's fact, not put down)
and maybe we can be in a position to suggest how to best go about remedying it. How old is the horn? You miss key details.
As far as Tom Ridenour goes: IMHO, in a sea of snake oil salesman, Tom is a breath of fresh air who makes available extremely value packed horns at very competitive prices. He is honest, decent, stands behind his products, and is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. His youtube posts have helped 1000s, and he doesn't charge a penny for them.
Look how many people (many regulars here), who are at an arm's length distance from Tom, (including me) stand by him.
Nevertheless, problems can occur--and this is not to imply that you've received a clarinet from Tom that's a dud. I know that is very frustrating, but you owe it to Ridenour clarinets, I think, to at least give them the opportunity to work out the problem you're experiencing with you.
Telll me, if/when Tom does resolve your problem, or better, if your problem turns out to be one that isn't his responsibilty, will you post that here too?
You are talking to a guy that understands your frustration dealing with companies. but Tom's not one of those guys with a phone tree 15 choices long. It will not take much to get his son Ted to help you. Notice how your post, not even directed to Ridenour, had Ridenour finding you here--not the other way around. I've yet to see the more well known clarinet manufacturers respond to a post here.
Conflict of interest: I actually play an R13 from the 1960s. I own several Ridenour products but have no (fudiciary) relationship with him.
You brought it to a couple of repair shops? Ok--how many of them even know of Ridenour Clarinets? Why did they think the horn's junk?
Too many details on your situation have been left out here. Why not share the entire story.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2011-08-29 10:44
Come on Noami. Tom Ridenour posted trying to find out more about the problem you faced.
It's time for a rebuttal or an apology.
HRL
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Author: FlSurfer
Date: 2011-08-29 15:23
Just to set a few things straight. I do not play any musical instrument and never have. I am partially deaf and completely tone deaf which makes it a bit difficult. I am acting on behalf of my husband who was too busy to deal with the problem himself. He asked me to take it into a shop he has used often for his other instruments, I took it to a couple of other shops in town to get a second opinion. He is new to clarinets, only having started playing last fall. He purchased this particular clarinet this past spring. He had come to feel that it must have something jammed in it or that something was out of whack with it because it is so very difficult to blow and he feels that the sound is not what it should be if I understand correctly. If I stepped on any toes then I do apologize. I was only trying to get information. The top part of the clarinet has the name Arioso on it and when I looked that up on Google there was information that it was bought by a Chinese company. As to whether or not he signed a warranty card I do not know. The purpose of the original posting was merely for information on the company and its reputation. I will relay all your various responses to him since his is out of town this week.
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Author: Clarnetamaphone
Date: 2011-08-29 17:57
Dear FLsurfer,
It's clear both you and your husband know little or nothing about the clarinet. I prepare and set up each clarinet that goes out here--I have no assistants, so I alone bear the credit or blame for how my clarinets perform.
There is only one small caveat or qualifier here: clarinets can be damaged in shipping. If you're not familiar with the clarinet that may have been the case and you wouldn't know the difference--if blowing is difficult there could have been leaks caused by shipping damage that could cause that. If you're not skilled in some degree the problem could be your playing techniques, or poor mouthpiece/reed combinations--or a combination of all these. It's impossible to say without some specific analysis.
If you want to return the clarinet to me I'll be happy to check it over, correct any possible problems, and even send you a video of the results--all it will cost you is the cost of shipping.
Regarding the comments of repair techs: I have done artist clarinet repair for many of the best clarinet players in the world--for years. Believe me, there is no clarinet on the market that can't be savaged--IF that is what I want to do. It's not hard.
On the other hand, valid criticism is not just reciting a litany of flaws and faults, real or imagined, but rendering a full appreciation of what is good about a given product as well. Doing that rightly takes a lot more knowledge and a much deeper understanding that just looking for mole hills you can inflate into mountains in an attempt at bolstering your image and inflating your ego.
The willingness to want to render a fair judgment on a particular instrument also takes a person who is more interested in the product and understanding it rightly than he is in himself and how he appears to others. That's my view, anyway.
tom
Ridenour Clarinet Products
1-888-AKUSTIK
ridenourclarinetproducts.com
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2011-08-29 19:02
We are getting more info, but why us? Please, call Tom.
richard smith
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Author: FDF
Date: 2011-08-29 21:54
Madam, The Surfer,
Please consider that your post, no matter how innocent your request, has insulted a true artist of the clarinet, M. Ridenour. In the clarinet world this is similar to blaming M. Buffet for an inferior product. Yes, M. Ridenour has not achieved the undying devotion of a coterie of clarinetist, but he has designed a product that is equal to the best of clarinets with an unorthodox material (rubber). Moreover he has made this clarinet more accessible by making it less costly. Not only has he given his personal attention to this instrument, he has made it accessible to all clarinetist. What more could a serious clarinetist ask? Only, to be able to play as well as the instrument provides.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2011-08-29 22:10
Put the other shoe on. You don't know anything about this instrument, or how to determine quality. You've spent a considerable amount of money on this non-name-brand instrument and you're having a problem. You bring your instrument to not one but several repair people, each of which says that you've got a piece of junk and they won't touch it. What would you think at that point?
Even when Tom stands by his instrument, there is still the ongoing problem of regular maintenance. If no one in town will touch the instrument there's going to be a real problem going down the road.
This is the bane of every small manufacturer's existence!
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2011-08-29 23:47
Hi Naomi,
Interesting how this "issue" was "solved" (borrowing words from you and your husband's business focus).
My advice - which you did not ask for - would be to call Tom, have a few laughs, and send him your clarinet. Then come to the Clarinet Board anytime and seek advice is the collegial way in which we usually operate.
I look forward to you closing this thread out in the professional manner in which I assume you always conduct your business. We are really a helpful group but there are some arcane protocols that we seem to continue to observe.
HRL
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Author: Clarnetamaphone
Date: 2011-08-30 01:32
Mark,
I think you're right about flsurfer and this combination of events. That is understandable. What seems extreme is the manner in which he/her questions are presented.
You're also right about the repair issue. It can be a problem--but it really doesn't happen that often. In fact, this is only the second case I can recall in the 7 years I've been producing my own clarinets. They're probably others, but I don't know about them.
The second case happened a few years ago. A clarinetist contacted me, saying a certain shop in the Houston area refused work on my clarinets telling the customer it was junk.
The customer happened to be the nephew of the clarinetist who contacted me.
As fate would have it he plays principle clarinet in one of the local orchestras in the Houston area and has been one of the most respected clarinet playing band directors and clarinet teachers in the Houston area for 25 years. And yes, he uses a set of my clarinets in the symphony, which he switched to from instruments costing about three times more––that's why he recommended my clarinet for his nephew.
I recall he was angry about the shop--but also able to laugh about the matter too.
When these things happen I try to respond by doing the needed work for little or nothing--just shipping cost in most cases. My take away from such events is simple: you can't fix stupid.
I'd done with this. If FLSurfer doesn't contact me directly it's no one's fault but his/hers.
Ridenour Clarinet Products
1-888-AKUSTIK
ridenourclarinetproducts.com
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Author: Bobby McClellan
Date: 2011-08-30 02:08
I personally own 2 of Toms Clarinets, Basset A and the Mysterious BBb Contra. Both horns are beautiful instruments. My tried and true repair tech would not have a problem working on them, down side he retired and moved to TX. The other store locally is iffy to wether they would work on them. Now with the contra being the beast that all are, I personally would make the 6 hour trek to see Tom and I have talked with him from time to time and have even mentioned going to vist him and let him give it a one over this fall. Most of my dealings as of late have either been with Ridenour Clarinet Products and Backun Musical Products. Both of which are a phone call away and always willing to talk and help.
Tom has offered to send it to him and let him check it out. That is something that you would not get from the Big manufactures.
Makes me wonder what the local shops would do it you took them a set of Rosi or Patriola clarinets to wrk on?
As everyone said Tom and Ted will answer all of your questions, give them the call.
Bobby
Bobby M. McClellan
Flowood, MS
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-08-30 04:08
It's unfortunate that some music shops still refuse to do repair work on instruments from brands they do not sell. I have on more than one occasion had music shops refuse to do a repad on one of my vintage Martin saxophones because in their opinion it was "probably junk made by a no-name company". Any repair shop that would refuse to work on an instrument just because they weren't familiar with the brand is not a shop I would like to be doing business with.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-08-30 07:26
> It's unfortunate that some music shops still refuse to do repair work on
> instruments from brands they do not sell.
Bah. I know of music shops that refuse to do repair work on (brand-name) instruments that were sold by a competitor of theirs.
--
Ben
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2011-08-30 12:59
At one time, Ariosos were sold by several dealers. I bought one early on directly from Tom. Later I bought one from another dealer who was closing them out and had them up for best offer on ebay. Interestingly, the two instruments had different key work. A mystery.
richard smith
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-08-31 11:29
Just try them, work with Tom, if needed and see if he can get you playing well.
As I said above he is a great man, with a big heart, that cares strongly about his workmanship. He is most likely one of the best clarinet makers around with a fantastic price value and proud to offer great horns.
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Author: cxl
Date: 2014-06-04 18:58
I saw some promotional video about his clarinets. I deem he is very understanding of the clarinet and trustworthy .
les.cxl@gmail.com
Post Edited (2014-06-04 19:14)
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-06-05 22:15
I also experienced some repair prejudice on a Ridenour student instrument . They didn't refuse to repair my clarinet, just tried to shame me. In addition, I got a similar, but softened attitude with my professional Yamahas back in the 1980s. When I bring my Buffets in, I am welcomed with open arms.
On my last and final trip to this shop, I cited several well known players that used RCP clarinets ... I could sense their surprise and disbelief.
I used to perform repads and adjustments for friends back in HS, so when I returned home, I ordered repair supplies and the potential problem was solved forever.
After the warranty is over, fix your own stuff! I couldn't pin a crack or turn a swollen tenon down, but pads, corks and springs are easy.
They AVERAGE repair technicians do not play the myriad of instruments well enough to make critical judgement on the acoustical merits. Most are just concerned with getting it air tight and adjusted and getting it billed out. If they play the instrument very very well, they haven't the time to relax and compare brands and models, usually. Time is money and there is a stack of Vitos and Bundys waiting for attention ...
Some comments were made like: "some like Tom's stuff and some hate his stuff". Actually, I've had many people try my Liberatas and NONE have made a sour face and handed back to me ... it's not some people's "cup of tea" but no one has really hated how it played, and the majority have been impressed and wanted to know more ...
One more thing, and this maybe not the thread to bring this up, but some people have commented (on other threads) that the RCP instruments are "stuffy". Nearly all players of R13s have commented on how the Libertas is "free blowing" or an "easy blow" when they have tried mine ... Go figure. Maybe the Libertas is a different resistance paradigm that the other RCP models.
Tom
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-06-06 00:53
Whoops!
Didn't realize that this is an old thread ... But I'll let my comments stand.
Tom
Post Edited (2014-06-07 07:54)
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2014-06-06 01:22
I have been repairing clarinets for myself and friends for something over fifty years. I got hooked when our high school band director required each of us to write an essay of care and repair of our own instrument. I am a strong believer that not all shops are created equal. I am in the California foothills and repair shops are few and far between. With the nearest shop, I have, literally, never seen an instrument come out that was actually playable after a repair. I have a friend with a sterling flute with gold keys. He took it in to have one cork bumper replaced. When he went in to pick it up, he found that they had disassembled it completely, bent several keys, and could not figure out how to put it back together. He was fortunate to find a flute teacher who was able to fix it correctly in time for our concert that weekend. Another friend took an alto sax in for a re-pad. When he brought it to me, I found eight leaking pads, several missing corks and felts, and the absence of any evidence of attempted regulation. Then there was the loose nut on an electric guitar that they tightened with a large vice-grip. When I find something that I either don't have the tools or experience to handle, I am more than willing to drive a few hours to a shop in Modesto that Tom actually mentioned in a recent post. I pass a number of other shops on the way, but don't even slow down. Not all shops are good and, often, the counter person knows nothing about anything they don't sell themselves. As a starting point, if the repair tech can't be bothered to come out and talk to you, go somewhere else.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-06-06 05:28
Just as a matter of interest, did this matter ever reach a satisfactory resolution? From reading the posts, Tom Ridenour seems to have done all he could to offer a means of resolving the OP's problem, but the OP doesn't appear to have taken him up on the offer.
Tony F.
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Author: Tom Ridenour
Date: 2014-06-06 06:08
Tony,
Yes....that's more or less what happened.
We did what we could. Obviously, no business could survive simply issuing refunds after a product has been used for six months or so based on nothing but a persons word.
Ted Ridenour
Ridenour Clarinet Products,
rclarinetproducts.com
sales@ridenourclarinetproducts.com
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-06-06 06:16
Thanks Tom. A shame that it couldn't have ended better, but you can't help people that don't want to be helped. Some people like to complain, it gives their lives meaning.
Tony F.
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Author: gwie
Date: 2014-06-06 07:53
Here, how about something positive?
I have a Ridenour Lyrique A that I bought for my school program that has seen very heavy use, shared between three students in two different youth orchestras all over the past year. It's still doing great, and plays really well in tune. The "bang for the buck" cannot be expressed enough here!
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Author: Tom Ridenour
Date: 2014-06-06 16:51
Thank you for the kind comments Mr. Wie. Glad to hear the A clarinet we sent you has worked out so well.
Ted Ridenour
Ridenour Clarinet Products,
rclarinetproducts.com
sales@ridenourclarinetproducts.com
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2014-06-06 19:16
I thought I'd never post on this board again just because of the discourtesy, but this takes the cake! What is it that makes posters on these boards so f-ing rude!! Aren't they taught ANYTHING by their parents?
Or is it just clarinet players in general? I'm just about sick of all the aggression and hostility hereabouts.
I'm sorry that you must put up with such ignorant and insulting asses, Mr. Ridenour. Your forbearance is commendable.
TDC/bruno
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2014-06-06 19:32
Bruno wrote:
> I'm sorry that you must put up with such ignorant and insulting
> asses, Mr. Ridenour. Your forbearance is commendable.
See what happens when someone opens up a 3 year old thread?
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2014-06-06 20:03
It's a sign of the times. The worst of people can come out when they're faceless and relatively anonymous, as they are on many places on the Web.
When we abstract ourselves by communicating with only our fingers and abstract others because we don't see them in the flesh and don't know much about them, we somehow feel free to be rude and abusive.
Maybe it's catharsis; most of us spend most of our lives "stifling" to get along, keep our jobs, and project a "good" image to those around us. When we get a chance to be aggressive without much risk of retribution, we go for it.
B.
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2014-06-06 20:28
Maybe that's it.
But early training should forestall that, don't you think?
B.
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2014-06-06 20:53
For what it's worth, I'm DELIGHTED, thrilled, in love, and overjoyed with my Ridenour C clarinet that I purchased last fall (2013). I play it almost exclusively in church but I have to admit, I look for other opportunities to play it. I've even transposed sections of my Bb music just so I could play it on my C!
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