 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Carolyn
Date: 2002-09-10 20:12
I recently bought a Wexler Bb Clarinet for my daughter. Do you have any idea who makes these? I have looked on the internet, but haven't found anything. It is supposedly a German clarinet. It is a beautiful instrument - I would just like more information. Thanks!!
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-09-10 21:31
Does it say something like, "By German Engineering" on it? Hope not. If so, it's one of the many Chinese-made pieces of %@&&!%$(! currently flooding the market -- many previous posts have discussed this to death. Seems like many unsuspected parents are buying these for their kids. Good luck to you.
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Author: Carolyn
Date: 2002-09-10 21:39
Yes, it did say that on the ad. However, her band director has inspected it and says that it is a good quality clarinet. Any other thoughts?
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-09-10 23:47
Carolyn wrote:
>
> Yes, it did say that on the ad. However, her band
> director has inspected it and says that it is a good quality
> clarinet. Any other thoughts?
Let's hope the band director is correct!
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-09-11 16:31
Carolyn: As you are now aware, the advertising for these instruments is less than candid. Your "German Clarinet" was not made in Germany. And by the way, there are other Clarinets being sold right now which are advertised as "French," although also made in China (perhaps from the same factory that makes "German" Clarinets), as they were designed by "French Engineering." Yeah, sure. I suppose it's along the lines of calling all Volkswagens "German cars," even though many are built in Brasil, Mexico, and the US.
So? What difference does this really make? Well, what you have bought is likely a disposable clarinet. The biggest problem reported for these instruments is a lack of reliability. A broken key may terminally cripple the instrument. This is because spare parts are generally not available, and the materials used can't be soldered back together for a repair, unlike keys made from metals traditionally used. We see occasional posts here reporting that some repair technicians refuse to work on them. Not surprising, as the keys may break during adjustment, which can mean "goodbye, Clarinet." However, other than reliability, some have written that one of these can be a useful learning tool.
If you had not already bought this instrument, I (and probably most others posting on this board) would *not* suggest that you do so. There are better alternatives, some of which can actually be less expensive. But all is not totally awful. If your daughter cares for this instrument very well, it might serve her needs for a year or two with no great problems. My conclusion on these things is that as long as nothing gets broken, it may be okay. If she drops it or bangs it against something, it may be toast. For that matter, dropping a $2,000 Clarinet is not exactly a recommended activity, either.
If she is still playing and enthusiastic after a year or so, it will be good to get her a better instrument anyway. And if she does not continue playing, you haven't spent a lot of money.
Regards,
John
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-09-11 16:42
JMcAulay has (as usual) very eloquently summarized the consensus feeling on these Taiwanese imports.
This bulletin board and web site has loads of information on this subect - written by many who are in the music "business" through teaching, repair or professional playing. The "search" feature is a (little slow) but worthwhile function to explore.
Do not hesitate to ask as to specific recommendations on your next purchase - You may get more information than you bargained for.
But, "an informed consumer, is a powerful consumer". Good Luck...GBK
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Author: Carolyn
Date: 2002-09-12 13:53
Okay. I would like to try to respond to everyone who has been kind enough to post a message for me. Thank you for your candid responses. First of all, yes, her band director does play the clarinet, although not as well as some of the other instruments. The clarinet that we purchased really does seem to be okay. It seems sturdy, and my daughter says that it is much nicer than the one her friend rented from the music store locally. Anyway, I only paid $140.00 for it,including shipping, and that is less than I would have paid for six months worth of rental from the music store that her school uses. So, if it lasts her six months, I have gotten my money's worth. I was hoping to find out who exactly made this clarinet, and although you all agree that it was made in Taiwan, no one has given me a company. If anyone knows how I can find out, please let me know. I would be happy to post another message in six months or so, if anyone is interested, to let you know how it is holding up. I am also in contact with another person who bought the same clarinet from the same seller, and we are going to stay in touch to see how things are going. Thank you again for your responses!!
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Author: Carol
Date: 2002-09-17 15:01
Hi Carolyn. I just purchased 2 Wexler clarinets for my twin daughters who decided to give 6th grade band a try. I haven't received them yet, but hopefully, they will serve their purpose. We went to school last night to check out the instruments there and the cheapest clarinet available was $695.00. Multiply times 2 and I don't think so!! The girls have already decided not to be in band next year, so like you, if the clarinets last a year, I have saved alot of money. I was actually searching for the company, too, and that is how I ran across this message board. Good Luck!!
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