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Re: Packer instruments

Author: davidjsc
Date: 2021-05-10 09:48

I have a Packer C clarinet, bought it back in December 2020, and for its cost I'm quite happy with it for a student-level instrument. To be honest, buying it blind and untried, I was actually surprised how much I liked it when I got it in my hands and it works fine for my needs. It's certainly not a Mercedes Benz but it is also not a Skoda. I think I may have been the store's 5th or 6th purchaser of their C clarinet, apparently someone bought 4 of them all at once.

My main complaint with it is the mouthpiece was crap so subbed in a Yamaha 4C. I also had to sand down the tenon cork as it was really really tight to assemble/disassemble. When I took a tuner to it, it was actually pretty well tuned (my dealer had also done a once-over with it when it arrived) although starts to go tad flat on the three lowest notes and one of the alternate fingerings can be off if I'm using too soft or worn a reed.

Now... that said, but the dealer/store from where I bought it said they had demo'ed one of their bassoons and they said it was terrible ("unplayable") and sent it back. From talking to them, Packer does at least stand behind their instruments and accept criticism where due and works with dealers to refine their products.

I can play oboe and clarinet and while I am happy with my clarinet, would I buy a double reed from Packer? - probably not, not unless I got to demo it first. (yes, their English horn has caught my eye too). But would I buy another one of their clarinets, probably yes if they make an affordable Eb or A. My music dealer said they were curious how the Eb sounded, as there is really no student model available on the market.

Anyways I hope this helps.

DSC

~~ Alto Clarinet; Bass Clarinet; B-flat and C Boehm Clarinets; Albert C Clarinet; Oboe ~~

Post Edited (2021-05-10 09:50)

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