Author: gwie
Date: 2017-01-11 04:46
Let's be honest, most of the music shops out here don't have anything. Whatever their inventory might be has been excessively picked over (as compared to mildly picked over) and they rarely carry anything except the most common models. Only 4-5 in the US? That's totally false, at every major trade show or conference like NAMM, TMEA, or the Midwest Clinic, there's Buffet clarinets of every model including the Festival practically falling from the sky at numerous dealers (not to mention B&H). ALWAYS try before you buy, and if they refuse to let you try them the shop does not deserve your business, period.
I'd recommend making the trek up to RDG Woodwinds in Los Angeles. Call ahead of time to set up an appointment, they usually have dozens of instruments that you can try. Don't limit yourself to the Festival model either, take the opportunity to try the R-13's in nickel-silver, silver, the Vintage model if they have any, the Prestige, and the Tosca. Their number is (323) 463-4930 and their address is 589 North Larchmont Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90004.
From there, don't limit yourself to Buffet! There are superb instruments made by Yamaha, Selmer, Backun, Uebel, and dozens of other smaller makers. If you take the time to look at some of the feedback left by many members of this BBoard, you will see that great instruments come from many places.
Do you have the assistance of a current or former instructor? I've been teaching clarinet in Irvine for 20+ years and would be happy to help you find an instrument if you need any assistance.
Good luck on your instrument search!
EDIT: Dan's advice to check out Walter's offerings is a great one. He doesn't just make excellent mouthpieces, but also takes the time to select and put up for sale good clarinets!
Post Edited (2017-01-11 04:47)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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