I’d love to try some of your horns — how do we get started?
First start with a phone conversation to figure out exactly how you will be using your instrument. Then you will need to fill out the secure order form on my contact page. This insures that I have all the information I need to accurately fill your order. Then, we will swap emails until we arrive at two or three instruments that I think will best fit your style and unique playing needs.
Can I try clarinets on approval and how long do I get to keep them?
I will send you up to three hand-selected instruments to try for a two-week (14 days) approval. That period begins the day I ship the clarinets to you. The instrument(s) must be postmarked back to me 14 days after the invoice date.
Do I need to get insurance?
You, the customer, are solely responsible for the instruments while in your possession. Please include insurance for all the instruments that you are returning to me. Customers are responsible for shipping both ways. If you absolutely need more than 14 days to try the clarinets, please call before your trial has expired we will hammer out an alternative return date.
Out of respect for other customers, as well as for the preservation of new instruments remaining new, please understand that I cannot accept, under any circumstances, any instruments returned after 30 days. Said instruments will be considered sold and billed accordingly.
Refunds?
All refunds are made by check to avoid incurring Visa/MasterCard's 3% processing fee. Unless you have made other arrangements to shop for more instruments, all refunds are made within 5 days of the return of the product.
When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged on the same day I ship the instrument(s). If you are paying with a debit card, please make sure your point of sale (POS) limit is high enough so the instrument can be charged.
How far in advance do I need to plan before I can purchase an instrument?
Most orders can be filled in three weeks. Optimum time frame is 30-60 days. By planning further ahead, I am able to provide the very best service and you will receive the best clarinet that's perfect for you!
The selection process is often times more art than science. What you need may require some time to deliver, and other times it is readily available. I go to Buffet often and try a lot of instruments, however sometimes, after trying many instruments, there may not be one that is exactly right for you.
How Many Clarinets Can I Try on Approval?
No more than 3 clarinets at a time. Since all the instruments I sell are hand-selected, there is no need to mail out massive quantities, as all of my instruments are excellent. In fact, most people have some trouble choosing among the three clarinets I send them.
What about restocking and sanitation fees?
You will incur a $10.00 restocking fee per instrument if and only if you do not purchase one of the instruments on trial. If you paid by credit card, you will also incur Visa/MasterCard's fee of 3% for the return of your money. There are never any sanitation fees. Ever.
How can I find out the price of the instruments?
I sell all of my clarinets at Buffet’s Minimal Advertised Price (MAP). This is the lowest price I am permitted to sell Buffet’s clarinets at as an authorized dealer.
At James’ Clarinet Shop your money goes farther. I include my hand-selection and mechanical adjustment for FREE. Although almost every Buffet dealer in the worlds sells at the MAP rate, few go the extra miles to include mechanical setup and/or hand selection.
Can I get a used clarinet?
The only instruments I sell below MAP are used clarinets. The pricing and availability of these used instruments varies, so please contact me for more information.
Is there a deposit to try clarinet?
Since most of my customers are looking to buy one clarinet at a time, I ask for a full deposit on one instrument plus shipping and insurance for however many I send.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I proudly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, personal checks, and school purchase orders.
Can I come to James’ Clarinet Shop and try instruments?
My studio is open by appointment only, so please contact me to set up a convenient meeting time. In addition, meeting in person lets me give additional guidance and lend an extra set of ears to your playing.
Where is James’ Clarinet Shop?
My in-home studio is located in Bloomington, MN — a mere 10 minute drive from the MSP airport. I am very willing to pick you up at the airport if you do not wish to rent a car.
Is it more advantageous to try instruments out at James’ Clarinet Shop or
have them mailed on trial?
It depends. If you are very unsure about your next instrument and want to “run the gamut,” it is advantageous to sit down face-to-face and try out as many styles of clarinet as possible. In general, however, it is more advantageous to have instruments mailed. Why? Because you have the ability to try these instruments in your own environment, concert hall, as well as for peers, teachers and others who would be interested in listening. Having instruments to try in your own playing comfort zone is an excellent way to be confident in your decision.