Posted by js on February 05, 2002 at 22:57:16:
In Reply to: Re: Doug Elliott posted by Doug Elliott on February 05, 2002 at 17:30:47:
I think it is extremely generous of you and any mouthpiece dealers/manufacturers to offer "trials".
For instance, hand-made oboe reeds these days cost $30 each, are certainly not the makers' best reeds (as they, of course, keep those for themselves), and wear out in about a week. A typical order of five reeds costs $150, is non-returnable, and is depleted within a month or so.
To offer a trial on a brass instrument mouthpiece that costs from (guessing) $100 - $300 and to allow trials (which inevitably dictate shank scuffs, scum, etc.) I think is very generous. I guess you consider it a necessary factor in doing business.
I really don't think brass players realize how "cheap" and "easy" they have it regarding the acquisition and maintenance of their performance equipment.