Hiya,
Tootsall!
I'm invoking the "oooopppss" clause! (
Sorry.... pet peeve!)
Here are just a very few prices for other instruments/tools of the trade; all professional line:
Yamaha Flute: $3,958.00
Yamaha Alto Sax: $4,000.00
Tenor: $4,300.00
Bari: $8,600.00
Bassoons:
Fox: $14,500.00 to $17,000.00
Clarinets:
Buffet: R-13 "Green Line": $3,492.00 - $3640.00
All of the above are Pro, and most are on the "low-side", as far as cost is concerned. Also, keep in mind that a HUGE corporation, like Yamaha, that sells motorcycle, jet-ski's, appliances, etc., can afford to offer their items at a discounted rate to their dealers. In fact, most professionals are on MUCH higher quality instruments than the ones listed above!
For the "reed suckers", add the annual cost of reeds... something that "they" take for granted. Box of 10 - Sax: $10.00 - $25.00 (Rico - very average quality.) Additionally, note that out of a box of 10, 5 or 6 may be of reasonable consideration, or a "good one". So, not being a "reed sucker" myself, I would "guesstimate" the annual cost from $250.00 to $500.00, for a working professional. We won't even go into what they might pay for a custom mouthpiece. Oh, heck... I brought it up, why not? Let's just mention Tenor Sax mouthpieces; reasonable professional, worth consideration: $300.00 to $500.00 - WW&BW - discounted.
Wonder why it is so difficult to fund an orchestra? Firstly, throw out the "wild card" cost of a musical education. Next, let's just take a "sneak peak" at what violinists
might pay for their "reasonably good quality" professional "tools of the trade":
Bow: $8,000.00 - $12,000.00
Violin: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00
Sooo..... see how ridiculously spoiled
WE are? Especially since we are talking about "custom built" trumpets... not to mention mouthpieces that we can use
every day.
Since we like to "justify" the
outrageous cost of our instruments, here's a good analogy.:
How much would you pay for a riding lawnmower? (Cuz we KNOW we're not pushing one... NO WAY!) And, how often would you mow? Golf courses tend to mow fairways, tees, and collars... twice a week, and greens... three times a week. Too much work for a trumpet player!!! :wink: Once or twice a week... MAX... for a 6 to 12 month season, depending upon climate. Add gas, oil, and maintenance. You do the math.
There ya have it, sports fans! I COULD go on. 8)
No offense, Ed! :wink:
Steppin' down from the "Soap Box",
Bruce