[tictactux]

I think the issue of adjustment is v important. IMO many techs would not take the trouble to adjust the action of a cheap instrument in the way they would if it's an E13 (R13 a fortiori).

Yeh, the old "Fine Feathers Make Fine Birds" theme. Some myths die hard:

"Hard rubber mouthpieces are superior."
"The stiffer the reed, the better the player."
"Wooden clarinets sound better."
"Teacher approved." :lol: