Klarinet Archive - Posting 000050.txt from 1994/08

From: Clark W Fobes <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Flakey A (D/A)
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 1994 01:46:43 -0400

On Thu, 11 Aug 1994, Garrett Fitzgerald wrote:

> I've noticed that on my Buffet R-13 A (which I've pulled out due to my
> first professional audition in 2 weeks--wish me luck :-) ), the A
> above the staff (No, the _first_ one, dummy!) is not very secure. The
> clarinet was bought new in 1988, if that helps. Is this something I'm
> doing wrong, or a hardware problem? Or is it impossible to tell on the
> given information?
>
> Thanks for any and all help. :-)
>
> Garrett Fitzgerald
>
Unfortunately, this is a common problem with R-13 A clarinets. Last
summer I was at the Buffet factory and asked if they had a solution for
the problem. The technician said (in French) "Yes! Buy an RC!

The problem can be somewhat alleviated by opening up the hole SLIGHTLY
with the proper tool. don't do this yourself. Seek out a qualified
repairman who knows something about 1) the clarinet 2) the problem 3)
acoustics and 4) who can play well enough to determine if what he is
doing is having a negative or positive effect.

I would suggest trying to live with it for a while and determine if you
want to have it worked on AFTER the audition. I have known players to
sabotage themselves by making last minute adjustments to equipment under
ASS (Audition Stress Syndrome)

Clark W Fobes