Klarinet Archive - Posting 000052.txt from 1994/08

From: Garrett Fitzgerald <gfitzger@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Flakey A (D/A)
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 1994 11:15:37 -0400

> > 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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)

Don't worry, I'm not going to touch it when I need it that soon. :-) I
suppose I could do everything on Bb, but everything I'm doing calls
for A. (On a related note, has anyone ever succesfully auditioned on
the Hindemith Concerto? I'm 0 for 2 so far... )

So what's the net's opinion? Do it on the A with the flaky note in the
right key, or play it on the Bb? (I think the A may be a little better
than the Bb--I was older when I picked it out. :-) )

Garrett