Klarinet Archive - Posting 000172.txt from 1994/11

From: "David R.D. Heath" <c9417504@-----.AU>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Overhauling
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 1994 04:37:33 -0500

On Wed, 9 Nov 1994, Michiya Nishino wrote:

> Hello,
>
> By recommendation of Professor MacDowell, I'm planning on getting my
> Buffet R-13 overhauled. From what he tells me, after I spend $350
> getting this done, my clarinet will feel like a new instrument. Since I
> am not a music major, I'm sort of hesitant about buying a new horn in the
> new future, but I'm willing to get the instrument overhauled. How much
> of a difference did anyone on the list notice after getting it done? Is
> it truly worth it? Is $350 a reasonable price? Thanks!
>
> Michiya Nishino
> Freshman, UT Austin
>

If the person doing the overhaul is good, then the instrument will
certainly be like new. I bougt a used 14 year old Buffet S-1, which was
in a fairly poor condition, with corks missing under the A and G# keys
and a fairly uneven feel to the instrument (some keys requiring more
pressure than others). After an overhaul which cost Australian$400 it
was like a new instrument. The keys were buffed to a wonderful shine,
and all the pads were high quality, and the key work was even an firm.
My teacher couldn't believe the difference, it was as good as a $3000 new
instrument but I only paid $1000 (+$400 for the overhaul). My suggestion
for you is to do it, but US$300 does seem a little steep.

David

c9417504@-----.au