Klarinet Archive - Posting 000798.txt from 1995/10

From: CLARK FOBES <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Clarinet Cracks / Buffet
Date: Sun, 22 Oct 1995 04:14:46 -0400

While I seriously disagree that 50% of all Buffet clarinets crack in
the first year, I also disagree that the cracking rate is less than 3%

I don't want to take on Boosey & Hawkes or Brent Taylor. I am a loyal
Buffet dealer and Boosey & Hawkes has been extremely helpful to me in
all respects. However, with deference to Mr. Taylor's skills, I wonder
if his statistics might be based on RETURNS to Buffet and therefor
slightly skewed. Most professionals and teachers are aware that
replacing a cracked upper joint on a clarinet will completely alter the
characteristics of the clarinet. Buffet does take care to play test and
match up upper and lower joints in the factory (as well as barrels and
bells). Cosequently, the random replacement of a joint is , in my
opinion, highly inadviseable.

I assume that a very small number of cracked Buffet clarinets ARE
returned for replacement and that the majority are pinned by the
original dealer or local professional repair people. If done correctly,
a pinned clarinet will be stable and perform without further
problems. I have tried, without success, to have Boosey & Hawkes modify
their warranty so that it would include pinning. My supposition is that
Buffet provides replacement parts at no cost to Boosey & Hawkes and
therefor Boosey & Hawkes has very little financial stake in replacing
cracked joints. It seems that considering the cost of replacement parts
to Buffet it might be worth considering training a technician to be "in
house" in Libertyville to take care of warranty repairs and have his
salary paid by Buffet Crampon. But then again, if current replacement
is only 3% they can probably afford to absorb that.

I would like to mention, however, that it is incumbant upon the
purchasor to be very careful with his/her new clarinet in the first six
months. Also, 95% of the crack pinning I do happens between Dec and Jan
( our coldest months ). Most clarinets crack due to the rapid expansion
of the bore surface when the outside surface is too cold and not able
to expand at the same rate. Another common problem with new clarinets
is that the barrel joint is fit too snugly from the manufacturer. When
new, the upper tenon can swell and become so tight that the upper joint
will crack. If a new barrel is getting stuck frequently have your
repairman correct the problem.

Clark W Fobes