Klarinet Archive - Posting 000076.txt from 1996/07

From: Dave Lane <davelane@-----.COM>
Subj: Instrument warranties (was:tight joints)
Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 22:18:37 -0400

Just some additional thoughts concerning the manufacturer's warranty....

It's not so simple as returning your horn directly to the manufacturer and
having everything taken care of.

Leblanc and Buffet instruments must be returned to the U.S. "factory"
service center by the selling dealer and they will not deal directly with
the end user! Both companies depend on their authorized sales agents to
take care of minor problems and act as go-between on major ones. Your
relationship with your selling dealer is an important, ongoing one; choose
your dealer carefully.

In reality, few problems besides cracked joints result in return of the horn
to the manufacturer. I believe that many dealers even repair cracks rather
than deprive the owner of the use of the horn for the longer period of time
that a manufacturer's repair would take (the debate of joint replacement vs.
repair will be reserved for another time!). Since key breakage is rare and
most plating problems are specifically excluded from the warranty, it falls
to the dealer to satisfy the owner on most problems.

It may be argued that a tight joint due to uneven expansion does not fall
within a materials and workmanship warranty, given the normal
characteristics of the wood. The wood is not defective, the workmanship was
on-target; the clearance simply changed due to expansion that could
reasonably be expected from an organic material, and an adjustment is
required. Fortunately, as has been stated before, it is a fast and almost
trivial repair for a well-equipped shop. This is where the previously
mentioned "implied warranty" is important. A good dealer will take care of
this just to ensure your satisfaction.

Even if your selling dealer is willing to take care of it, is he competent
to do so? The local multi-store Buffet franchisee has a repair shop in each
store. Will I allow him to shave wood off my Prestige? Not on your life.
Why? He's not a clarinet specialist, or even a woodwind specialist. He's a
great all-around tech who is better at brass. You should know about the
person who will chuck your baby in the lathe!

Now, the unsolicited advise. There are several good clarinet repair
specialists hanging out on this list, and many others in our universe.
Some are also dealers, most are not. Seek out one of these folks when you
need a repair of this sort, and you'll never be sorry. Most major
mail-order firms have one associated with them; most hometown dealers
don't. The tight joint is a perfect example of a simple repair (for an
expert) that can cause lasting damage if improperly done. Even if your horn
is in warranty, get it done by a specialist, even if you have to pay.

Best Regards

Dave Lane