Klarinet Archive - Posting 000712.txt from 1996/08

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: R-13 Shopping
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 11:12:27 -0400

I will attempt to answer Gary Van Cott's questions regarding R-13's:

>Question 1. Roughly what percentage of R-13s are really quality
>instruments? Another way to ask this is how many instruments did you
>try before you found one you really liked?

I'd say that all professional quality instruments are "quality
instruments." To the more advanced clarinetist, certain aspects (sound,
ease of blowing, amount of desired resistance) may be of more importance
than others. In other words the way an instrument "feels" is entirely
subjective.

>Question 2. While any instrument I select should be mechanically
>sound and play well in all registers, I expect to make my selection
>based primarily on tone quality and intonation. Is this reasonable
>or are there other factors I should be looking for or watching out for
>(see next question)?

Any instrument (new) that is not mechanically sound, does not seal properly
and/or is not properly adjusted should either be sent back to inspector #12
or to the repair technician that prepared it. It's too difficult to judge
an instrument if it is not in proper repair. It is reasonable for you to
expect a tone quality and an overall good intonation with which you feel
comfortable. The way (as previously stated) it feels (blowing, hand
position etc.) is as important as intonation.

>Question 3. What kind of defects can be expected in new R-13s? Which
>should be cause for immediate rejection and which can be easily
>fixed?

I think I've answered this question above. The main thing I look for
(visually) when purchasing a clarinet is straight wood grain. Knots
(though not always...no pun intended) can lead to cracks.

Steve.

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu