Klarinet Archive - Posting 000422.txt from 1997/02

From: Roger Shilcock
Subj: Re: Buffet bass clarinet adjusting screws (fwd)
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 04:21:50 -0500

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 21:40:16 -0500
From: GrabnerWG%AOL.COM@-----.UK
Subject: Re: Buffet bass clarinet adjusting screws

Guess what?

I have played five or six bass clarinets in my lifetime (I own my own Buffet
low C) and I have NEVER played one that did not require constant adjustment
and re-adjustment.

The most stable was a Selmer Bundy which I played in High School (seems like
yesterday, but I graduated in 1966).

I have played 2 LeBlancs, a Selmer, a Selmer with a low C, a Buffet with a
weird register/Bb key mechanism, (in college and various orchestras) and my
own Buffet. I have always spent as much time with my screwdrivers, pliers,
cork, tape, etc as I do with reeds.

I am no longer playing professionally, (played in Toledo for ten years) so
now my bass sits idle for extended periods - so I get shrinkage as
well........who can win????

It would be interesting to hear from other bass players on this topic.

Apart from the surgery necessary to get my (cheapo second-hand Noblet)
bass working right after I'd bought it, I don;t think I've adjusted
anything on mine but the clutch. Mind you, I don't play it much by a
pro's standards.
Roger Shilcock