Klarinet Archive - Posting 000519.txt from 1997/02

From: Denise Gulliver-Lewis <pmflewis@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Lifespan of clarinet
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 1997 08:27:07 -0500

Ryan Lowe wrote:
Sorry, but this is a little late in the conversation. Mel Warner (NIU)
instructed me to purchase a new clarinet every five or so years...no
matter how well you treat the one that you have. I was just
wondering...why? I know all of the wear and tear theories. Would a
greenline last a shorter or longer time than a normal R13 because it is
made of compost (or composite, whatever you want to call it)?

Gee, this is the first time I've heard of replacing your clarinet every 5
years. If that is the case, my Buffet Bb, purchased in 1975, should have
been replaced before I even got to college! I'm still playing it, and
get offers for it every time it has gone in for repair. Most people say
it is one of the sweetest sounding R13s they have ever heard. No cracks,
no changes in the bore as of yet. I've only had to have some rebuild
work done on the keys. If I'm really due for a new horn, I'm in a world
of trouble because I haven't played anything that matches this one (and I
do take a look at least twice a year).

Denise Gulliver-Lewis
Principal Clarinet
Elkhart Symphony

   
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