Klarinet Archive - Posting 000970.txt from 1997/02

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Repair/overhaul questions
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 1997 13:41:04 -0500

Thanks to all who sent me Clark Fobes's e-mail and phone #.
Unfortunately, I haven't heard back from him yet -- I seem to recall his
saying (on the list) that he would be attending some conventions and
conferences soon, so perhaps he is "on the road".

I'd like to get some feedback from any out there who can provide input
regarding the problems I'm having with my Buffet R-13 Bb horn right now.

Although I have not done a pressure test, I have reason to believe that
the very top pad on the upper joint is leaking. It's cork, and appears to
be "hardened" and inflexible. When I push it down with one finger (while
attempting to play) it seems to improve the response. The symptoms of
this malady are lowered pitch on "short-tube" notes -- C1 through the
break and G3 to C3 -- and having to blow my head off to project what
should be naturally easily-projecting notes. (Is this making sense?)

I have not changed any of my peripheral equipment (mouthpiece, barrel,
ligature) except of course the reeds. I have not noticed an extreme
temperature difference to account for this problem. It is recent in
development, and is rather a pain in the *** because I play on a long
barrel to begin with (which has not produced such flatness in the past).
Changing to my stock barrel (which I don't like to use any more) does not
solve the blowing response problem.

I also find a bit of give with the topmost pad on the lower joint - this
one is skin, however.

What is considered the appropriate time to have an overhaul, as opposed to
spot repairs? The horn has been well-used for about 3 years, needs the
pinky keys readjusted, new teflon sleeves, and has a couple of
icky-looking pads on the lower joint. I'm trying to convince myself that
the extra expense of a full overhaul is worth it at this point!

Thanks for any and all advice.

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu