Klarinet Archive - Posting 000477.txt from 1997/04

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: When your instrument's in the shop...
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:59:41 -0400

I would like to solicit opinions from those who have "been there"...

My beloved instrument is currently in the capable hands of Clark Fobes for
its long-awaited overhaul. It has been gone for 10 days, and I don't know
exactly when I'll be getting it back.

Since its departure, I have been using my old, OLD Buffet, my first R-13,
purchased for the paltry sum of $600 in 1977 from Chester Groth's music
shop in Minneapolis, where the selection consisted of 3 Buffet R-13s and a
Selmer Series 9, I believe. I guess my point is that it was fine when I
was 12, but now that I am all grown up, it's not such a great horn any
more! I kept onto it for occasions such as this, but it's a poor
substitute.

So as I want (and need!) to continue practicing, I have been doing only
"chops work" -- my traditional warm-ups and other exercises -- because I
feel that I don't want to find myself adjusting to this instrument.
Already I have to use different fingerings for the throat tones for tuning
purposes, and the keywork is placed slightly differently; sometimes I
miss!

Has anyone else experienced this dilemma? I know I will certainly be
pleased when my instrument comes back all fixed up and beautiful! Am I
doing the right thing in not wanting to become too accustomed to my old
horn?

It's tough being a semi-professional -- neither fish nor fowl, it seems!
Unfortunately, I still have to practice....

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