Klarinet Archive - Posting 000478.txt from 1997/04

From: fsheim@-----.com
Subj: Re: When your instrument's in the shop...
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:59:42 -0400

At 08:12 AM 4/15/97 -0700, you wrote:
>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
>
>
I dont think its the age of the horn that matters, but the horn itself. I
am still using daily my Buffet R-13 purchased NEW in 1963 for the SUPER
paltry sum of $188.00! It is a FINE horn indeed.
Also, I purchased my Buffet R-13 A clarinet in 1977 at Ponte's music
in New York City for exactly $500.00- so perhaps $600 for a Bb was not an
extremely low price back then.

Fred Sheim (fsheim@-----.com)