Klarinet Archive - Posting 000483.txt from 1997/04

From: "L. BORCHERT" <lborcher@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: When your instrument's in the shop...
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:59:46 -0400

On Tue, 15 Apr 1997, Jacqueline Eastwood 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 believe you are exactly correct in your interpretation of the
problem. You actually do not have much choice - you do have to practice.
Your old clarinet, if it is anything like my old R-13 from about the same
vintage, is pretty well worn out. Mine also have the the keys worn into a
slight saddle shape. It does not respond as well as my new one and the
intonation is different (which is why I bought the new R-13 in the first
place). I do keep it around if mine is gone and I also lend it to my
students when their instruments have to go to the shop. It is much better
than their plastic ones and also better than the student clarinets that
the university owns.
Keep practicing, but don't make any big changes that you will have
to undo when you get your "new and improved" version back from Clark.

Your comment about semi-professional is interesting. If you are getting
paid, you are a professional. The difference may be that you are not able
to make your living solely from playing. If you are at the university as
a graduate student, however, then you are in a unique situation. You may
have the academic responsibility of faculty, but you are also still a
student (otherwise they would have to let you part in the faculty parking
lots). Balancing the two conflicting "hats" can be tricky, but not
impossible. Good luck!

Laroy

Dr. Laroy Borchert
Professor of Clarinet
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003