Klarinet Archive - Posting 000519.txt from 1997/04

From: TRACY ANN MOORE <TMOORE@-----.edu>
Subj: When your instrument's in the shop... -Reply
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 09:00:21 -0400

Believe me...I know exactly what that's like. Just a few days ago, i had
to take in my clarinet for emergency repairs. So instead of playing on my
nice buffet, I had to play on my old plastic Bundy clarinet. The worst part
about all of this though is that since I have a recital in about a week, I
had to practice with my accompanist that day on my Bundy. Let me just
tell you this...it wasn't very pleasant. Especially since the middle joint of
that clarinet wobbles. Luckily though, even though the repair guy said it
would take a week to finish the clarinet, I got it back the next day.

tracy

>>> Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU> 04/15/97
10:12am >>>
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