Klarinet Archive - Posting 000262.txt from 1997/05

From: ghopkins@-----.net (Gary Hopkins)
Subj: Re: Tuning and Reeds
Date: Fri, 9 May 1997 02:40:27 -0400

Matt, you are correct in the statement "the R-13 is not what everyone says
it is"...or I guess "was" would be more correct. The bore is different than
it was on earlier R-13's. Buffet increased the size of the bore at about
150K serial number. Intonation and response both suffer greatly with the
larger bore. Even the addition of a reverse-taper barrel does not make it
right. Also, the wood starting around 130K really went to pot. I don't
believe that is the reason for the crack. You just managed to get a joint
that had a weak spot. Once properly pinned it should be as good or better
than new...better in that it probably won't crack again, or at least not in
the same spot. All in all, it is probably the best instrument for the money
available. The Leblanc Concerto is more expensive and IMHO a better playing
instrument. (Note: We sold a Concerto at Christmas and have just had the
upper joint replaced for the second time because of cracking. Texas is not
that cold in the winter.) I think people that like the older R-13 Buffet
should try the Leblanc Infinite'. It is "supposed" to be the "acoustic
double" of the early R-13. I have played three for short periods of time,
and I think it is worth trying. It is also less expensive than the either
the Concerto or Buffet R-13.

Yesterday, I talked with the Buffet (Boosey-Hawkes) District Rep. in our
store, and he is shipping one of the new "Vintage" model Buffets for me to
try out. I plan on taking it to Andy Crisanti to try out. If for some
reason you find the instrument you are playing now won't satisfy you, my
boss said I could sell any clarinet we have in stock for $150 above our
cost....plus shipping. This is something to think about for the future.

Gary Hopkins

>I beielve its the r-13 itself. I alo play sharp on mine. I've only been
>using it for a few months and have encountered numerous problems with it.
>Including key positioning sharpness in the intonation and a few other minor
>technical glitched like the clation B sounds very stuffy. The wood in the
>upper joint cracked after the first month. I am beginning to belive that the
>r-13 is not all that everyone says it is. But I am very inexperienced still
>and am still learning. Does anyone else notice similiar problems with their
>r 13s
>
>//=++ C P=l=sik