Klarinet Archive - Posting 000298.txt from 1997/05

From: Jessica Phillips <jp251@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Tuning and Reeds
Date: Fri, 9 May 1997 18:10:29 -0400

Are the new LeBlanc Symphony models priced yet?

Thanks!
Jessica Phillips

On Fri, 9 May 1997, Gary Hopkins wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
>