Klarinet Archive - Posting 000272.txt from 1997/09

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Selmer Repair (continued)
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 1997 17:04:41 -0400

At 10:35 PM 9/5/97 -0500, Roger Garrett wrote:
...To Take Bill's posting....I really don't know
>everything that the repairman has done to my vehicle....that is, to
>have a blueprint of it and understand the blueprint, but I want it to
>work as perfectly as it was designed to. Buffet clarinets were designed
>to specification, but the fact is....they do not sell at specification.
>Quite frankly, anyone who believes that ANY clarinet is sold at
>specification, is naive...

Sorry about the misunderstanding. "Blueprinting" is an automotive term
which means to tear down the engine completely and remachine all parts so
that instead of being within the normal manufacturing tolerances, all parts
are exactly on specification. It makes for a terrific, smooth-running,
long-lasting engine, but seldom justifies the cost unless you are a racer.

I am certain that clarinets are the same way. As they leave the factory,
they should all be within normal manufacturing tolerances of being as
designed. Those that are not should have been rejected before shipment.
And few of us need anything better. If they weren't good enough as
designed, they wouldn't have developed the reputation they have. I conceed
that after shipping, due to bumping around, changes in temperature,
humidity, etc., some adjustment may be desireable at purchase to restore
peak performance. But I still maintain that any work that is needed should
be extremely minor and well within the capability of an on-site technician.
"Improvements" on the factory design are extra and not generally needed.
But it is still your call as the buyer. If you want to have the "baddest"
clarinet on the block and have the money to pay for it, by all means go to
one of these gurus. I do not doubt their knowledge, ability, or even their
results. Only their value to the general public.

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.