Klarinet Archive - Posting 000995.txt from 1997/09

From: Gary Hopkins <ghopkins@-----.net>
Subj: Care of instrument
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:09:04 -0400

A funny thing happened to me tonight (NOT!).

I'm 46 yrs old. I've been playing clarinet for 34 years. I have been
repairing instruments for over 25 years. I have repaired many clarinets that
have been sat on. I have always wondered how anyone could be so careless as
to sit on an instrument.

Well, I did it. I put my fat rump down on a clarinet of mine. I was doodling
around while watching TV and went to answer the door. I returned and did the
dastardly deed. The socket of the lower joint is split out. Two cracks going
into the tone hole. I can repair it with little trouble, but I feel like a
complete idiot.

I sure hope my Dad wasn't looking down on me from Heaven. He taught me
better than to be so absent minded.

Moral of this story: DON'T lay your clarinet down on the bed or chair for
ANY reason. Put it where it can't be damaged.

Gary

P.S. I'm sure glad it wasn't my new Buffet Vintage.