Klarinet Archive - Posting 000062.txt from 1998/01

From: Rgoren <Rgoren@-----.com>
Subj: Mildew odor in old A clarinet
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 1998 07:47:25 -0500

Hi,

I'll preface this by indicating my level of playing. I studied clarinet
seriously for 10 years before college and have continued to play on my own and
in community groups for the past 20 years with occasional lessons.

Last spring, I had the privelege of playing in a community chamber orchestra.
(I filled in for the first clarinet player.) One of the pieces called for an A
clarinet which I do not own. A cellist in the orchestra lent me an A/Bb
clarinet set which he inherited from his aunt (the cellist is about 50 which
makes his aunt (if she were alive) about 80 years old). The inscription on
the instruments was F. Hofinger Bruxelles G. Langenus, Inc. NY (A has serial
number 497 and Bb has serial number 539). The A clarinet worked out pretty
well for me. However, it had a mildew smelling odor. The first thing I did
was oil it lightly (inside and out) and switched it over to another case. I
left the lid of the case open several hours every night for four weeks. The
odor dissapated somewhat but even after 8 months still remains.

After the last concert the cellist asked me if I wanted to purchase the
instruments. I wasn't really considering it since I don't get much
opportunity to play an A clarinet. He told me to keep it over the summer and
try it out longer and then make him an offer.

As it turned out, I auditioned and made 2nd chair in a summer community
orchestra and required an A for one of the symphonies. Again the clarinet
worked out fine.

I have been invited to fill in for the chamber symphony again this spring and
now I must face the cellist and give him my decision.

Here are my questions:

Is the mildew odor an indication that the clarinet is in poor condition?
Visibly the instrument looks okay. I tested the pitch against my chromatic
tuner and it was right on pitch except for A (above the scale) and higher
where it goes sharp. This I was able to compenstate for with my throat when
playing sustained tones.

Given my level of playing and lack of money, would you consider purchasing the
instruments. If yes, what would be a reasonable offer?

Since I am currently not taking lessons and have no contacts with a
professional, who would be a good person to ask to check this instrument out
for me? Clarinet repairman?

Thanks in advance,

Rochelle