Klarinet Archive - Posting 000306.txt from 1998/06

From: "Jay D. Webler" <webler@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Normandy Clarinet
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 22:51:12 -0400

Tristan,

I received my first wooden clarinet when I was 11, a Holton Collegiate. Right from the start I took very good care of that Instrument. I swabbed after every use. I
would also us the bore oil on it It was in such good shape that my mother was able to trade it six years later for the price that see paid for it on a Buffet Evette
Schaeffer. The Evette is now 28 years old and in excellent condition. This particular student, I am told, is usually very careful with his possessions. Also his parents
were made aware of the care that needs to be taken with this instrument, and knowing them as I do, I feel sure that
they will keep a close on things. I understand the need for plastic clarinets and I will pay close attention to my students to make sure that they are capable of
handling the responsibility before I make my recommendation in the future. Your advice is greatly appreciated and no offense is taken.

On Mon, 8 Jun 1998 16:25:04 -0700, Jason Hsien wrote:

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Jay D. Webler <webler@-----.net>
>

>
>>From the way the message is worded, I think you also imply that the purchase
>decision has been made. Congrats.
>
>But, I would like to say that your points about this student being new and
>young really wish you would have gone the plastic road. Plastic horns are
>much much easier to maintain, can withstand (well most can) the rigors of
>childhood (I'd like to see how a wood clarinet handles being accidentally
>dropped into a swimming pool), stand up to horrible technique and bad
>maintenence, and this list goes on and on...
>
>In my own personal experience... my first clarinet was a Bundy Resonite. It
>wasn't the best horn out there. It went through many water dunkings,
>freezing temperatures while being played like mad for marching band,
>dropped, etc... and it still plays like a charm, with easy keying, very
>little maintenence (I haven't had to replace any screws or anything. So far,
>repair bills have been $0), and long life span (hey, 10 years!)
>
>I've only a year ago made the decision to buy my wood Buffet. It's an
>intermediate instrument, not pro, but I've been through repair shops thanks
>to bent keys (don't have a home maintenence kit...) and still can't smear on
>it (I can on my bundy). Overall, I am satisfied with my wood horn, but I've
>found that I've had to take much more care of it.
>
>You've said so yourself, this student is very young. No offense, but I know
>of very few, actually zero, young kids who can handle the commitment and
>dedication to take care of a wood instrument. I've abused, dropped, brushed
>to the side and subjected it to horrible conditions my plastic. I wouldn't
>even dream of taking my wood one outdoors.
>
>Granted, it's used, but it sounds like too good a horn, and I apologize if
>this sounds a bit rude, to waste on a young child. I would definately be
>unhappy with my parents if they had purchased a wood clarinet, instead of a
>plastic, just because I can look back and see how badly I treated it. Kids'
>are intelligent, don't imagine you can watch them at all times.
>
>-jason
>
>
>
>

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