Klarinet Archive - Posting 000716.txt from 1999/08

From: LeliaLoban@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Selmer and Buffet
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 19:45:52 -0400

The last thing I want to do is provoke one of those "which brand is better"
wars, but after reading some recent messages that quoted my comments, I'd
better clarify a possible misunderstanding. The reason I'm switching to
practicing on my recently-acquired, 1975-ish Selmer Signet Special is *not*
because I think it's a *better* clarinet than my 1937 Buffet. IMHO, the
Buffet is better. Also, the Buffet has a special feature I really like, the
forked Eb/Bb.

I hasten to add that it's not fair to compare the quality of these two as if
they were created equal. They were marketed for different purposes. Selmer
sold the Signet Special as an intermediate or step-up model for students.
(The woman from whom I bought it told me it was her high school clarinet.
She used a plastic Bundy in grade school and junior high.) My Buffet was
sold as a high- end, professional model. I think they're both excellent *in
their respective classes*, with the caveat that my Signet Special probably
didn't start out as good as it is now. An intelligent repair technician
improved the intonation (probably quite a lot) with radical choices of key
cork heights, as I described in a previous message.

However, the Buffet is 62 years old. If anything serious goes wrong with it,
then I'll be responsible for damaging a good vintage clarinet and might have
trouble finding replacement parts, too. (For instance, in addition to the
forked Eb/Bb, the Buffet has the articulated C#/G#, in fine working order.
I've read that this is a potential trouble spot that often goes out of
adjustment and is difficult to fix.) I'm switching to the Signet Special
because IMHO it's much better than its reputation, it's certainly good enough
for the likes of me and I don't have to worry about it. I do intend to
continue playing the Buffet, with its equally-old mouthpiece. I'm just
planning to be more judicious about how much wear and tear I put on it.

Lelia

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