Klarinet Archive - Posting 000472.txt from 2001/03
From: "David C. Kumpf" <dkumpf@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Martin Freres clarinet
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 18:20:14 -0500
I've been borrowing an acquaintance's R13 for a couple weeks while I journey
back into the clarinet (after 23 years!), and have started searching for a
replacement, because I will have to return the R13 soon. Yesterday, I went
to look at a clarinet listed in the paper (the first one listed in a long
time). A Martin Freres, grenadilla wood. Looked virtually new, nickle-plated
keys that seem to function freely, very nice condition, new case, etc. No
cracks, no scratches, logos still bright gold.
I went to put my Vandoren mouthpiece on it. First bad sign - the mouthpiece
won't fit in the barrel. I look at the barrel more closely - it's an old
Normandy barrel. I decide after a couple tries not to force the Vandoren at
the risk of cracking the barrel. So we clean up the guy's mouthpiece and I
try it out.
The instrument sounds pretty good (my tone is better than I expected after
all these years, but still not where it needs to be), though it does not
speak as easily as the R13. Then, after a few notes, it starts jumping to
the high register when I am playing low E and F, etc....but I don't have the
register key down. The seller claims it was repadded recently. The pad on
the register key is cork and the spring is good; nevertheless, the
instrument keeps jumping to the high register. (More precisely, I finger low
E and F and upper B and C come out.)
One more thing. The interlock tongue for the keys between the upper and
lower joints doesn't seem to fit quite right. Looks like the part on the
upper joint was either machined too long or welded in slightly the wrong
place and then was bent somewhat to fit. Doesn't seem to affect the key
action.
I told the guy I had to pass. However, now I'm wondering about it. Is the
barrel problem just that the Normandy barrel is way out of tolerance? Should
I just buy a Buffet (or other) barrel so I can use my mouthpiece? Or is this
Martin Freres instrument made to such weird specs that no barrel is ever
likely to fit correctly? And, what is the deal with the register jump?
Something wrong with the instrument or ?? The price seems right - < $400,
and I can probably negotiate based on the barrel problem. Or, should I
continue to run the other direction (which is pretty much what I did :-)).
Any input from the list would be great. Thanks in advance.
David C. Kumpf
President
Optimetra, Inc.
4420 Red Rock Ranch Road
Monument, CO 80132
mailto:dkumpf@-----.com
http://www.optimetra.com
(719) 481-2956 (voice)
(719) 487-0920 (fax)
(719) 964-8105 (mobile)
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