Klarinet Archive - Posting 000534.txt from 2002/05

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] unsure about model of clarinet
Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 17:36:45 -0400

At 02:06 PM 5/20/2002 -0400, Prozax wrote:
>I am new to this group and was glad I came upon it last night and joined.
>Erin, I don't know much about the price of an E flat but please keep me
>informed as I may be interested in purchasing it. I am trying to purchase a
>bass clarinet now but I'm not familiar with the name.... M. LaCroix
>(France). I understand it is old but have been told it is in perfect
>working condition. I am concerned that parts may not be available for it
>anymore or that the keys are made of a material that may melt or break when
>trying to be repaired. I can't physically check it out. If anyone can help
>me with this, please let me know.

Welcome to the list!

As long as all the parts are there NOW, parts availability should not be a
great concern. Most of the normal parts that might need replacement, such
as pads, springs, etc., are standard or normally custom-fitted by the
repair tech on the spot. French-made instrument keys are generally made of
decent nickel-silver. You are unlikely to run into the melting-key
problem. There could, of course, be many OTHER problems. I have bought
several instruments through eBay and, for the most part, have been happy
with what I received. But one item that looked fine in the pictures was
something of a pig in a poke and has required quite a bit of work to bring
to a useable state.

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.net
451 Old Orchard Drive
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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