Klarinet Archive - Posting 000559.txt from 2003/03

From: Peter Jaques <clarinet@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Modifying the intonation of a clarinet
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2003 01:35:08 -0500

On 13 Mar 03, 8:42PM, B. Rite wrote:
> ...before considering other options, has a competent technician checked
> the instrument yet? pad heights, gunk in holes, correct barrel length,
> etc? And have you tried a few different mouthpieces?
>
> Cheers,
> Bill

Hi Bill,

It was just overhauled by a good technician. It's very clean & the pads
were just replaced & adjusted.

I've tried two different barrels-- one 69mm & one adjustable from
59mm-65mm, with the tuner set as high as 449Hz. The longer barrel still
ran generally a bit sharp of 440Hz, unless I pull out about 1.5mm. I
haven't tried different mouthpieces though. That'll have to wait till next
week, since I'm moving right now.

I just checked & the serial number (only appears on the lower joint) is
516T, which looking at the Buffet serial number list on woodwind.org,
implies that it was actually made in 1904! While interesting from an
archaeological perspective, now I wonder how likely it is that this will
ever be reasonably playable.... Were Buffet clarinets of that vintage
generally tuned sharp?

thanks
peter

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