Klarinet Archive - Posting 001245.txt from 2003/03

From: Dave Gilbert <dgilbert@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: [k]flat R-13
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 21:23:37 -0500

Regarding my posting inquiring about the flat R-13;

I have received so many suggestions and advise, both within the group and in
private email responses that I would like to respond to all by posting here:

First I am grateful for all your suggestions, both those offered in genuine help
and even those offered as a lecture to me about playing in tune.

To those who suggested I may be new to playing or recently leaving a sharp student
horn..this is not the case. I have played clarinet off and on for nearly 40+
years--my current horn is a pre-R13 Buffet which plays nicely centered in the
tuning meter, ...which is not incorrectly calibrated. I require only a slight
pull out to adjust ( about 1 mm).

On the flat R-13:
The tone holes are not filled with gunk...the octave tube is also not partially
plugged ( this would only effect notes on which the tube were open). There is no
gap between the barrel and the MPC or top joint.

I have tried this horn with Clark Fobes MPC , Vandoren MPC non "13" series, Clark
Fobes Barrel, other Buffet Barrels, Selmer HS MPC with stiff reeds, etc. Another
clarinet player, one of my students and a good enough player to travel to Europe
with Blue Lake Orchestra also comes out 10 cents flat on this horn....same as I.

I have a standing agreement with a store in my area to call when they get in an
R-13 to resell.. I have these fixed as needed and offer to students who are
looking for an upgrade.
I play and teach on all saxes sop to bari, clarinet and a bit of flute. I do not
play flat on other horns, only on this particular clarinet. I have "fixed and
resold" a few R-13s w/out any such previous problems. When I tested this horn and
it blew" flat" I assumed a shortening of the barrel 2mm would correct the
problem...it only reduced the error to 10 cents flat.

One person HAS related to me a similar problem with a Buffet clarinet...one of a
pair which just played flat. That individual ended up selling the horn. maybe
that's the one I got??? ...;-)

Perhaps the bore is off --too narrow--I have no gauges to determine this. But the
horn has the resistance and tightly centered tone I associate with a narrower
bore.

At any rate I will contact the tech, a highly respected woodwind specialist, and
obtain his opinion. If any real answers or solutions arise I will post these.

Thanks again for all your responses.

Dave G
Ann Arbor, MI

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