Klarinet Archive - Posting 000130.txt from 2003/08

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Big hands
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2003 09:00:49 -0400

At 10:58 PM 8/6/2003 -0700, Avi Rostov wrote:

> > Keys can be bent somewhat to accommodate such situations. It is probably
> > advisable to have a technician help with the process (besides, that way,
>if
> > something breaks, he will have to fix it!).
>
>Certainly, you jest! True, when a tech straightens a key, it is less likely
>to break. Skill and tools do create an advantage. Should a key break
>during a repair, the tech will fix it if possible and charge accordingly.
>S/he is not responsible for the poor condition of the instrument. I phone
>customers when I find myself in such a situation, explain the problem and
>ask their permission to continue.

Yes, skill and tools do create an advantage. And a bit of silver solder
does wonders when skill and tools fail. I'm quite sure OUR shop would fix
such boo-boos without charge. Besides, we are talking about VERY small
movements. I do my own bending, and have only ONCE had a key break (on my
Noblet bass clarinet -- and they have notoriously brittle keys, as I found
out later). Now if a key is bent way out of position by customer
negligence/accident and it breaks while being restored to the proper
position, that would of course be charged for. I am just talking about
tiny tweaks to customize an instrument to the individual player. It is
amazing how much difference even 1/10 of a millimeter can make sometimes.

Bill Hausmann

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

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