Klarinet Archive - Posting 000236.txt from 2004/06

From: Virginia Hill <gigi1182@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Repair or buy new?
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 17:06:53 -0400

Buffet prices just jumped in price drastically. Last I checked the retail
value of a silver plated R-13, new, is $4860, selling in stores for as low
as $2399 (Sam Ash Music)

~Ginger

On 6/16/04 4:25 PM, "Andy Raibeck" <klari_1@-----.com> wrote:

> Steven,
>
> I have an R-13 (made in 1976). I recently tried a new R-13 that I took out on
> approval from Muncy Winds (at the University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium).
> I
> liked the keywork a lot better -- it felt "snappier", more responsive, but
> that
> might just be the newness of the instrument. Unfortunately the sound was just
> not quite what I wanted. First, there was the slightest "fuzziness" to almost
> every note. Perhaps that might be fixed with some adjustment. But second and
> more important, there was just a certain "dullness" or "hollowness" to the
> sound that I didn't like (Others have told me they like the sound, but it just
> didn't ring my bell). On the other hand, to my ears, my 1976 R-13 has a very
> sweet, full, clear sound.
>
> If you go the new clarinet route, I'd recommend that you make sure you go
> someplace where you can try a bunch of clarinets - like 30 or more. And also
> consider the higher-end models as well. For now I'm going to stick to my 1976
> R-13, but if I start looking again, I'm going to consider a "Vintage" model.
> The "Tosca" is very nice too, though I'm not sure it's worth the huge price
> difference... I'd have to take one home and play and listen *very* carefully
> before jumping into something like that! :-)
>
> With that said, I'd encourage you to not be so quick to go new. You mention
> that your instruments need "serious" work, but you didn't provide specifics.
> Have a good repair technician take a look at them and give you a repair
> estimate (maybe pick the one you like best and have that fixed). It may very
> well be that, once fixed up, your older models (I'm guessing mid-to-late
> sizties?) may very well be wonderful instruments. You're almost certainly
> looking at well over $2,000 for a new silver-plated R-13 (I belive that the
> Buffets just underwent a huge price jump).
>
> Your mileage, and that of other folks who respond to you, may vary.
>
> Best regards and best of luck,
>
> Andy
>
> --- Steven Haaser <steven.haaser@-----.edu> wrote:
>>
>> I have two older Buffet R13s (Bb) that I play regularly.
>> The older is a 937xx, and the newer is 1037xx, which
>> I prefer. I have no strong objections to either instrument,
>> but they need some serious work done on them after
>> many years.
>>
>> My question: given the age and design specs of these
>> instruments, in your opinion should I have one or the
>> other put in top shape, or consider buying a new Buffet
>> Bb?
>>
>> What improvements might I likely expect with a new R13?
>> Should/Must I consider the more expensive, newer models
>> in the Buffet line?
>>
>> If I buy an another Bb, I'll sell one of my current R13s.
>
>
>
>
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