Klarinet Archive - Posting 000239.txt from 2004/06

From: "Kevin Fay" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Repair or buy new?
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 18:21:23 -0400


Steven Haaser posted:
>
> 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?

According to Lar's list at http://www.musictrader.com/buffet.html, your
Buffets were made between 1967 and 1969. Some folks think of this as the
"golden age" (or a bit later). If your instruments aren't cracked, there's
no reason why a full-boat overhaul wouldn't make them as good as new. Some
would argue better.

Morrie Bakun does really nice full-boat overhauls; see
www.backunmusical.com. (Other folks do as well, of course, but he did my
R-13 111XXX about a year ago and I'm *way* happy with it.) Even with
silver-plating the keys, Valentino pads top to bottom and a spiffy cocobolo
bell, the cost was much less than that of a new horn.

If you still want a new one because of the cachet, go ahead - new horns are
fun. Again, unless the wood's been cracked you shouldn't have any
difficulty finding a buyer for the old ones.

If they're "blown out" they'll be worth less, of course. In that event you
should drop the price and sell them to me. ;-)

kjf

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