Klarinet Archive - Posting 000248.txt from 2004/06

From: Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Repair or buy new?
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 22:57:38 -0400


>--- 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.

Steven,

Clarinet 937xx was made in 1967 and 1037xx was made in 1968. You would be
much wiser to have both rebuilt as long as the bodies are not a mess. My
suggestion to you would be to send them off to Morrie Backun and ask him to
assess their worth.

I attended a lecture with Russell Harlow and he spoke on the value of
Buffet clarinets made during the 60's . It was his opinion that those
clarinets made during that time are the best Buffet has ever made.

It is far cheaper to have them rebuilt than to buy new ones. There is no
break-in period, it will cost far less than buying new and if you liked
them at one time, they can be returned to their former state with a little
love and care. I have two myself that I will be having rebuilt
shortly. If I had know these facts before buying my Patricolas, I probably
would have just had the Buffets rebuilt and then bought a new C
clarinet. The new clarinets are nice, but I have done a lot of things to
them to improve their response. I love the way they play, but I could have
had the same thing with the reconditioned Buffets. The important thing is
to let someone who specializes in this type of repair do the work.

Go to www.backunmusical.com and get Morrie's phone number. Talk to him
first before you do anything. A phone call is a small investment to make
and you won't be sorry. The let us know what Morrie's advice was and what
you decide to do. Best wishes.

Nancy

Nancy Buckman
Principal Clarinet / Orchestra AACC
eefer@-----.net

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