Klarinet Archive - Posting 000251.txt from 2004/06
From: "Film & Music Promotion Management" <FilmPromotion@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] re: Repair or buy new?
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 23:46:34 -0400
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To: klarinet@-----.org
From: Steven Haaser <steven.haaser@-----.edu>
Subject: Repair or buy new?
Message-Id: <6.1.1.1.2.20040616151814.02709150@-----.edu>
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.
Thanks,
Steve
Steven A. Haaser steven.haaser@-----.edu
The Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory
443.778.6597 (voice) 443.778.5597 (fax) Baltimore
240.228.6597 (voice) 240.228.5597 (fax) Washington DC
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Steven - depends on how well the Clarinet was cared for all of those
years. There is argument on if a Clarinet "blows out" on this group.
What a Clarinet DOES do over time are things like the key contact
points wear down (swedging helps to minimize that) from being played.
Also if the socket isn't dried out at the top joint of the Clarinet
after being played they get "wood rot" basically and absorb too much
moisture when being played. The various new models all are different
and the thing for you to do is to try them and determine if any of
them are what you are looking for. Don't resign yourself to only
trying Buffet as though it has been "the standard" of Clarinet
(flames appreciated ;), it isn't the only game in the industry and
there are others who are really good as well. You may end up liking
another brand and that's fine (you aren't trying to be an Orchestral
Clarinetist so get what best suits you and your playing - ignore brand
labeling).
David Blumberg
http://artists.primetones.com/blummy
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