 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-08-05 20:53
OK, I probably had this coming to me, but it still sucks.
I sent one of my instruments out for some work to get it tuned up in time for a concert I have this weekend. I got an email last week, saying I would have the instrument back at my home by this past Tuesday (Aug. 3). It still didn't get here today, so I called to see what the progress was.
Turns out it got shipped YESTERDAY, and UPS says I should have it by Monday. I wanted it back for an outdoor concert on this Saturday, and I am leaving for the concert venue tomorrow afternoon, so I will now be using my indoor, wooden concert horn in a situation I would prefer not to.
This would not have been such a big deal, except that I made my need for timely delivery abundantly clear, and was told it would not be a problem. This is a vendor I have never had an issue with before. In fact, I have recommended the company to any number of my fellow clarinetists.
Some months go netter than others, I guess.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: clarinete09
Date: 2010-08-05 22:02
I am really sorry Jef, why dont borrow one plastic or rubber clarinet for saturday instead use your wooden horn? Its summer the wood can suffer..
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2010-08-05 23:06
If that shop has always treated you well, it may have been a one-time slipup. If not, don't frequent or recommend that shop for timeliness. I hope the quality of the work turns out to be ok.
Best thing about capitalism and a free-market is that if you're not satisfied with one person's work, simply turn to the next. You're not limited.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-08-06 00:18
Alexi, I agree. It's just an annoyance. This is a person you and I have both dealt with on numerous occasions. I won't mention names here, but the person is usually quite good about keeping promises, and producing quality work. I'll just take the Backun with me, instead, and hope for the best. Northern Michigan isn't TOO cold this time of year. Next month is another story! 
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2010-08-06 02:04
When I was in the Air Force band in Washington we played a lot of outdoor concerts in the summer months, not just in Washington DC, but all over the place. I never had a horn crack, nor did any of the members of the band. I would think that if you've been playing the wood clarinet pretty much everyday I don't think you will have any issues. If you only play the wood horn once a month or something try renting something. With everyday use your horns should be well seasoned for summer events.
Winter times are a totally different situation. I'd use a plastic horn. We played outdoor ceremonies is very cold weather, somehow all of the horns survived, but I'd prefer a plastic instrument for this type of playing. By the way the horns were all Buffet's if that makes a difference to anyone. The Air Force supplied the horns, I didn't use my own in the cold weather.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: William
Date: 2010-08-06 15:23
I have been playing my Buffet R13 Bb for outdoors concerts--spring, summer & fall--here in Wisconsin since 1964 and it has never cracked. Additionally, it has been carried from home to concert/rehearsal locations and back again in the most severe winter weather without incident. In recent years, since I purchased a Buffet Prestige low C bass, it too has survived out-door temperate concerts and winter transports without cracking. I also own other Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc and Buffet wood clarinets that have been frequently used for outdoor events without any problem--other than reeds drying out. It is my belief that clarinets are a lot more durable than most players think and if a clarinet is destined to crack--usually due to a flaw in its wood grain--it will do so regardless of how well it is taken care of. I do not believe that temperature changes or other adverse weather conditions--humidity, dryness, etc--will cause the wood of a clarinet to crack, unless a flaw is already present. I will not play in rain, sleet, snow or other undesirable weather conditions more out of a concern for my own personal comfort than for the safety of my instruments. But the weather forecast looks good for this weekend, here in Madison of the Badger state--you should be equally safe to play your concert clarinet in Michigan. Nevertheless, sorry about your experiance with UPS.
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Author: jasperbay
Date: 2010-08-06 15:54
I agree completely with Williams comments. The belief by many 'experts' that a grenadilla-wood clarinet should not be taken out of its case unless its in a temperature and humidity controlled environment is a major reason I've been able to pick up so many great old instruments on "the auction site".
Clark G. Sherwood
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Author: Loliver
Date: 2010-08-06 18:55
I feel that Williams has hit the real issue on the head, that some people are so paranoid about their clarinet breaking due to unfavourable conditions. With my E13, I was so careful with it, and then within one year...it cracked. Another year...another crack....and so on. Four years later, and every other clarinetist at my Orchestra has the same model, and their's are all impeccable, and mine has just cracked, mainly due to the wood itself, not due to the conditions.
I mean, one alternative to a plastic clarinet outside is to use a Boosey & Hawkes lower level wooden clarinet, which is like blowing into a tree!
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Author: jasperbay
Date: 2010-08-07 15:02
Loliver: NO FAIR, Boosey & Hawkes Edgware's sound great in the out-of-doors! Not likely you'll find one with a crack either. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
Now if you'd said "like blowing into a hollow tree", that I could understand, as the larger bore clarinets are pretty free-blowing and mellow.
Clark G. Sherwood
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2010-08-08 17:08
LoLiver, I play a B & H Emperor in any conditions. It sounds great, and with the right mouthpiece it's as free-blowing as my Selmer or Buffet horns.
Tony F.
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