The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: TAS
Date: 2013-11-14 15:26
A while back on this board I posted an inquiry seeking comments on the best clarinet technician. It received many responses. There are some good repair shops out there.
I recently received my Buffet circa 1963 and 1970 Bb/A clarinets back from William Brannen Woodwinds in Evanston, Illinois. I believe he limits his practice to Buffet clarinets.
Bill has been a highly respected clarinet technician since the late 1960's. He receives clarinets from symphony musicians world wide to overhaul and "tweek". For seasoned clarinetists with a sense of history, Mr. Brannen was a technician in the mouthpiece and clarinet repair shop of the legendary Frank Kasper of Cicero, Illinois. He is a master craftsman by any definition.
I don't know how he does it, but my clarinets are now lightning quick with extraordinary response and beautiful key strength and resilience. Wow. My fifty year old Buffet's respond as close to a finely adjusted new instrument as one could possibly hope for.Waiting about two months for a personal appointment was well worth my patience. He kept the clarinets for about two weeks.
He does no advertising, the shop decor is minimalist except for some pictures of symphony clarinetists who have signed their portraits with gratitude, the website is circa early 1990's. He does not need bells and whistles to promote his work, it is all word of mouth.
If you are looking for an overhaul of your Buffet, he's the man.
TAS
Post Edited (2013-11-14 22:32)
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