 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetgirl
Date: 2003-02-02 23:17
Hey everyone,
I've just recently discovered two cracks on the first piece of the body (right below the barrel). Both of them go through tone holes, so my options are either get a new clarinet or replace the body piece. What is the better option? Replacing the piece would be cheaper but would it affect how it plays? Also, is there anyone else who has gotten cracks on that piece of the body? Thanks so much!
PS~if I get a new horn, should I go for another E-11? My parents were looking at R-13's as well, despite the cost. Is there any comparable brand to Buffet that just as good or better? I'd really appreciate any input!!
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-02-02 23:28
Never had a clarinet crack on me, but if you're seriously looking at getting a new clarinet, here's my 2 cents:
Leblanc Concertos are really, really nice horns . . . Both my
teacher and one of my friends own one and have let me play on them before. If you're looking for a small bore horn, I would add that to your list of clarinets to try. Also, I haven't played one, but I've heard from my teacher and a few other clarinetists that the Selmer Signature is quite good as well, with astonishingly accurate intonation.
Try out several clarinets before you choose one, and don't just get a Buffet because it's a Buffet. If it's the best clarinet you've ever played, go for it, but make sure you give the other clarinets a fair chance as well! :-)
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Author: jenna
Date: 2003-02-03 00:01
My boyfriend bought a new E-11 over the summer and hasn't had any trouble yet. *knocks on wood*
He went through the whole breaking in process (only playing for short intervals and slowly increasing the time it is played) and is meticulous about swabbing and other aspects of care. He just plays it for his own pleasure indoors, but I have had it at different rehearsals while mine was away for varying length of time and never had a problem. We also travel with it between home and school regularly.
How long did you have yours before cracks surfaced? Perhaps your warranty is still good? I'm also kind of curious for my own reasons... I wonder if we'll have any problems in the future.
jenna
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-03 00:12
Meticulous maintenance and breaking-in are certainly prudent, but if a clarinet is going to crack there is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent it.
More bluntly, cracking is beyond our control. A percentage of all brands crack.
If you really like the characteristics of the particular clarinet you have chosen, fix it and move on...GBK
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Author: kes
Date: 2003-02-03 04:01
If your warrenty isn't expired yet, return it! That's really too bad though...my E-11 just had some problems with the pads. What's up with Buffet these days?
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Author: Wes
Date: 2003-02-03 04:54
The crack can be repaired by pinning, gluing, or banding(less used today). It is a good idea to consult an expert repairman on this. Good luck!
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Author: Bob
Date: 2003-02-03 12:02
You didn't say if you had the horn since it was new. If "yes" then maybe you should wonder if you broke it in correctly. If you didn't break it in correctly get a plastic horn until you learn how.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-02-03 15:40
Bob wrote:
>
> You didn't say if you had the horn since it was new. If
> "yes" then maybe you should wonder if you broke it in
> correctly.
That's a losing proposition - there are myriad ways I've heard to "break in" a horn. Do you have the "miracle way" guaranteed to work?
> If you didn't break it in correctly get a plastic
> horn until you learn how.
I think that's even more "bs".
Follow the directions from the manufacturer, or from your teacher, or from here. Treat it reasonably. Maybe the horn will crack, maybe it won't, but don't start down that long, twisty path of "what if I would have ...".
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Author: clarinetgirl
Date: 2003-02-04 01:01
About the care of my clarinet. I did my absolute best to care for my instrument. I did everything that I knew of- I only played it for 30 minutes a day for the 1st month, I religiously swab, and to top it off, my clarinet is my life. I would never even think of delibratly hurting it!!
The cracks are not repairable; they cannot be pinned. (atleast that's what my teacher and a few others thought, but I am going to a shop to get a second opinion and look at new and used instruments)
As for the warrenty, that ran out a few monthes before I found the cracks. Go figure. And Buffet and the place where it was purchased from both can't or won't do anything about it.
Thank you all so much for the kind advice. I do believe I might consider a different brand clarinet if I do replace the entire thing.
Thanks again and happy clarineting!!
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-02-04 12:37
This is the most common area of a clarinet to split, and where most pinning is done. The cracks CAN be pinned. And a new alternative, is to 'turn' a groove around the body and fill it, embedding carbon fibre strands.
The pinning is to stabilize the crack from opening and closing. Then the crack can be effectively filled, usually these days with grenadilla dust and black superglue, making the repair almost or totally invisible.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2003-02-04 23:13
Mark wrote
>I think that's even more "bs".
It's your bb, but I think that was a rather crude rejoinder unless "bs" means "bob sez"
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