The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-09-03 14:01
OK -- I've done my due diligence, read a couple of threads in the archives, and looked at the sponsors list, without getting an answer to my question, which is:
to whom should I send a non-functional but apparently sound Bundy eefer to be put right?
I have the opportunity to use it in the community band, if I can get it working.
Thanks,
Susan
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Author: glin
Date: 2004-09-03 14:23
Have you consulted with some of the Sponsors or regular techncian posters and asked the question directly to them? It is hard for me to imagine that they couldn't help you out if you made direct contact with them. Your best bet is a woodwind tech that knows about Eb instruments. To toss out a couple of names: try David Spiegelthal, John Butler, and Steve Fowler.
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Author: William
Date: 2004-09-03 14:28
Not knowing where you are from, I can only suggest you find an established music store that sells and repairs new used instruments, and take it in for a "playing condition" only tune-up. If it is, as you say, "non-functional but apparently sound" (a borderline oxymoron), then it probably does not need a complete overhaul that the repair department may try to suggest. Complete overhauls can be pricey (often over $130), but a playing condition only tune-up may only cost $50 or so. Probably just needs a couple of pads and some minor key adjustment.
Selmer Bundy Ebs are relatively good instruments for the money and are practically indestructable once put in good playing condition. I often jokingly suggest that, because of the durability, they could double as emergency tent stakes, but they really are serious musical instruments and your's should serve you well in your community band.
BTW, congradulations for continuing your musical experiance as an adult by joining a community band. Far too many school musicians fail to contimue enriching their lives via the performing arts after graduation and just, for whatever reason, stop playing as adults. And many were excellant first chair award winning high school--even college--musicians. But, good for you and good luck with your little effer. Have fun--that's where it is at!!!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-03 14:43
Sussan - I recently bought a Bundy Eb [at a low price !], played it a bit, found one bad pad, replaced it, plays very well, quite well in tune, but havent checked with our piccolo players yet !! Off hand, I'd suggect contacting/sending it to John Butler, Sugerland, TX or Dave S, Virginia who should have proper size pads as well as the capability for checking tuning of some notes. I've had fine relations with both, there are many qualified repairers available, ask questions ! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-09-03 19:41
<<Your best bet is a woodwind tech that knows about Eb instruments. >>
Well, yeah. That was the point of my question. I have the highest respect for the people with technical talent whose contributions I read on this board daily, and I would *love* to have any number of them work on my instruments.
But what I'm asking is, are there any of these wonderful folks who have a particular knack for/interest in eefers, and wouldn't mind working on a Bundy? (Although I do see that the Bundy Eb has a good reputation with folks on this board -- yay!)
I don't really know what's wrong with the instrument, that it won't play. The pads look pretty good. The barrel has a crack (the barrel is wood, so probably not original), but it is not "through", and I doubt if that would be the cause of non-playability. Probably a leak somewhere.
So, I will contact some of the folks you all have suggested. Thanks!
Susan
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Author: William
Date: 2004-09-03 21:06
With all due respect for the wonderful repair and restoration folks that are regulars on this BB, I really do not think that you need to send it off to the Brannens (as an example) to have it put in optimum playing condition. Any qualified music store repairperson should be able to work on your Bundy Resonite and make it play. I doubt that the Brannens would work on it anyhow, as it is not a "top drawer" professional instrument. It is just a student grade Eb clarinet, that--by the way--has a good reputation for decent performance "for the money". And one that can be "fixed" by any generic repairperson "out there". Good luck!!
I would recommend repacing the cracked wooden barrel with a Bundy Eb barrel.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-09-03 21:21
Hi, Susan:
You asked if there are repairers around who 'wouldn't mind working on Bundys'. I don't know where you live but in my neighborhood Bundys, as you've already observed, have a very good reputation with technicians in general. Most of the ones I've serviced, except for the occassional, inevitable stubborn hinge screw, have been very co-operative and there's nothing really daunting about servicing eefers. I would advise you, as I would anyone else, that your best recourse is to work with a (good) woodwind tech in your area. If you're too distant from that possibility the techs already mentioned are reputed to do excellent work.
- rn b -
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