 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: johnpdiddyo
Date: 2024-06-14 01:12
so I've had my r13 since 2003 and I got it adjusted by pros 2 times now over its lifetime so far. I thought I came across something that said after 10 to 15 years you should replace it/buy another. Is there truth to that?
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2024-06-14 01:33
I think it depends a lot on how much you use it. My first two R13s lasted 10 and 20 years. My recent one is 25 years old, but I practice daily on my student Selmer and only once monthly on the Buffet. And only play 14 times in concerts each year. Not must mileage on it-- like a car that will last a long time.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-06-14 03:05
There's NO truth in when you HAVE to replace ANY clarinet. As long as you have it regularly serviced by a reputable repairer who addresses every problem, then there's absolutely no need to replace it if it's still playing well decade after decade.
When it comes to having it fully overhauled (completely stripped down and rebuilt from the ground up), then don't skimp on the cost of having that done which can be anything from five to ten yearly intervals depending on how well the pads are holding up.
Pads, tenon corks and key corks and felts are consumables and they're the parts that will need replacing, sometimes springs and screws will need replacing too, but the main parts of it are there for life. Even if it does crack, have that repaired instead of having the entire joint replaced.
Just because some pro players get new clarinets every other year, that's not to say you have to. A clarinet will last you many decades so long as you do the right thing by it. Even mistreated or abandoned clarinets can be brought back to life and also last for many decades of full time playing.
Regular servicing and periodic overhauling is all part of clarinet playing and you should always plan for that and not skimp on it.
You need to have it serviced between every 12 to 24 monthly intervals instead of leaving things to deteriorate and only have it 'adjusted' twice in just over the twenty years you've had it for. If you see the state the top joint toneholes get into, then you'll soon see why regular servicing is best instead of leaving things to get to a state where you're strugging with how stuffy and resistant it has become, even though you've got accustomed to the gradual decline.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-06-14 04:46
I asked a renowned clarinetist how much he practiced when he was a student.
His reply was, "Eight hours a day". I would not be surprised if he needed to replace his instrument after 5-10 years .
I practice one hour (or less) a day. I do not think I will ever need to replace my clarinets because of wear.
Chris P. is absolutely right in his advice. Even a small leak will make the clarinet more resistant and difficult to play.
If you do not have finances to take the instrument to a tech every so often, then you might want to learn how to do basic repairs/adjustments by yourself.
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Author: johnpdiddyo
Date: 2024-06-14 06:48
Thanks for all the info. Super helpful. My clarinet has really seen some battles. If I go to the next clarinet fest in the states I might pick up something new and do just low miles on it. Looking to get the r13 an overhaul after concert season.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-06-14 20:43
The only time your clarinet will go bad is when a company with an agenda is wanting to sell you something you don't need.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2024-06-27 23:31
Nonsense. I used my Buffet Bb as a pro for 40 years, my Buffet A for 60, had some adjustments over the years, now barrel, new bell, new octave tube and it still played very well but the keys got so worn down. It still plays but I replaced it then. I'm a pro, never heard of practicing 8 hours a day. We have rehearsals 4-5 time a week, 3-4 concerts a week, chamber music and solo appearances, teaching. That pro that told you he practiced 8 hours a day had some set of chops and no job. :-) Take care of your instrument, it will last a long long time.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-06-27 23:52
I was looking for a clarinet and saw a used RC Prestige being sold by a well-known in Europe soloist (he studied at Juilliard).
The three-ring key was worn down by 50% (I mean rings thickness), all other touch pieces were worn through the plating as well.
It did not play well. That guy told me he practiced "at least four hours a day".
I envy people like you - no evil eye here
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Author: gwie
Date: 2024-06-28 21:57
Provided that the wood does not substantially change such that the tube becomes ovate, and the instrument is consistently maintained, only the barrel might need a change due to wear and tear.
Chris P is right on the money here. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes.
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