 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-12 09:21
I recently acquired, from a retired clarinetist/performer, a number of boxes of clarinet "cadavers" - upper and lower joints/bells/barrels of many different brands.
However, in one box was a complete Buffet R-13 (259xxx) with 3 severe cracks in the upper joint (totally unsalvageable). The lower joint/bell and barrel are fine.
As I can do a moderate amount of repair myself, I am considering purchasing a replacement R-13 upper joint and resurrecting the clarinet to playing condition.
I teach a few needy students, and a repaired R-13 would be infinitely better than some of the instruments they are now using.
1. How, or from who, do I order a replacement upper joint?
2. Does the replacement joint come with the posts and springs already in place?
3. Approximate cost of the upper joint?
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...GBK
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Author: Birch
Date: 2003-02-12 10:05
I looked at getting an upper joint from Buffet. I would have done it direct through the factory near Paris, and bought only a new piece of wood - they would transfer the old keys. I think the price was 700 and some odd Euros, though that might have been Canadian dollars, and it was 500 and some odd Euros. 570 Euros? Perhaps...
Hope that helps.
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Author: dennis
Date: 2003-02-12 13:02
GBK
If you haven't already considered/pursued it, you want want to try Klock himself or Tom Fritz of IMS clarinet repair (formerly of Buffet), WWBW, Woodwind.org repair sponsors, etc. These organizations/people do have 'bone yards'. And, if you share with them your intended purpose of assisting needy/underpriviledged children, perhaps something can be found.
I know sources do exist because quite sometime ago I found a source for odds and ends keys. (sorry, I'm getting too old to remember and didn't write it down)
Hopefully, a reply will be posted here that will end your search.
regards,
dennis
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Author: Peter Spriggs
Date: 2003-02-13 03:29
GBK
1) From any Buffet dealer
2) Yes, they come with posts & springs in place
3) Costly, as a Buffet dealer I wopuld have to check the current price to give an accurate quote.
My guess at this time is that I could sell you a new E11 for about the same price as an R13 upper joint and the work needed to transfer the keys.
Are you sure the cracked one can not be repaired. It is extremely rare that I come across one that I have to replace. Of course the repaired joint ends up with a lot of brass pins in it, but is considerably less expensive than replacing it!
Good luck whatever you choose to do!
Peter
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-02-13 05:20
I'm surprised at what you say, Birch....
2). As Peter writes, the body comes with posts. This is because posts are drilled (using special jigs) and tapped AFTER installation to ensure that alignment for the shafts through the posts is correct. Hence posts are not readily transferrable from one body to another. In doing this there would be a large opportunity for a technician to make large compromises, resulting in a rather shoddy instrument.
When keys are transferred to another body it is normal to have to make many adjustments, especially fitting the keys (by shortening or 'stretching' to fit precisely between their respective posts, adn making point screws so that there is neither play nor jamming. It can be a big job!
BTW, is this cracked clarinet really beyond being restores using caarbon fibre windings in grooves turned around the body. This is a modern, more versatile replacement for the crack repair process known as 'flush banding'.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-13 05:59
Gordon/Peter...Thanks so much for the information. Your combined wisdom and experience certainly gave me much to think about.
I had thought (mistakenly so) that simply replacing the upper joint was the easiest (and least expensive) way to solve the problem.
Apparently, I needed to ask the repair experts.
I will now look into having the cracks in the upper joint repaired, as there are now a few different methods other than just simple pinning.
I am always impressed by the vast knowledge of our repair "pros" - Thanks!! ...GBK
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