 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-07-28 13:31
Hi,
I just finished a Buffet LP clarinet from 1912. This one does not have the donut key but does have the wrap-around register key. It plays in tune with a 68mm barrel, so I bought one with a Moenig taper. I just can't get over the sweet sound of this clarinet. It really gives the vintage R13 a run for it's money.
My daughter who will be a freshman in high school next year uses a Buffet C12 as her main horn and the vintage R13 for auditions and concerts. I suggested she use the "LP" for her main horn and we sell the C12 but, she loves the C12 and refuses to part with it. The problem is that I believe the LP sounds soooooooo much better. I really need someone elses point of view here. I value all your opinions.
Best Regards
Mark
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Author: graham
Date: 2003-07-28 14:37
If she loves the C12, save the LP for later; she will appreciate it better then. She may also have to endure social stigma sporting her ancient "wrap around key" clarinet. No purpose served in that.
I have a c. 1920 cocus wood single joint LP semi full Boehm B flat stamped Hawkes & Son, but which, when I showed it to one experienced pro in London, he thought had been made by Buffet (Hawkes didn't make their own). This is significantly warmer sounding than my Martels and probably more than most modern instruments. About 15 mm bore. Anyhow, if it is like the one that you have, I think there is a good deal of magic in it, so I advise you keep it in reserve.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-07-28 14:37
Mark -
I have a Bb/A Buffet set from 1908, with wraparound register keys. Most instruments from this period have a lot of wear, but mine, and apparently yours, sat in an attic for 90 years. I agree that the sound is beautiful -- very sweet and smooth. It's a trade-off between this and the power of my R-13s. They're perfect for chamber music.
Kalmen Opperman told me the instruments from this period all play that way. He also said they need a slightly longer barrel than today's instruments -- 68 mm. for the Bb and 69 mm. for the A.
Congratulations on finding a good one.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-07-28 17:19
Ken,
I think that part of the reason they play so well is that the wood they used then is denser than what they use today.
It seems that some on this board feel that today's instruments are lighter than the older one's.
I believe they are correct for the following reason. Now that grenadilla is grown commercially, everything is done to make the trees grow as fast as possible. Faster growth means more profit.
If you saw a cross section of a log, you couldn't help but notice the growth rings. In times of drought the tree grows slow and the rings are close together, and when rain is plentiful the tree grows fast and the rings are further apart. The wood is harder and denser where the rings are closer together. (Anyone who hit a knot while cutting wood knows this.)
One experiment I would like to do is under a microscope measure the distance between the growth rings on some old and new wood, and test my theory.
Best Regards
Mark
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-07-28 17:52
TKS, Mark, you made me think of "dendro-chronology" !! For a number of years we lived only a few miles from Mesa Verde Natl. Park, SW Colorado, to which we toured many visitors. The rangers lecture about and show tree-ring-dating exhibits. It is a fine "tool" for investigating the Anasazi early AD's-peoples life styles. I believe they have several publications as well, and prob. a web site for ordering!! You might need old wood junkers to cut up for sufficient wall thickness for investigation. I'll bet the French cl-wood suppliers have been curious, as you are [and now that I am!!]. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-07-29 14:07
To follow up , Mark P J, on wood-ring investigation of ?wood density? et al, I asked the Mesa Verde Bookstore person about "dendro chronology" books, reply was "none" that they had. Since it is a well-known technique, I looked at Amazon and B&N, they each have several publications, but you will need to search under "tree-ring-dating" to view them. There is a paperback for about $15 which I plan to order [I have a grand-daughter] who works for B&N, sooo]. Will check our local library's good reference room technical ency's., and report significant findings. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-07-29 14:31
One thing to keep in mind with vintage clarinets is that quite a few of those marked "LP" (low pitch) are pitched closer to A-442 than to A-440, so although they generally work fine with A-440 orchestras you may have to pull out not just the barrel, but also a bit at the bell and even between the body joints to play comfortably at A-440.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2003-07-29 17:22
The 1912 Buffet full Boehm that I have is actually lighter in weight than my R13. It seems to have a slightly thinner body and the keys may be a little slimmer. While it has a great sound, I prefer the R13 sound.
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