The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Early Buffets

Author: Tom A
Date: 2003-09-27 02:42

While browsing a certain internet auction site, I came across a couple of earlyish Buffets. Both have 2 metal rings on the upper joint, one at the top just below the tenon, the other just below the pad of the top side trill key. Was this a normal part of Buffet construction in the 1940s, or did they happen to crack in the same place, or be done by the same repairer?

Cheers.

Reply To Message

Re: Early Buffets

Author: john gibson
Date: 2003-09-27 03:08

Cracked William....

Reply To Message

Re: Early Buffets

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-09-29 14:03

REALLY bad crack -- too big to be pinned. These instruments can play well. (Ralph McLane's A clarinet cracked so often that Moennig put a ring on it.) Nevertheless, rings tend to compress the bore and prevent the wood from adjusting to changes in temperature and humidity. Large cracks also tend to leak, despite the ring.

I have a 1930s Buffet Bb with the same ring configuration, one just below the tenon and one on the lower half of the trademark. It plays OK, but the sound lacks resonance. I use it for practice.

Instruments this old also tend to be badly worn and go out of adjustment easily.

If you feel like taking a chance on one, you shouldn't pay more than, say, $300.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.