 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: escher
Date: 2003-10-21 01:32
Hi all,
Well, after (another) long absence from the clarinet world I decided to jump in yet again. I was on the board about 2 years ago.
Regardless, I just wanted everyones input on my recent e-bay find. I picked up an Evette and Schaeffer Serial number K1334 for $63.00 on e-bay.
[ eBay links are not permitted - GBK ]
Other than the chip in the bell it looks to be in very good shape for its age.
What do the experts here think? Did I get a decent deal? I was considering having it fully overhauled if it is worth the money (about $180 for full cleaning/repadding/adjustment locally).
Thanks for the help!
- Chris
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-10-21 05:14
Mark,
I thought they were allowed if the transaction had already ended? I thought it was specifically blocked in order to block those people trying to get people too look at their auctions.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-10-21 06:13
sfalexi... Current eBay references all eventually become "dead links" in the archives of this board.
If someone wants to view the above mentioned clarinet, finding it on eBay at this point is very easy.
The deletion of the eBay link is not meant to discourage helpful information and advice on this clarinet.
The Evette Schaeffer K series clarinets have also been discussed numerous times, with much detailed information in the archives.
One thread to read:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=121411&t=121310 ...GBK
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-10-21 07:28
Ah . . . . I see. That's true there's a lot about E&S. And I guess anyone that would wanna find out and help could always look it up or email Chris. Allright. I was just confused.
alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: escher
Date: 2003-10-21 09:38
Hi again,
Sorry for the confusion. I actually e-mailed Mark after I read the rules page and he did say it was alright... However I do apologize for taking up the boards bandwidth with a previously discussed topic.
Won't happen again....
- Chris
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2003-10-21 11:40
hi, i didn't undersatnd why ebay links are not allowed? i'm not complaining i would just like to understand the reason behind this rule.
thank you.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-10-21 11:48
A high incidence of people putting "questions" about ongoing auctions up when the intent is to generate views. Also, the links will go deed in time, and the thread won't be useful.
I do allow picture links on occasion after the auction is over. escher asked me after the fact and I said "ok" this time, but GBK deleted the link back out.
escher could always upload the picture of his clarinet directly now.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-10-21 14:41
Hi Escher - Welcome back to the BB. While your purchase price is "a good buy" , it looks to me like you are facing considerable restoration cost to obtain a good-playing-appearing cl from an oldie, a badly-dried-out wood. From the pics, I'm sure my favorite Okla repairers, the McGuires in Tulsa, [Mark-GBK is this "plug" OK?] would insist on a Hot Oil Treatment [several weeks] in addition to complete overhaul [plus bell repair,replacement?] a likely total of $200-300+. So, it might be less costly to look for another cl in better initial shape. Other thots, please? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-10-21 14:58
All-purpose reply number one: Well, you sly fox, you sneaked away with a real bargain! Only 63 bux for this old master? What a deal!
Number two: No one with good sense would waste so much money on that old dog. Even the case handle is pure masking tape. Give me a break! Are you serious?
Now, that takes care of the extremes of opinion. For reality, try this: The handle can be replaced with a buckle-on piece from a luggage shop for about twelve bux. As for restoring the Clarinet, first get it in barely playable condition and listen to its voice. If it works well for you, go ahead and do it right.
For a temporary fix: if any pad is leaking beyond use, either plug the hole or put in some sort of pad for testing ("Fun Stik" or "Handi-Tak" will hold 'em in -- sticks well, but easily removable). If tenons leak, plumber's tape will help with sealing.
Not that it's a catastrophe anyway, but a decent tech could repair that bell with no great difficulty.
Good luck with your new Clarinet.
Regards,
John
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Author: CPW
Date: 2003-10-21 15:04
Some of the ebay sellers provide a lot of assistance and anticipate the questions necessary to make a good purchase.
Others are merely selling off estates and are clueless about instruments.
Look at the seller's profile by clicking on the number in parentheses next to their name, then see what they are featuring in purchases or sales.
If they mostly purchased brick-a brac and sold WWII airplane models, the chance of them knowing the intonation of the throat tones is minimal.
If they bought original copies of the Finzi bagatelles or a Leister cd, and sold a Moennig barrel with the mm length listed, the odds of them being able to supply needed info is better.
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Author: escher
Date: 2003-10-21 15:07
Thanks for the input!
Call me sick, but Being a mechanical engineer and having worked on clarinets a bit in the past, I was kindof looking at this as a bit of a restoration project like you mentioned. You mention a "hot-oil soak"... Does anyone have more detailed info on this?
I had alread assumed I would be removing all the keywork for polishing/repadding if necessary and then treating the wood with appropriate oil. My initial plan was to simply perform several applications of a good quality oil inside and out over several days and let it sit. Wiping it off beteween applications. I have also read elsewhere in here that people reccommed allowing the tenons to soak in oil.
I realize there is vast information on types of oils used elswhere in the forums so I won't belabor the point here. Suffice it so say that it doesn't scare me to spend several weeks/months getting it back in top form.
I'm really looking at this as a way to combine my love of music with my love of antiques by restoring an older clarinet.
- Chris
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-10-21 15:26
I figure any playing, overhauled wooden clarinet is worth $200 and you will spend about that on this instrument; not a bad bargain.
For pads, I recommend Votaw tool. Ask for Lloyd and he'll set you up with the necessary parts. Be advised that pads are NOT cheap, and price doesn't decrease with size.
The Doctor's products aside, you may get decent bore oiling with Almond oil and a dispensible pull swab.
A little on the swab, drawn through the bore, until the interior shines like a clean gun barrel should do.
The catch in all of this is proper adjustment of the pads to close securely.
The lowest two pads should be well clear of the instrument in their default open position.
*******
A couple of notes about condition.... your instrument appears to have been repaired above the logo with a 'pin' (twisted wire that acts like a screw) so be aware of slowly bringing the instrument to ambient humidity as you begin to play.
If it cracks again, time to go shopping for a replacement...
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-10-21 20:45
Nto to discourage, but if this is your first attempt at repairing then maybe you might want to let this one go to a pro. A lot of people above seem to think that that could be a great buy when properly restored. Maybe get yourself a 50 dollar junker (while the same price, something that if you happen to mess up while restoring won't be much of a loss) to practice on and develop your technique on. Personally, I'd be VERY hesitant to attempt an overhaul on something I truly plan on keeping around unless I've had plenty of practice before.
Just a thought.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: escher
Date: 2003-10-21 23:21
Alexi,
All I'm planning on doing myself is re-oiling and polishing. This I have done on 2 of my clarinets in the past (one of them a few times). Actually, I previously owned a Evette-Buffet Academy Model and dis/re-assembled it several times for polishing (I had that instrument for about 12 years).
I agree though for any more major work, I would not attempt anything above a simple pad reseating, and probably not even that. So your advice is well taken.
Believe me, I have learned from past experience that if I don't think I can handle it, I won't try. I've learned the hard way too many times on "simple" projects.
Thanks for the advice!
Just a side note - Is there anything I should look for in particular with this model? Specific trouble areas to check out that may require more serious repair?
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Author: Dawne
Date: 2003-10-24 10:52
Oh, just have fun, and send more pics when you're done....
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Author: hrm8879
Date: 2003-10-24 13:06
Escher:
I bid on that clarinet! I think Dawne gave VG advice. Just have a good time with it. Don Berger said "...a likely total of $200-300+..." would likely be needed to fix it up. What other condition of clarinet could you get for $360? I shudder to think...oh, and don't be afraid to follow advice given on this board. I think these guys are clarinet-crazy enough to know what they are talking about.
Hollie
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Author: escher
Date: 2003-10-24 21:59
Hollie et al.
I received it today!! I eagerly opened it up and gave it the once over. I'm no expert, but it appears to have undercut tone holes. All the keywork is in perfect shape. The A/G# keys share a post.
Anyways, the good stuff... I gently put it together (the mouthpiece that came with it is sad) and play it a bit. Much to my surprise, it plays wonderfully. The pads are actually in god shape and appear to be leather??
Over the weekend I will oil the wood and polish the keywork/lightly oil the mechanism.... I'm very excited!!
Thanks to everyone for the help... I'll post pics when I'm done.
-Chris
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-10-24 22:53
Escher,
For a mechanical engineer, this should be pretty easy. A clarinet is all about levers, fulcrums, rods, torque, pivots, seals, clearances, etc. Should be right up your alley.
HRL
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