 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Steve T.
Date: 2000-01-23 20:19
I recently purchased a Buffet R-13 Festival Bb clarinet. Although it plays well and is very responsive, I noticed that there is a small gap at the bell joint and at both of the barrel joints. The gap at each point is only about 1/2mm, but this adds up to 1.5mm for the three joints affected. Since the tenons are capped with steel, I don't know if the joints are intentionally undercut to allow for wear of the wood after repeated contact with the steel-capped tenons. Before I discuss the matter with the dealer, I wanted some input from anyone with more experience in clarinet construction. Thank you.
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Author: Gary Van Cott
Date: 2000-01-24 14:50
I don't think this is normal. My Buffet alto clarinet has metal caps on the tenons and they are the correct length.
Also while a Festival may be a cousin of the R-13 it isn't one so the correct name would be simply "Buffet Festival."
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-01-24 15:25
Steve,
I, too, don't think it is "normal"; however, it would probably behhove you to write to Francois Kloc of Buffet at Felix1297@aol.com and ask his opinion. Francois is N.A. Marketing manager (and a top-notch technician!) for B & H woodwinds.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-01-24 15:36
In my experience, I have believed the entire bore should be as nearly smooth [no "steps"] as possible. Isnt this the reason for "tuning rings" and bore-diameter matching? It is hard for me to tell what difference these make, but I do feel more comfortable!! Don
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Author: paul
Date: 2000-01-26 16:48
My Festival didn't come that way, but it did have a problem with the lower joint to bell fit. A Buffet certified tech had to shave some of the wood off the outermost part of the lower joint to get the bell to fit properly - all the way up with no gap. This was done at no cost to me. I didn't have a chance to check the intonation of the horn before the work, but I have had the horn checked both on a meter and by a professional clarinetist after the work was done. All I can say is that the horn is pretty much right on the mark for intonation for all notes on a meter when I play it and the pro says it's just fine. Good enough for me.
Take Mark's advice and have Mr. Kloc take a look at your horn. If it's brand new, chances are very good that Buffet will fix it up for free. You may have to trade off the free work for a couple of weeks of down time, but based on my personal experience with a similar fit and finish problem on the very same horn, I believe you will be satisfied with the results.
If you can, see if Mr. Kloc or any other certified tech can help you get your horn regulated. This fine tuning adjustment takes a lot of patience and a superb ear, but the results can be quite impressive. See if they will offer this service along with the other work.
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