 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Karl Kolbeck
Date: 2005-03-07 16:59
I am going to be attending graduate school in the near future and am forced with a dilema-Should I buy a new clarinet or spend some major cash fixing up my old 49XXX Buffet? It has a good tone, but there is a lot of play in almost all of the keys, pads need to be replaced, and intonation is fair. I know that some people prefer the older buffets due to quality of the wood, so I am glad to hear any input. Thanks.
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Author: Dano
Date: 2005-03-07 17:25
I usually go for older clarinets like yours but tried a new Vintage Buffet and I was sold on a new clarinet. It is claimed to be "just like the good old Buffets of yesteryear" and while it is not just like the older Buffet clarinets like yours, it is one hell of an instrument on it's own. The intonation on this clarinet is right-on and keys were perfect after very minimal tweaking. I think it depends on how much money you are willing to spend. Getting your old Buffet completly redone will certainly cost less than a new clarinet of equal quality. The best of luck in graduate school!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-03-07 20:52
"...there is a lot of play in almost all of the keys, pads need to be replaced, and intonation is fair..."
You may have just answered your own question.
Keywork, pads, springs can usually be replaced/repaired to original condition, but intonation is an entirely different issue.
Although I am VERY partial to the older R13's (70xxx - 165xxx), excellent Buffets can certainly be found in all serial number ranges. I have often helped select new Buffets for my students and although there have been a number of "good ones" I have yet to find one I would have personally bought. But, as I previously wrote, a friend of mine, who I trust, reported that a recent batch of R13's received at a large New York dealer had a large number of exceptional ones, with many "keepers."
As we all know, older clarinets can often suffer from a bore which has substantially changed over time. A different barrel, reboring and/or undercutting can sometimes address these issues. Sometimes, not...
Only you can decide if the intonation is either manageable or a major problem ...GBK
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-03-07 21:17
If the horn you are going to use is going to be your "working horn" you'd probably be better off putting the money towards a newer one....or a new one. Keep the old one for a back-up.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-03-07 23:26
A decent overhaul will get it functioning as good as new, and reliably. Well worth doing.
Post Edited (2005-03-08 02:00)
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2005-03-08 08:30
Just a thought........
I have an older R-13 and love it. I did have to put some money into it after 20 years of it not being played to get it back up to top condition again but there was that ever present intonation problem I had in college that lingered. I don't know what your intonation issues are but I was really sharp. I studied the different barrels and found that my standard issue Buffet barrel was really pretty short so I invested in a 67mm Moennig Buffet barrel and now I'm right on with the tuner at A440 on every pitch but the throat tone A and Bb. Right hand down and I'm there. Beautiful Buffet sound.
Another perk to fixing up the Buffet you have is that if it's never been cracked it's probably not going to if treated properly. I'm a little nervous with a brand new instrument but only because of what I've read. I'm sure with proper care it would be fine. New instruments are bought every day. Stuff to consider though.
Luck to you,
Rebecca
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Author: Karl Kolbeck
Date: 2005-03-08 22:46
Thank you everyone for your input. I think I'll probably get the horn fixed up. My next question is for advice on where to send it.
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2005-03-09 05:15
I'm going to check out having mine done by Brannen Woodwinds. I know there are a lot of other places and I will check them out too but I've heard such wonderful comments and reviews about what the Brannens do to the instruments. I have an older ( but new to me) Buffet R13 A clarinet that needs some work. I want to interview several and choose the right place.
Any other input on this??
Rebecca
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-03-09 05:27
It has been said that the Brannens will not work on Buffets prior to about 1960 ...GBK
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2005-03-09 13:01
My Bb is a 1974 (146XXX) and my A is a 1976 (160XXX) so I'm probably okay. I don't think Karl's Buffet will fall into the time frame you are talking about though, GBK. I don't know off the top of my head the Buffet serial #'s back that far. There are a lot of really great techs out there, though, Karl. Interview them and find the one you trust with your instrument.
Best of luck to you with your instrument,
Rebecca
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