 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Sheila-music_lover
Date: 2005-03-07 04:10
Hey! I haven't been on for a while, but I have a dilemma regarding my clarinet and thought that some of you might be able to help!
As some of you might remember, in August, I bought myself a used Buffet
B-12 in good condition. Now, however, I found out from my new clarinet teacher, who happens to be a world class musician (decades of proffessional musicianship; aren't I lucky?) that I need to get one or two pads replaced, and a screw in the lower section (I'm not sure what you call the section, its the part where there are four keys really close, no holes, etc.) Its the little bar that attaches them to the keys that make them make notes. Anyway, the little screw inside there needs replacing too, so we're looking at around at least a couple hundred dollars. I could get a 'new' used instrument, like an E-11, or something, that has been 'redone', which would cost me quite a bit more, but would be worth it. BUT...it still costs more. What do you suggest I do? I've only been playing the clarinet since august, so I'm not sure...? I would appreciate some input! Thanks so much,
Sheila
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2005-03-07 04:16
If you need a couple of pads and a screw you probably are looking at 50-75 dollars not 200. Get some estimates from different repair places.
Freelance woodwind performer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2005-03-07 04:52
Just to reinforce what Arnold said, Shiela -- if you're looking at even fifty dollars, that's way out of line for two pads and a screw. Shop around for an honest repair technician; they do exist. If your world class musician/teacher suggested that price look around for a new one of those too 
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: susieray
Date: 2005-03-07 05:17
My tech would probably charge me $20 or less for two pads and a screw,
I can't imagine anyone asking $200 for that.
Sue
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2005-03-07 05:34
sue's right on the mark, $20.
locally, depending on the shop, pads run $7-9 each , screws free to $5, depending on type of screw.
i replace them free for my students.
where did you get the 'couple hundred' dollars quote from?
- paul
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-03-07 10:47
Unless it is missing, why should it need replacing?
I agree with the much lower prices suggested. However there could be more work needed that is not immediately apparent. A good technician will typically notice a lot more than most players.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-03-07 13:01
I agree with Gorden's comments, there are often other thingss needing attention that our "non-repairer" players dont see. Sue's "guess" of $20 is good, for what is evident so far, I'd possibly charge about 10-15, BUT, be sure to ask for a "playing condition" repair, NOT an overhaul, even tho that might not be a bad idea if it has had no attention for a very long time. Be sure you have key post/pivot oiling/lube done, so you dont have rusted-in screws ! A mp cleaning, inspection/ lay "polishing" might also be added to a bore cleaning / "brushing?" Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sheila-music_lover
Date: 2005-03-07 16:39
no, its not a normal screw! lol. its a LONG spring/screw thingy. I'm not sure how to describe it. All I know is that in runs deep inside of a rod on the Clarinet. Anyway, its alot more important than a normal screw. I know that can be fixed cheap. This is a big job. And it needs to be replaced because it is worn out...from moving the keys. Let me remind you...its not a normal screw, and also, its not just one pad I found out, looks like they all need replacing. thanks guys! I appreciate it!
Sheila
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-03-07 16:51
It sure sounds like you need skilled help. Your meager [sp?] description makes me think of the "pinned tube-in-tube" keying that was used more on oboes than cls, so you may need a "super-skilled" tech's attention. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sheila-music_lover
Date: 2005-03-07 17:01
THANKYOU! I appreciate you understanding me! What do you suggest I do? would it be better to get a new instrument, or get the one I have now fixed? I have a B-12, like I said, and I could get an R-13 for $1500, but thats a bit expesive right now, even tho its a good price. I could also get an E-11 for maybe $400ish.
Sheila
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-03-07 17:22
S m l, [but not Strasser, Marigaux, Lemarie {sp s?}, sounds like you need a knowledgable tech's estimate of overhaul cost before plunging in. Look on EBAY [but watch out, readcarefully and get tech help before bidding] for Selmer, Leblanc, Yamaha used cls in good condition, you may find some goodies in the $400 range, Buffs are likely much higher !. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sheila-music_lover
Date: 2005-03-07 17:36
what does sml mean??? anyway, My teacher told me he knows of some good buffet instruments for not a bad price. So you're suggesting maybe going with a new instrument?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2005-03-07 21:23
"...he knows of some good buffet instruments for not a bad price."
I don't often repeat myself, Sheila, but this situation seems "odd" to me -- Like someone's being taken for a ride.
ALL clarinet screws are "normal".
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-03-07 23:24
I agree with Ron. Something really smells here!
There are pivot screws and pivot rods. Pivot rods run inside pivot 'tubes'. They are all 'normal'. Even after decades of daily use, the actual wear on them is negligible. Normally the only reason to replace a rod would be if it is severely rusted. Even badly bent rods can be easily straightened. If this particular rod were rusted on a clarinet, then there would almost certainly be rust far worse in other places. If a rod needs replacement after 12 months I gues it would be about thte first one in the history of clarinet servicing!
Pivot rods are not springs. A spring would take under 10 minutes to replace; possibly under 5. No spring would need replacing after 12 months. It would take me less than 20 minutes to MAKE a new rod. Probably quicker than the time spent trying to get a replacement, but I stress, a rod should not need replacing.
Somebody mentioned a pinned rod. To my knowledge no such thing exists on a soprano clarinet, and certainly not on a standard brand such as Buffet. Yes, they are common on flutes and oboes.
$200 is sounding reasonable IF all pads need replacing.
But that definitely should not be the case after only a year. If they all need replacing I would expect the work done under guarantee.
This is a case for getting some honest appraisal, and honest work as required. Not a case for replacing the instrument. Most new instruments need work done on them to play well and reliably.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sheila-music_lover
Date: 2005-03-08 02:12
not only a year, its a used clarinet. anyway, noone is being taken for a ride. let me tell you that, and keep that straight please. plus, we have checked with more than one 'fix-it' clarinet guy, and the little thing that I'm talking about is of great importance. anyway, I don't seem to be able to get my statement clearly accross to anyone, so I made a pic. Here it is, and the red arrow points to the rod where the thing inside needs replacing.
Hope that works,
Sheila
Post Edited (2005-03-08 02:41)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kal
Date: 2005-03-08 06:54
Attachment: lower joint.jpg (21k)
Sheila, is this the part you're talking about?
(Sorry; didn't realise a post was made every time I hit my browser's back button)
Post Edited (2005-03-08 06:57)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-03-08 06:57
Keep in mind that even if you get an E11, what's to say that THAT won't have a messed up screw and/or pads? Then you'd be in the same spot. I say fix what you have, and continue learning and then save up for a pro instrument in the future.
Also, FYI, the part with all the pinky keys would be a "cluster". So a key "cluster".
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-03-08 07:15
Sheila, that is exactly the rod I assumed you were talking about.
Replacement (with a made up one of larger diameter) is one option to deal with pivot TUBES (around the rod) which have been made a sloppy fit by the manufacturer (not so likely in this case) , or worn to a sloppy fit.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sheila-music_lover
Date: 2005-03-08 17:21
well, if i got a used E-11, it would have just been totally 'redone'. No flaws. All the things that could be messed would be fixed already. Oh, and what do you think of the Selmer C211? (I think thats the name of the Selmer E-11 equivalent!)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-03-08 17:37
If it were me, and it has been many, many times, I'd repair the Buffet for $200 before even considering buying another intermediate and maybe used clarinet for $400. You don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish. Just get it fixed by a fair and competent tech. If you think it is too expensive consider what a new Buffet would cost and you'll probably feel much better.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sheila-music_lover
Date: 2005-03-08 18:42
but the clarinet would be totally fixed when I got it, the used ones. You don't think I should get a used but totally overhauled clarinet? I should just stick with my plastic one for now? ok, I'll think about it some more, and I really appreciate all of your imput!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-03-08 18:57
"totally fixed" can mean anything from an excellent restoration job, to now NEEDING an excellent restoration job. So if you take this option, do so with great caution!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BassClarinetGirl
Date: 2005-03-08 21:58
What Gordon is trying to say is while someone may say that they have given the clarinet a "total resotration job" it might not be so. "Overhaul" means different things to different techs- to some it may simply be replacing the pads, to others it might be a set of pads and a complete up, so that the clarinet is in perfect playing condition. It also depends on who gives the clarinet this overhaul- if its a bad job, you will be back in the same place you are right now. Which is why fixing your instrument for $200 would probably be a better option for you. In any case, it would be wise before you buy the $400 instrument to play test it and have
it checked over by your teacher.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
