The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ron
Date: 2000-02-21 04:49
I just bought a buffet e-11 from an east coast mail order dealer last month and after a few weeks of playing the lower joint ring came loose and can be removed. Just how serious is this ? can I fix it myself or? and can I play without repairing it. I just started playing again after over 40 years of not playing any musical instrument.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-02-21 15:14
It sounds like the wood has shrunk a bit from moving to a drier climate. Take it to your local technician and see if he recommends tightening it or simply humidifying the case.
With the exception of the ring on the flared end of the bell (which is merely decorative), the rings provide support to the wood of the socket. Without this support, the sockets will be more subject to cracking or breaking during assembly and disassembly. You might get away with it but I wouldn't care to chance it myself.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-02-21 15:30
I agree with Dee. With a brand new horn having a "removable" bell ring, I'd return it and complain! Other than their replacement or "repair", you prob. need humidifying. I find, in dry [indoor] winter weather [even with higher outdoor RELATIVE humidity], I need a small sponge or paper towel, dampened, in my cl cases to keep all rings tight and pads seating well. There are several humidifiers in the parts catalogs available which look better! Luck, Don
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Author: George
Date: 2000-02-21 19:02
Dee is right. Don't take a chance. The cost of reparing this is much smaller than dealing with a crack. My rings loosened and I got them tightned up for a reasonable price.
Check your local music shops for estimates.
George
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Author: (the other) ron
Date: 2000-02-22 23:35
Hi, Ron -
First of all - Welcome!
You're in good company here. Many of us are on our second or third go 'round.
I don't know how mail order companies handle customer service but I do know that a good customer is a happy customer and any reputable music store would fix that ring for you in short order. You paid for a horn in working order and that includes joint rings not falling off. You can 'mickey-mouse' a fix yourself with a paper shim - but why fool around? - a good tech has the equipment to do the job right. It's not a major task (at a nominal, if any, charge) and should be taken care of pretty soon. You have a nice instrument there.
Happy playing!
ron
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