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Buffet Prestige 1193 Bass Clarinet Issue

Author: Erdinet
Date: 2005-04-17 13:10

I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase a brand new Low C Buffet Bass Clarinet around last Thanksgiving. I have been doing some work practicing and gigging on the instrument and it now seems to be broken in for the most part. After some initial difficulties with the octave mechanisms and other assorted small "start up" problems, it seems I have a real issue to deal with right now.

I seem to have extreme difficulty playing G, G#, and A in the clarion register (that is the G just above the staff to first ledger line A, if I remember my terminology correctly). These notes if I can get them out with out a horrible honk sound incredibly stuffy. The thing that is even more disconcerting is that it is not necessarily a consistent problem. I have tried experimenting with the voicing doing overtone exercises and that does not seem to be helping. I have had the instrument looked at numerous times (but not necessarily for this particular issue) and as far as I can tell there are no leaks. I do certainly plan on bringing it in again to be looked at to see if there is anything that can be done.

I am curious as to whether any one else on the board has experienced a similar problem. I know that there are those out there who believe that this is a problem inherent to Buffets especially those of a newer vintage (as opposed to Selmers as one well known Selmer player told me). But, I cannot believe that this is how the instrument is supposed to play. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Also, on an entirely different matter... I am curious as to anyone's experience with the new Backun bass clarinet bell modification that they offer. I was totally blown away by their Bb Clarinet bell (a "2nd" quality one no less). I am wondering if it will be worth the expense to send them my bell. Again, I only know of a Selmer player using this mod, so if you have any insight particularly as it relates to a Buffet, I would really like to hear about it.

Thanks...this forum is really the best isn't it?

Adam

"There is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over."
-Frank Zappa

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