 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2006-02-28 15:22
How long have you played the same clarinet?
My Buffet R-13 that I bought in 1965 (41 years ago, or 177 in dog years) is starting to show signs of extreme age. I am reluctantly considering buying a new one after playing this great horn continuously for so long. This made me wonder how long others have played the same clarinet.
johng
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-02-28 15:33
My Buffet is 45, and I just had her re-incarnated at Muncy. I feel unfaithful deep in my soul as I consider replacing her with a matched pair of perfect new horns. SIGH
Only problem is she's a quiet girl, and I'd like to have a louder horn with better intonation. Also, them rosewood and gold thangs are downright pretty.
Bob Phillips
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-02-28 16:19
My Selmer Signet Special was bought for me by my parents in 1955. My standmate's R-13 is a 1960 model. Both of them still work. Neither of us is vying for a top orchestral position, and niether of us plays four hours a day, but it's not the instruments that are holding us back.
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Author: Lee
Date: 2006-02-28 16:22
I'll let you know when I find out. I'm still playing on the R13 I purchased new in 1954. It was overhauled last year and has (quite) a few good years left. On the other hand if you find another clarinet that you like a lot better get it.
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Author: Dori
Date: 2006-02-28 16:26
I bought my Selmer Signet Special in 1970. We have been together through many bands, and done very well. I probably qualify as a "serious non-professional".
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2006-02-28 17:32
Signs of extreme old age: (1) at age 40 it developed a crack (2) the wood on the outside is turning an interesting shade of red (I had never put oil on the outside, but am now to keep the red out) (3) open tone holes rounding out some. (4) But, it is still a great horn that plays in tune and has a tone quality that works well in a big orchestra.
johng
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Author: John25
Date: 2006-02-28 17:46
I bought my Leblanc LL's in 1960. I have had them recently overhauled and they are as good as new. I am reluctant to change because years ago I fitted four or five extra keys to each instrument, and I would miss these.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2006-02-28 20:02
Rather than presume to instruct someone with a lengthy track record, may I please pose a question...
What would you pay for a new instrument with the same qualities as your trusty R13? If you could refurbish this instrument for 1/2 that cost, would it be worthwhile?
Howard's Restor-A-Finish would certainly take care of the surface color (which was probably dyed at the Buffet Werks) to a dark sheen.
Keys can certainly be swadged to fit precisely and replated.
The tonehole chimneys may be tricky - but if you're in tune there...
*****
Bottom line is inviting GAS vs. getting a player, I suppose.
If you do shop for new, will you try the RC?
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2006-02-28 20:15
Since 1970, the R-13 looks and plays the same as it did when new. My brother who has an instrument repair shop has gone over it a couple of times. The wood is still beautiful and the keys are bright and shiny.
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Author: Grant
Date: 2006-02-28 22:25
Set of LL's they are better than I am and I am better because of them.
45 years.
Peace on Earth and May You always have a reed that PLAYS.
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Author: ned
Date: 2006-02-28 23:22
My Albert system Buffet was manufactured circa 1912. I guess it's had some work done to it by previous owner/s plus one overhaul by the present owner.
Still works very well.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2006-03-01 06:41
Nearly 8 years for my Selmer Paris. 10 for my ligature. But only two months on my current mpc/reed brand.
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2006-03-01 15:10
I've been playing my Selmer 10S since I bought it new in HS in 1977. I'm anticipating replacing it with an Orsi & Weir in cocobolo.
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Author: BelgianClarinet
Date: 2006-03-01 16:52
Bb (RC) is about 15 years old and still great instrument.
A (typeless Buffet) must be from the '60, bought it 2nd hand. Still very fine instrument, but I should play it more, to keep it (and myself) tuned.
Acutally both instruments are still getting better, maybe because I play more ;-)
Bass is 1 year old, so only a baby.
Sometimes I'd like to buy a brand new Festival (I don't own the Bb), but don't think it will really bring something extra.
Recently changed mp (now B40) , and that was much more needed !
Don't know if it it true, but the story goes that one of the most famous Belgian Clarinet players promoted all kinds of new Buffet instruments, but actually played on his good old (also BC) 'old timer'
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