 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lj
Date: 2007-09-24 21:10
I'm delurking with a big "thank you" to the many posters who provide such helpful information and interesting reading. I've returned to clarinet playing after a long break, and it's reassuring to hear from others in the same situation and to read your generous responses. Thanks for helping me buy a clarinet I'm happy with and for guiding me toward helpful resources.
Now for my question: I'm trying to find a technician or technicians (in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area) who can give me an estimate on repairing/overhauling an older Linton Bass Clarinet. I bought it at that auction site (where the description was not particularly accurate). It seems to be in fair condition (no cracks or dents--it's just old with some keys slightly out of adjustment) but it needs some attention. (Honestly, it smells so bad I haven't really checked it thoroughly, but I have some of the Doctor's Case Odor Eliminator on order!) I'm hoping to re-sell it since my daughter just decided to play clarinet in middle school, so I want to put the money toward an instrument she can use (I'm not selfless enough to let her use my Bb soprano!) rather than toward a bass clarinet for me. If it's not very expensive to fix, it might cost less in the long run to fix it and then sell at a better price. I don't mind selling it as-is either (it wasn't very expensive), but I'd like to be able to list it as accurately as possible, to give a seller an idea of what s/he will need to put into it to get it in good playing condition. The yellow pages haven't been particularly helpful, and the only music store I see anymore is Music and Arts; they've seemed somewhat confused about clarinets when I've been in there. Any suggestions? Thanks very much!
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Author: redwine
Date: 2007-09-24 21:36
Hello,
If I remember correctly, isn't Hampton Roads near Norfolk? If so, you should call the Armed Forces School of Music and ask for the instrument repair division. I'm sure someone in that shop could do a good job for you.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2007-09-24 21:38
Linton contras are Bundy stencils, so a Linton bass could well be one too. If so, it's fairly low-grade, though undoubtedly durable, since Bundys are made to take the abuse school kids dish out. As such, it might be worth fixing up.
Ken Shaw
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Author: lj
Date: 2007-09-24 22:35
Thanks for the quick responses.
Ben, you're right. Hampton Roads is the whole region; I live in Norfolk, just about 5 1/2 miles from the Amphib Base. I didn't realize that was an option for a lowly civilian like me ;-). I'll check it out!
Ken, it does seem "low-grade" and "durable;" I did a search earlier and was under the impression that the Linton basses were Malerne stencils, but I have no first-hand knowledge of that. Thanks for the input!
Linda
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-09-24 22:48
Hi Linda, I noticed you mentioning Norfolk, VA. We're planning another visit there next May (over the way in Portsmouth) as we all enjoyed our stay in May just gone and are definitely looking forward to a return trip.
Look out for the HMS Nelson Volunteer Band (from Portsmouth, UK) around that time (probably playing on the jetty where the passenger ferry docks, and also the Rememberance Day Parade when we'll all be roasting in full uniform marching down High St.), or you're probably more likely to find us down the pub (Baron's) in the evenings!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2007-09-25 02:22
That's my understanding too: that the Linton basses (and altos) are Malerne stencils.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-09-25 03:16
Linton clarinets in general, from eefer to bass, aren't very high on the clarinet food chain. The best, even the Buffet stencils, never rose above step-up (intermediate) quality and they're probably at least 20-30 years old. (Linton stopped selling clarinets some time ago -- the last French-made wooden stencils were around 1972, if memory serves. If there was anything after that, it was strictly student model.) If the instrument smells bad, odds are it needs a complete repad and perhaps new cork as well on top of any other work. That's usually where the smell goes first and, once the smell gets in, it's pretty hard to get out any other way. I really doubt you will recover the cost of the repair work in your resale price. The old adage about not throwing good money after bad probably applies here. Sorry.
Best regards,
jnk
(who has owned 4 Linton clarinets and an oboe over the years)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2007-09-25 03:33
Linton basses are indeed MALERNE stencils, as are many basses labelled Conn, King/Marigaux, Olds, Evette-Schaeffer, York, etc. etc. etc. They were made in both wood and hard-rubber versions (I have a hard-rubber Linton here at home, in fact) -- they all play the same. Very comfortable keywork, big fat-sounding low register, very stuffy and out of tune in the clarion register. Great for students who never have to play above the 'break', but otherwise....not so good. I've overhauled at least a dozen Malerne basses (under various names), including one for which I build a second manual register vent, but have never succeeded in making one play really well in the upper register. The keywork is well-DESIGNED, but unfortunately made of soft metal so everything bends easily and goes out of adjustment if you just look at it cross-eyed.
BTW Linton alto clarinets are also Malerne stencils, basically identical design scaled down, same issues.
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Author: lj
Date: 2007-09-25 21:21
Thanks for all of the information--the depth of knowledge on this board is impressive, and I'm so glad you're all willing to jump in and help. The specifics about the Linton bass and what to expect are much appreciated.
Chris P, I'll keep an ear out for your performance in Portsmouth. Better full dress uniforms in May than in August, I guess, but I'm sure you'll be happy to end up at Baron's afterward. Thanks for the heads up. I remember reading about your trip this year, but I didn't find this board until after the fact.
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