The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-01-26 16:23
So I've got another of those Bundies on my bench. One of the pivot screws is too short, looks like broken off. Rod is fine hovever, so I shrug and plan to visit the repair person nearby for a replacement. No big deal I think. I confine myself to cleaning and polishing, regulating is out of the question with an mechanically flawed setup.
Okay, next day I show up there, the tech looks at the screw and sez "no, we don't have these. Where's it from?" So I say "Selmer" - "Selmer has different screws. Ah, Selmer USA. Yeah. We don't do those here." - "No problem, I've got a friend who'd be happy to do those" I say. So he sighs, gets up and rustles over to the screw drawer and starts rummaging throug its contents. He then finds something similar (pointy, tho') and screws it in, but of course it just quite fits. Somehow. He mumbles something about cheap instruments and leaking pads (he insisted on a leak test despite my remarks that the pads are yet to be fitted) and presents me with a 20$ bill for that botch job. (I tried that screw later when I repadded that joint and it wouldn't move, not even with a screwdriver. Fortunately it's a pointy screw and I can dis/mount the rod without removing it)
So I pay and get my butt out of there and swear to <insert deity> that next time I'll do internet shopping or ask one of my buddies. And next time I hear or read that the 'classic' speciality shops lament about the e-competition I can only mildly smile.
So, end of rant.
--
Ben
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-01-26 16:31
You should have put a plea on here, one of us would have probably sent you a Bundy screw or two, and snobbery-free!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2008-01-26 16:32
Ben: Ya just gotta understand things. Some folks are of the opininion that they limit their work to REAL clarinets, and that Selmer USA parts are more properly available only in toy stores. Other techs may send you to the toy shop for any marque other than Buffet! Eu
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-01-26 16:45
>> not even with a screwdriver <<
How else did you try to move it?
Like Chris P suggested, it's worth asking on the forums (here or SOTW) and someone might have what you need and wouldn't mind sending it to you for very little or even for free. That's how I got a few parts in the past.
Also it's worth checking the suppliers. For example it seems like Windcraft have this screw (don't know if it's in stock but worth asking) and even with shipping and VAT it is much cheaper than what you paid.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-01-26 16:58
> >> not even with a screwdriver <<
> How else did you try to move it?
I just wanted to make clear that the screw didn't move or rattle on its own.
I know I could call on here any time. How would I forget? - It was kind of an experiment. With small jobs you find out where (or where rather not) to go with big jobs. Mission accomplished, at least from that angle.
--
Ben
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2008-01-28 12:59
>>It was kind of an experiment. With small jobs you find out where (or where rather not) to go with big jobs. Mission accomplished, at least from that angle.
>>
Yes. Something repair techs might want to bear in mind when they turn up their noses at small jobs on Bundies.... For all that guy knows, you might have shown up next time with $500 worth of work on an antique Buffet, but he's never going to find out now, is he?
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2008-01-28 14:46
> For all that guy knows, you might have shown up next time with $500 worth of work on an antique Buffet.
Lots of truth in that. If the guy does a nice job on a re-cork, there's more chance he'll see an overhaul coming his way.
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