 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jeeves
Date: 2008-08-29 17:12
I just purchased a Buffet E11 Bb Clarinet from wwbw.com and it doesn't fit together. Right now, the humidity is kind of high. Will the fit be too loose in winter if I sand the cork now?
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2008-08-29 17:15
Search previous threads, you will find its not the cork but most likely the wood. Take it to a good tech to fix.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-08-29 17:19
Take it to a repair tech, this is the best advice. This doesn't mean that WWBW mailed you a bad clarinet...even R13's and other professional clarinets have these problems as the wood becomes accustomed to the moisture that accompanies playing.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: jeeves
Date: 2008-08-29 17:30
I'll definitely take it to a tech. Thanks for the advice.
Jeeves
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Author: jeeves
Date: 2008-08-29 17:36
I actually just contacted a local repair tech. He said that the instruments don't come adjusted from online places like wwbw and that adjustment would cost like $35. Is this true or should I just get the fit problem fixed?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-08-29 17:43
I've heard of instances where instruments bought from online companies still have their keys wedged shut, so obviously haven't seen daylight since being packed up back at the factory where they were made.
Your clarinet SHOULD be covered by a warranty and should NOT cost you anything to have put right if it's defective. Don't do anything to it yourself as you could invalidate the warranty should you need to return it to have it sorted out.
Even Greenline clarinets need their tenons fitting, so it's not only wooden ones with this problem.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-08-29 17:48
Buffet is now somewhat notorious for instruments that aren't in tip-top shape when they come out of the box. There are several things that may need to be adjusted (alluded to by Chris). Most music stores have their repair shop go over and regulate the instrument before it is sold...and some don't.
I would contact WWBW and see what they say...it is possible that they'll do the work for free (as some stores do). It has to be noted that WWBW's service has (to all reports) deteriorated in the past several years.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-08-29 19:12
When I had a similar problem with a tuning barrel being too tight, I called wwbw back and they told me I could ship the entire clarinet back to them, or I could pay locally to have the barrel tenon reamed/sanded a bit, and they would reimburse me. Call their customer service and ask. When I called, I dealt with Scott Kurtzweil, who was their head of woodwind department (or at least clarinets). Ask if he is still there, and if so speak with him directly.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: sbrodt54
Date: 2008-08-29 19:14
Jeeves,
By all means have WWBW take care of the problem, those joints need to be repaired and fitted correctly. It's true that this is a common problem and needs correct attention; it's not the cork that's too big it is the wood that has swelled. I have done countless number of these and it's not just Buffet that has this swelling although since I sell about 25 Buffet clarinets to 1 Selmer or Yamaha the problem just seems bigger.
I have no idea if WWBW has someone there to fix this problem correctly but I'll hope so. On the other hand this is the perfect opportunity to hold up a sign that says buy from your local and trusted dealer, these things are usually done BEFORE that clarinet reaches his shelf. If you do not have a trusted dealer near you then you're stuck, get opinions from people and places like this Board and take your business there. Ever since Buffet has enforced their minimum selling price, buying a Buffet clarinet should be done where the selection is very good and service is better.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-08-29 19:40
Another possibility... send it back to WWBW if you still can and get a good, preselected and properly set up clarinet from one of the sponsors of this board, such as Kessler http://www.kesslermusic.com or Walter Grabner http://www.clarinetxpress.com. If you order from them, you KNOW everything will be fine.
Also look into the Lyrique 576BC clarinets form Tom Ridenour: http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com These are pro-leven horns of hard rubber, and will not be prone to swrlling at all.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: jeeves
Date: 2008-08-29 19:51
Based on what everyone has said, I think I'll just return the clarinet (I called, and WWBW said I could do so). A really good local shop will be able to sell me an E11 for just slightly higher price that will adjust the clarinet for free. Jeff, I don't think I'll go for the ridenour clarinet, because I'm not quite convinced that a rubber clarinet could have the sound of a wood one. I'm willing to sacrifice a little for the real thing.
Based on my experience with WWBW, as sbrodt54 said, buy local! You never know what adjustments need to be made, and its just less of a hassle.
Thanks everyone!
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-08-29 20:38
Leaving WWBW aside, just imagine the crowd's sneers if the original poster had bought a no-name clarinet, like "buy from the big four" or "typical CSO setup" and so on.
But when it's Buffet, it seems to be somewhat normal or acceptable. In my book, this is simply unacceptable, even if the Czar of Reedonia himself mailed me such an instrument.
Well, I was just scratching my head....
--
Ben
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2008-08-29 22:08
Ben,
You don't understand (satirically said)
Buffet is steeping in tradition, over 100 years worth, of some questionable quality. What would we do if every instrument out of Buffet (or for the E11, out of Germany) was of unquestionable quality ?
Whereas all the new Asian startups are required to have unquestionable quality as they do not have that tradition that took over 100 years to buildup.
---
back on topic - I'd send the E-11 back to WWBW and ask them to send another one but please make sure it is setup by their tech department.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-08-29 22:37
Whatever you decide is fine by me. I was just offering alternatives. Trust me, I'm not offended by your choice! Yuu might want to do a search on the Lyrique clarinets here on this board to see what others are saying about them.
BTW.... I am assuming your mouthpiece is rubber, isn't it? That makes the biggest difference in tone production of all. A properly designed and manufactured clarinet can be made of various woods, rubber or even plastic, if you do the work properly. Tom Ridenour was the man responsible for bring the Leblanc Opus and Concerto lines to the market, and has a very good track record.
I'm sure your E11 will do fine for you. Enjoy it and play it in good health!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: jeeves
Date: 2008-08-30 19:46
I have an M13 Lyre Vandoren mouthpiece. Anyway, I got a reputable local dealer to match wwbw's price, and wwbw is letting me return it (I told them it was defective b/c it didn't fit together, which stretched the truth a little). Thanks everyone for the advice/input. Can't wait to play the E11!
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