 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Davidf
Date: 2012-03-29 00:28
Hi all -
After about forty years of ignoring, I just dragged out my childhood Vito Reso-tone 3, serial 21026 (1964?). Started when I was six or seven and was pretty studious about it until high school.
The cork needs replacing, there's a very little green on the metal, figure the pads need a redo as well. Action seems fine. Need a new case - interior intact, but a bit... unpleasant.
Beyond the sentimental value, any thoughts whether it is worth fixing up vs. getting something new?
Thank you
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: CuriousClarinet
Date: 2012-03-29 02:40
Just a thought, but if you decided to not do anything with it, you might consider donating it to a local school, if it doesn't need any serious repair.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2012-03-29 05:46
How coincidental! I'm starting to restore my first student clarinet a ca 1962 Normandy Resotone, made by LeBlanc/Noblet. ( I got the idea from the clarinet page that Vito was made by the same company - does anyone know this is correct?) I just got it back from my sister who inherited it after I got my first wood clarinet. It seems to be very solidly constructed, but has suffered about the same number of years of neglect as yours. It is destined for my granddaughter if it plays well and she continues in her resolve to play clarinet.
Laurie
Laurie (he/him)
Post Edited (2012-03-29 05:50)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ursa
Date: 2012-03-29 21:46
The Vito Reso-Tone 3 is still a current model, sold today as the Vito 7212.
The USA-made Normandy Reso-Tone, properly known as the Model 14, was made in the same factory alongside the Vito clarinets. The Normandy 14 likely became the Vito 7214, which was phased out of the Vito lineup only recently.
Unless your clarinets have issues with seriously worn, pitted, or flaking keywork, they would be well worth fixing up. Though designed decades ago, these are decent instruments by today's standards.
A good technician will install new pads and regulate the keywork with more care and precision than the factory originally did. There's a good chance your old clarinets, once restored, will play better than new.
Both instruments are likely to need new mouthpieces, if they haven't already been swapped out. With a well-matched mouthpiece, these clarinets can play very nicely.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: weberfan
Date: 2012-03-29 22:32
I had one, perhaps a 1970's vintage. I concur with Ken and Ursa. If there's no serious structural damage, get it overhauled and enjoy it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2012-03-30 18:02
I thought about the mouthpiece issue. For my granddaughter, I planned to get a hite premier, which is very affordable and recommended by many here for an absolute beginner. My only question is about reed match, since some sellers say that it's suitable for a #3 vandoren. Does anyone have experience using this mouthpiece with a weaker reed, e.g. a 1.5 or 2, suitable for newbie?
Laurie
Laurie (he/him)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Davidf
Date: 2012-03-30 20:00
Thank you all for your prompt and excellent replies.
The keywork seems swell and I was amazed that I could pick it up after all this time, apply the lonely, cracked, 40 year old reed, immediately play up 'n down the register and know the correct intervals between notes of a tune in my head.
Don't recall the names of the notes....
If I may ask your indulgence further -
The only store I know to have it repaired is a youth instrument rental/sale place. Would anyone happen to know a good clarinet store in the Santa Monica/W. LA, CA area?
Not a biggie. Will take your advice and research a new mouthpiece.
To Mr. Braaten in San Leandro. Good luck in your restoration!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
