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Re: Replacement Keys or Parts

Author: clarnibass
Date: 2012-08-26 05:32

>> I guess I consider it strange that finding a seller of keys difficult. Repair shops have a way of getting parts, so sellers of keys and parts exist somewhere in the world and I want to know who/where they are.

Any professional repair folks out there want to comment? <<

First, needing replacement parts like keys happens occasionally but isn't so common. It's pretty rare that someone actually loses a key or destroys one in a way that is impossible to repair.

You are right that repairers get parts from somewhere. This is either from the instrument company or sometimes repair parts suppliers, which I think usually get some of the parts (like keys) from the instrument companies. But you asked specifically about Buffet R13 sterling silver keys and AFAIK there is no supplier who stock anything like that. What you are looking for is extremely rare and non-standard.

Did you try contacting Buffet to ask them if they have them or can make them special order? Maybe you can order a set of keys, or just some keys. Remember also that if your R13 is not the same as the current one the keys might need modifying to fit. Anyway worth asking them I guess.

Another option to what others usggested might be hard chrome plating. It's not the cheaper chrome that some toys etc. are plated with. It's a little slippery (kind of like nickel) but it can be extremely wear resistant. A friend had his dent tools plated with that, which get a lot more abuse than clarinet keys (constantly pressing and rubbing hard against metals). Have to do it carefully to prevent more key fitting than necessary.

Lacquering is a very good suggestion also. For example if it's epoxy lacquer such as that on some Yamaha saxophones then it can last a very long time.

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