 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: blazian
Date: 2012-12-12 16:11
I'm currently playing on an ancient Buffet Carl Fischer A clarinet. The serial is 1k380 which places it from 1916. It's recently become important that it's playable because I just started playing in an orchestra. The problem is that there's a huge difference when I switch between it and my Bb (a Festival). The problem isn't really the 92 year age difference but the differences in playing characteristics. My A isn't nearly as consistent as I'd like. For example, the Ab and A are SO shiny that I have to put all six fingers down, while the longer notes like clarion B and C are stuffy. While it's not impossible that it's leaking, it seems that the stuffiness of some notes are due to something else.
Should I look into getting a new A clarinet soon? I'll only be part of the orchestra for a few more tours but I am a music major for two or three more years (or more past my undergrad). Or should I have the clarinet serviced and play it until it crumbles into dust? It seems like a great clarinet for its age. I think its only on its second set of pads.
- Martin
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-12-12 16:59
If you are having difficulty transitioning between the two instruments due to a vast difference in their playing characteristics then I think you already know the answer to your question.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2012-12-12 17:14
The Buffet Carl Fischer A clarinet I have from 1921 is still a fine clarinet and I don't note any stuffy or "shiny" notes. The wood in it is the best undyed grenadilla, as in your Festival clarinet. I suggest that you try to find an expert clarinet repair person who can give you a quote on any possible work to be done. Good luck!
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-12-12 20:51
Buffets as old as yours need a longer barrel with a differently tapered bore than current models. Go to one of the custom barrel makers, such as Alan Segal, for a replacement.
Ken Shaw
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2012-12-13 18:52
Sometimes, stuffy and shiny notes can be the result of incorrect venting. With an instrument of that age, there is a high probability that, at some point, pads were replaced without having the venting double checked and adjustd. A run-of-the-mill tech could have easily decided that, because of the age, the instrument did not deserve the effort. Often, an instrument of that age can be a wonderful instrument, sometimes not. I would suggest taking the instrument to a top quality tech and ask him/her your question. Without seeing or hearing the instrument, you are asking a question that is very difficult to answer here. There is no point in replacing it if it can be adjusted into a fine instrument. On the other hand, if it is not a matter of correct adjustment, you will probably want to replace it. Keep in mind that buying an A (new or used) is likely to be considerably more expensive than a similar Bb.
With a stuffy long B and C, you may have a slight leak or you may want to try a different reed and mouthpiece combination. I have found that a vast difference in instrument age often means a need for different mouthpieces (which, of course usually means different reeds, too).
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Author: blazian
Date: 2012-12-17 12:48
Thanks for the replies!
Right now I'm using my Fobes Nova, 3½-4 Vandorens, and a Gao Classical for both my Bb and A. It works well for my Bb but I don't have much equipment experimentation experience with my A.
I have noticed that my throat A and Ab keys vent fairly high. I've also noticed that there is something lining a few holes (on purpose) to decrease the diameter. I'm afraid to remove anything for fear that something will go further out of whack.
Anyone familiar with techs in Vienna or Salzburg (or even in continental Europe)? Otherwise I probably won't have time to have it fixed in the next year or so.
- Martin
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