 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: AZClarinet
Date: 2013-01-20 23:34
Hello everyone,
Recently, I purchased a used Buffet R13 with Nickel Keys, and so far, it has been wonderful to play. There are only a few problems that I'd like to be fixed:
1. The thumb rest isn't in a good spot, its too far to the right of the instrument (which feels really bad and hurts after a few minutes)
2. The tuning it absolutely horrible (almost a half step flat) its 20 cents flat even with my shortest barrel (63.5mm)
3. there are some screws that need to be tightened, but i can't tighten them any further
if you have any suggestions or comments regarding these specifications, please don't hesitate to comment!
Thank you all very much!
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Author: Wes
Date: 2013-01-20 23:59
Very strange! I've bought R13s and none had those problems. When very cold, they can be that flat, but they come up to pitch with a 66mm barrel.
The thumb rests are generally adjustable along the axis of the clarinet but I've never seen one off to the right.
Which screws need to be tighter?
The new Buffets I've had have too strong springs, too high rings, and usually need sanding of a tenon or two to keep from binding.
Good luck!
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Author: pewd
Date: 2013-01-21 00:24
FWIW, I've seen a lot of students with new R13's that were flat. This in the last, oh, 24 months or so. I have a new vintage model that I need a 64mm barrel on.
Disappointing. I'm starting to use 'Yamaha' in sentences more and more.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: AZClarinet
Date: 2013-01-21 01:12
Really? Mine's extremely flat with the 63.5mm, let alone the 66mm.
It could just be my mouthpiece, generally I use an M13 lyre.
I was actually wondering if they sell any barrels shorter than 62mm.
I checked the serial number of my clarinet, and it says that it was made in 1969, and for that age, it plays great! I have no problem with the tone at all.
which also could explain why my springs are really weak, and some of the screws are stuck.
Thanks for your input! It really helps
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Author: AZClarinet
Date: 2013-01-21 01:17
Yeah, I really don't know why it's so flat, maybe because I used to play a Selmer before I got this. It could just be the mouthpiece or reeds, but no matter what, I haven't been able to raise the pitch.
Thanks for the feedback!
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-01-21 01:18
If the serial number suggests that it was made in 1969, then Paul's comments don't apply -- he's clearly referencing new clarinets.
Were you flat on your previous horn? 63.5MM is an incredibly short barrel for a Buffet.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2013-01-21 01:41
Is there a chance that you have an A clarinet, not a Bb? How does the instrument tune within itself?
----------
Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
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Author: MSK
Date: 2013-01-21 01:55
I recently had trouble with my 1971 R13 playing flat. It turned out to be multiple issues that collectively caused the problem and were fixed by a professional (not music store) overhaul. During cold weather I also use a shorter (65mm) barrel and avoid using my M13 mouthpiece which seams to play flatter than my other mouthpiece.
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Author: AZClarinet
Date: 2013-01-21 01:56
No, my previous horn was a selmer, and the tuning was perfect with the barrel it came with.
Thanks for your feedback
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Author: AZClarinet
Date: 2013-01-21 01:58
Oh, Im absoluteld certain... It is the same overall length of my previous clarinet, and it's B is concert A, just like 40 cents flat though
Thanks
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Author: AZClarinet
Date: 2013-01-21 02:00
oh, really? yeah that's what I heard about the M13's... There a wonderful mouthpiece, only really flat... I'll see if I can find someone to fix it.
Thanks for the feedback
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2013-01-21 02:40
MSK, if I remember correctly you wrote about this a few months ago, and it's nice to hear the problems were fixed. What were these issues, and how were they corrected? Was the bore reamed?
My R-13 is about the same age as yours and has similar tuning issues, especially in the chalumeau register. A repairman raised some key heights which helped somewhat, but the problems are still there (even with a 65 mm barrel).
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Author: Wes
Date: 2013-01-21 05:43
Yes, with a 1971 R13 I bought as new old stock in 1993, it required a 64 mm barrel at first usage. After a few years of frequent playing, it raised a little and now works fine with a 65 mm barrel. It also seems more responsive and better in tune with a 65 mm Chadash barrel, although a very fine instrument, I use it very little now, playing on an R13 Prestige clarinet.
I believe that the body shrunk a little with usage, increasing the bore diameter a tiny bit and raising the pitch an iota, allowing the use of a 65 mm barrel. The original 66 mm barrel is still too flat, however.
The 1998, 2005, and 2012 R13s I have all play fine at 440 with 66mm barrels.
Good luck!
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2013-01-21 09:02
1) You can have the thumbrest's position changed. Just consider that the position that you think might be better might not be. Sometimes it's impossible to know how the new position feels until you have some time with it. Just something to keep in mind.
2) Is it really almost half a step? That's a lot more than 20 cents that you also mention. Before doing anything else I would try a non-13 series Vandoren mouthpiece. The 13 series mouthpiece purposely play flatter.
3) Pivot screws or rod screws (or both)? Are you sure you mean the screws are loose or that the keys have play in them? Why can't you tighten them more (don't have the right screwdriver, etc.)?
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2013-01-21 12:39
Leaks can cause flatness, but it appears that you have more going on.
Steve Ocone
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Author: MSK
Date: 2013-01-22 02:26
Clarinetguy: I ended up with a complete overhaul including resurfacing nine tone holes. It seemed to be the combination of key height adjustment, the tone holes, and some not so great pads. Wesley Rice did the work. I did still get a shorter barrel for use in colder rehearsal spaces. He also did some upgrades, and the key action is wonderful. The clarinet is better than new. One of these days I'll get my A done too.
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