 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lightstorm
Date: 2014-12-12 07:20
Hey guys,
I've been looking to buy a new clarinet. I've specifically been looking at used r13s.
I already know the shops I will contact. The question I want to ask is about the time frame of the instrument. Is there a certain age I should avoid when buying used clarinets? Like older than 10 years, 8 years, etc. Thanks! I don't think there should be, but I've heard things about blowouts and certain lifespans of an instrument.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2014-12-12 17:24
A clarinet doesn't get blown out sitting in a closet. I bought an older clarinet recently that plays like a new one.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-12-12 17:49
I've bought clarinets older than me (I'm 75) that were in perfect condition, some almost unplayed. My favourite clarinet is a 1927 Louis that tunes better than my R13.
Tony F.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-12-12 19:20
Blow-out is a myth, so take it with a pinch of salt whenever you hear it mentioned.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: lightstorm
Date: 2014-12-12 19:56
How about if the instrument was played constantly before it was sold?
Post Edited (2014-12-12 19:56)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-12-12 21:07
I think we gave credence to the idea that the bore (and the diameter of the tone holes) can "go out of round" with many multiple expansions and contractions. This then COULD be remedied by a judicious retooling to make things round again.
Even the likes of John Yeh (at least USED to) put a 10-15 year lifespan on a clarinet that would be used continuously under professional stresses.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-12-14 10:16
I think the idea of "blown-out" is overblown. Unless the acoustics of the clarinet has suffered due to dimensional changes in the wood, I don't know what else could be detrimental. I guess the constant stream of saliva running down the bore might cause some tonal changes due to chemical changes in the wood.
I think I've seen at least one company that offers some sort of soak treatment of the wood that is claimed to restore like new playing.
Sometime, you just really just want something new ... and that's OK.
I had a friend, Rex (now deceased) in the 1980s that purchased a rare bassoon that was made in 1917 (I think?). He was delighted to get the bassoon even though it cost more than his brand new car. Rex was a very fine working musician and played his old bassoon daily until his death just a few years ago ...
Tom
Post Edited (2014-12-14 10:22)
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