 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SQQueak
Date: 2017-01-03 01:16
Attachment: IMG_1290.JPG (236k)
Hi, long time lurker, now I have a problem that I really need help with.
I can purchase a clarinet, low pitch, key of C, which i bought online. Yes, i know, try before you buy, but that's not possible where I live. I have a plastic clarinet, and really wanted an albert clarinet, for my own playing, not to play in a group, and wanted a key of C. Now, the clarinet has a crack in it, found before shipping it to me, and the seller will discount it, or simply do a full refund. I got it for $90, plus shipping.
I know I'm really tossing this out there, but what do I do? Is this crack the death of this instrument? I planned on having it overhauled, i already knew it needed a complete repad, cleaning, etc, but now a crack?
I know it's silly to get so set on something, and just fall in love with a picture, but I just really liked the looks of it, and the fact that it's a two ring albert. I play recorders and native american flute a lot these days, and thought for me, less rings would work better for me.
Anyhow, any opinions would be wonderful, and very appreciated.
Lisa
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2017-01-03 01:35
The crack will need to be filled, but the instrument certainly isn't ruined. The crack will likely cost extra to fix however. Albert C clarinets are pretty easy to find though, personally I would return it and look for another one. If you can, look for a name brand instrument such as a Conn or a Hammerschmidt. Many of the cheaper no name Albert clarinets have intonation problems.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: SQQueak
Date: 2017-01-03 01:44
It's a Josef Glassl, from Graslitz, which I should of mentioned. i've heard of for brass instruments, but I don't know what that means for woodwinds. I am relieved that an opinion is it can be repaired. I have the option of a partial refund to keep, or simply a full refund, and also the offer of another instrument, which is a no-name 4 ring, but does appear to be in better shape.
Again, thank you for your response, Jdb.
Lisa
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2017-01-03 05:19
The crack is certainly repairable, but unless you have a reason for wanting that specific instrument I'd pass on that one. Overall the condition isn't great, and I notice that the keys are pinned rather than screwed. Josef Glassl was active from 1898 until 1937, and I suspect that this is one of his earlier instruments and that could well mean that it's in high pitch, and thus unusable in a modern ensemble. C clarinets are fairly easy to find on EBay, I've bought several myself for little more than pocket change and they were all in better condition than this one.
Tony F.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2017-01-03 05:25
It does depend a little on where the crack runs and whether or not it goes through that thumb hole. It looks like it stops at the cutout under the register key. The crack above the register key can probably be fixed readily enough and if repaired well it shouldn't cause any more problems.
There is the extra expense of fixing the crack. Another consideration is who you plan to have do the overhaul/repadding. If it's a competent repair tech, you might show him (her) the picture and ask if it's a repair he feels comfortable doing and how much it would cost.
The wood looks pretty dried out, which may presage more cracking if that isn't addressed.
Karl
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Author: SQQueak
Date: 2017-01-03 05:49
Attachment: IMG_1291.JPG (235k)
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It is a low pitch clarinet, so it does have that going for that. I did forward the pictures to my repair technician, and he did think it was repairable, but I will mention the pins, rather than screws, that were pointed out by Tony F, he may have been so focused on the crack, and didn't notice the pins.
I thank everyone for their input. I've got a few other pictures, i'm not sure if they clarify anything better than what the first one did, but here one is.
Thank you, Lisa
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