 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wkleung
Date: 2017-02-13 10:19
Attachment: IMG_4437.JPG (1421k)
Attachment: IMG_4438.JPG (1364k)
Dear all,
I recently bought a 1948 Selmer N series Bb on an online auction site. I picked up the instrument today from the post office. The seller advertised a crack in the bell, which turned out to be through the bore and runs almost the entire length of the bell. Aside from that, there's are also a couple of cracks in the lower joint, from the top of the socket to the first post. These cracks are also through the bore (see attached photos).
From your experience, how critical are these cracks? I live in Hong Kong and don't have easy access to anyone who is skilled in this kind of repairs. If the socket cracks are nasty, I may return or sell the instrument, rather than sending it overseas for a restoration.
Thanks a lot in advance for your opinion!
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Author: kdk
Date: 2017-02-13 12:31
Cracks are rarely irreparable, and once repaired they aren't fatal flaws. But if you don't have access to a skilled repairman and can't get them fixed, I'd say send it back.
Karl
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Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2017-02-13 17:25
As a general rule, bell cracks aren't that serious. I have two whose bells have been cracked straight through (1951 Fritz Wurlitzer R-B and P-Series Selmer CT). Both bells were repaired well, and the horns have been successfully used on gigs.
The cracks in the joint socket are another matter, though. While I'm sure they could be repaired, if it was my choice, I'd send it back. There are other, better BTs out there.
Eric
******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2017-02-13 17:28
The lower joint cracks are from the clarinet being dropped. This means that it isn't due to some previous weakness in the wood. Still, the cracks need to be properly repaired or the whole area could sustain much more serious damage. For example a section of the lower joint could be split off.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-02-14 00:53
I've got an N series BT with the socket cracked through to the C/G tonehole - I carbon fibre banded it and that's done the trick.
I banded a similar socket crack on a Peter Eaton that was caused by a worm hole in the socket just below the socket ring - in truth the joint should've been scrapped when it was discovered at the time of machining it, but the clarinet was finished and the crack developed due to the pressure of the tenon cork within the socket.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-02-14 06:37
A friend, won't say who he is, world class player, has 9 cracks fixed in the upper joint. It's still one great horn. He's used it for many years.
Get the horn fixed and have a blast playing it.
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Author: wkleung
Date: 2017-02-14 07:15
I just tried a blow on the clarinet and it wouldn't play. I guess the pads are shot.
How much should I expect to pay for an overhaul for this thing? Is it going to be worth it?
I am not sure if the seller will take the clarinet back without making me pay for the shipping.
Would someone be interested in this thing enough to take it for $200?
Post Edited (2017-02-14 08:55)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-02-14 08:11
If it was an ebay auction and the cracks were not listed, you surely have a "CASE," so file a complaint with ebay and the buyer will most likely have to pay for shipping as the horn was not listed correctly. Of course ebay has to be in favor of you and it seems like they will be. The horn is damaged past the the description advertised. The seller WILL have to pay for the shipping.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: pewd
Date: 2017-02-14 21:25
See the green color in the pictures? That is corrosion (copper oxide).
Plus the cracks are a major issue.
Almost certainly all of the pads and corks need to be replaced. Possibly many (all?) posts are loose, and many of the springs will need replacing.
That instrument will need major surgery - costing hundreds of dollars (US), perhaps $700 or more, and then you 'might' get a playable instrument.
It looks to me like its time to consign that one to a dumpster. Someone found it in a garage or attic, then sold it on an auction site.
To be blunt, its junk.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: wkleung
Date: 2017-02-15 07:09
Dear all,
Thank you so much for taking the time to offer me invaluable advice. I am going to return the Selmer for a full refund. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Wai Kit Leung
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-02-15 21:45
Paul wrote -
"See the green color in the pictures? That is corrosion (copper oxide)."
- That's typical on instruments with unplated keywork and can be cleaned very easily.
"Plus the cracks are a major issue."
- Hardly a major issue at all - they can be carbon fibre banded to reinforce them. How many new Buffets crack? Loads. Cracks are an inconvenience and all wooden clarinets are at risk of cracking.
"Almost certainly all of the pads and corks need to be replaced. Possibly many (all?) posts are loose, and many of the springs will need replacing."
- Again this is typical of a clarinet this age - you wouldn't expect to buy an older clarinet without having to replace anything. Loose pillars can be secured IF they're loose that is.
"That instrument will need major surgery - costing hundreds of dollars (US), perhaps $700 or more, and then you 'might' get a playable instrument."
- And that is to be expected, so no surprises there.
"It looks to me like its time to consign that one to a dumpster. Someone found it in a garage or attic, then sold it on an auction site."
- Aren't most eBay listings garage or attic finds?
"To be blunt, its junk."
- It's only junk if you're unable to do anything with it and I'm sure this has loads of potential that has been overlooked.
I've rebuilt clarinets in a far worse condition than what you can see from those photos and they turned out to be absolute gems, so appearances aren't everything.
But for a player wanting a good clarinet but may not have the resources to tackle such a rebuild, then this sort of thing isn't ideal if you want the instrument fully playable from the word go. The cost of a rebuild may be prohibitive to most, but to some it's worthwhile if the results are anything to go by, so to resign this clarinet as
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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