 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: zhangray4
Date: 2017-07-14 21:46
Can you possibly explain your problem in detail so we can all help you to the best of our abilities?
-- Ray Zhang
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Author: mcaswell
Date: 2017-07-14 21:59
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Whoops, sorry... I somehow posted that before I was finished writing it!
My LeBlanc Bliss LB210S clarinet was purchased in December 2012, and I've noticed over the past year or two that the silver plating has been deteriorating. I contacted the dealer this morning to see about having it fixed under warranty, and although he's still communicating with Conn-Selmer, the initial indication is that "skin chemistry" is being blamed. I'd probably not feel emboldened enough to question that interpretation if not for some conflicting aspects of the problem.
The plating on almost all of the keywork is covered with many tiny pits and bubbles. What has me questioning the skin chemistry explanation is that there are some areas that are badly deteriorated even though they are not normally touched, such as pad cups and the rods to which the ring keys are attached. Even hard-to-reach areas such as the flat side surfaces of the upper joint side keys that are behind other keywork are showing the problem. Conversely, there are a few commonly used keys that are pristine (aside from normal light scratches/wear), such as the C#/G# key and the throat G# key.
In other words, if the problem is the result of my fingers, why are some areas that are seldom (if ever) touched deteriorating, while other keys that ARE routinely touched are fine? The RH pinky keys are a good example. The F/C and F#/C# keys are badly pitted, while the G#/D# is fine, and the E/B is mostly fine (interestingly, the lower portion of that key where I DO touch is fine, with a bit of pitting visible higher up on that key where it doesn't get touched).
Is my logic sound? Or am I being unreasonable in my belief that this is the result of a bad plating job?
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Author: Wes
Date: 2017-07-14 22:08
It probably comes down to the coverage in the warranty. It is not normal to have this kind of plating failure. If it is covered in the warranty, Conn-Selmer can decide how to compensate you.
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Author: mcaswell
Date: 2017-07-14 22:17
Thanks... I'm still within the 5 year warranty, and I can't find anything that indicates that plating is not covered. But it sounds like they may be taking the angle of "the plating didn't fail, your fingers destroyed it".
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Author: gkern
Date: 2017-07-14 23:18
Don't see how skin chemistry could have caused the pitting in the 2nd and 5th photos.
Gary K
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-07-15 03:40
I call BS on skin chemistry causing the problem. I purchased silver on my horn specifically for its durability. My hands are high in acidity and eats nickel...quickly. The silver on my horn has worn well...and it's 20 years old.
Fight it!
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: hans
Date: 2017-07-15 04:14
IMO your logic is sound and I would be surprised if any member of this BB disagreed. My silver plated Selmer Recital, which I bought new in 1988, has no pitting like you are seeing.
Conn-Selmer owes you a set of replacement keys, installed, to make up for this obvious manufacturing defect in materials and/or workmanship.
Hans
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2017-07-15 14:23
My skin is fairly acid and I've had pitted nickel plating, and also I've destroyed a couple of watch straps. I've never had a real problem with silver plated keywork, and the fact that your keywork is failing where your fingers don't go indicates to me that the plating is at fault. A few years back I had a Bliss with black keywork, and the plating on that failed within a year.
Tony F.
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2017-07-16 14:01
This is not due to acid hands. Then the Ab4 and A4 keys would be equally affected and only the parts of the keys that come in touch with the skin would be worn. The keys probably come from different batches where Conn-Selmer has had problems with one batch.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-07-16 14:44
Something's gone wrong either before or during plating for pitting like that to happen.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: mcaswell
Date: 2017-09-02 03:28
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Just wanted to follow up with this... happy to report that Conn-Selmer replaced this instrument.
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Author: Richie
Date: 2017-09-02 20:03
Great to hear! It's always great when the company cares about the customer.
Post Edited (2017-09-02 20:04)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-09-03 01:33
Good for LeBlanc/Selmer! I'm happy for you and proud of them.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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