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Re: Buffet's Build Quality...

Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2018-03-14 23:08

jbutler wrote:

> I worked on a Buffet recently where the right hand, lower joint
> C# key arm was too short and the pad cup was hitting on the
> timber (body) instead of in the tone hole. This represents to
> me a complete failure in product quality control. Someone
> should have caught this way before it left the factory. I'm
> sure with the number of clarinets that Buffet produces there
> are some anomalies sometimes, but it was certainly a "head
> scratcher".
>
> jbutler

I've had similar problems in the past where the cause was that the post holding the key had twisted slightly causing the pad cup to move horizontally. This can easily be fixed by re-securing the post in the correct position.

To be fair it's not like Buffet is the only manufacturer with quality control issues. Just off the top of my head here are some issues I've found when working on new clarinets:

•New Backun Protege: Glue used to hold on tenon corks failed, needed new tenon corks.

•New Ridenour Libertas: Leak between the register tube and the body of the instrument, needed to remove and re-glue the register tube.

•New Yamaha 221ii: Neck too short, impossible to play in tune without causing a leak. Needed a spacer installed below the neck receiver socket.

•New Yamaha 650: Had several leaks, Needed tone-hole leveling and pad adjustment

•New Leblanc Serenade: Keys became stuck in the open position. Needed material removed from the ends of the rods on several keys. Leaks in the pads also needed to be addressed.

•New Ventus by Backun: Rings too loose, severe leaks. (Didn't fix this one)

The only major brand I haven't seen quality control issues on is Selmer, and that's mostly because a rarely ever see new Selmers. Even if every clarinet player stopped using Buffet instruments it's not like these issues would go away.

-Jdbassplayer

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Buffet's Build Quality... new

Chris P

2018-03-11 13:43