 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-06-12 22:30
I have a small crack in a LaBlanc clarinet. It is better to have it repaired (may need a pin) or would it be better to buy a new (used) bell. If so does any one know where i can buy one.
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-06-12 23:35
Bob,
Bell cracks can't be pinned due to the thickness of the wood. The best one can do is spread the crack and put a cyanoacrylate in the split and then let the wood contract to it's original position. Any excess glue can be trimmed off after it has dried. A replacement bell will cost you big $. Depending on the model list price on a new bell ranges $222 to $429 depending on the Paris model that you have. A local music store may have one in their "cadaver" pile. You'll have to do some calling to see.
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2001-06-13 13:08
Having a bell repaired doesn't cost too much ($40-50 last time I checked) and the result can be quite unnoticeable. If I could find a reasonably priced used bell that was a good match for the body of the horn, I'd go for it . . . but the hunt ain't easy. Most of the cadaver piles I've seen are comprised mostly of lesser horns. The repair is a good option, and one that is recommended by many top technicians.
We have kicked around the idea of creating some sort of clearinghouse for used/spare parts on this board, but probably no one has come up with a great way of doing it. It sure would be nice, though.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Corey
Date: 2001-06-13 20:22
why would a crack in the bell affect anything except apperence? my old normandy had a small crack in the bell and it didn't affect anything, why would you want to waste your money on repairing or buying a new bell?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-14 00:14
Hmmmm ... its called RESTORATION. One person's gold is another's folly.
Back in the 1960's it was hip to drive a Chevelle 396 or a Pontiac Goat with fenders & doors that didn't match, in many cases nothinh more than a coat of primer. Yeah, 411 gears, headers, blue-printed engines, fresh goodyears .... the looks didn't matter. It was _ONLY_ how fast it did a 1/4.
Today, everything is looks. If it bothers YOU, then it is important. It really doesn't matter, what anybody else thinks ... unless its against the law or hurts someone else's feelings!
Finding a (used) replacement might be a fun project & is doable --- if one has patience. JB indicated how it _should_ be done.
On the other mano, I have seen JB & others take a Bell crack to the point that you almost couldn't find it .... thats fun too. All part of the restoration effort.
Best,
mw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-06-14 02:59
I sold the clarinet to a friend of mine, and I wasn't even aware that there was a crake in the bell. I played the horn about every other day. Anyhow when I check to see how he liked his new horn; he told me about the crack. I offered to either to buy the horn back or pay for the cost of repair. He is still debating what he wants to do. My bottom line is that i want him to be happy either way.
It looks like he is going to send the bell to David S. for repair. I hope so.
Thanks to all of you for your suggestions and feedback.
This is a great place to get answers.
Anyone have any insight into the stock market let me know.
Happy playing.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-06-14 14:04
I have encountered a bell crack causing a buzzy sound. That was until I filled it by forcing black(ened) araldite into it with my finger.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-14 14:55
Are you sure it was cracked when it left your house? Perhaps since you didn't notice it before (and you're fairly careful about things like that) it wasn't cracked when you sold it. Or, maybe it doesn't matter since this is a friend. I would certainly want to go the extra mile to make him happy. As you know.
Also, I bought a Deg Accubore Bell from woodwind and brasswind a while back that is kind of neat. It has a slightly more powerful sound and is a bit heavier than the wood, but might work as a replacement if someone can't find a good wood bell. I paid $79.00 plus shipping. New wood bells are quite expensive.
Of course, you can always buy a garbaged out clarinet just for the parts.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Carl L
Date: 2001-06-15 11:57
Bob, I saw one for sale on the Woodwind/Brasswind website. Look under clarinet accessories. I believe it's a generic brand...but, sometimes, any port in the storm...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-15 14:24
Also, I can go to the repair shop of my friend's music store and beg for an abandoned bell. I did that once and he gave me one. Another friend made it into a pen holder for my desk. I wish I had asked for a more attractive one.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
