 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: greggoak
Date: 2019-01-31 20:54
I have a Buffet R13 B-flat clarinet that I purchased new in 1983 and played pretty seriously as a classical student musician in high school and college (back then, I also used an A clarinet in orchestral settings, but I don't have that instrument anymore). But I haven't played since. I'd like to pick it back up and see where I am and get back into things. I have two main questions:
1) My Buffet has been sitting in the basement, unused, so I need to get it repaired (repadded, springs checked, adjusted, tightened, etc.). I live in Denver and there is a repair place with good reviews nearby and it sounds like an overhaul will be $400-500 depending on the details. Does this sound about right? At that price, is it worth it for me to consider shipping it out of state to a specialist? If so, suggestions on the specialist? And any suggestions on pad types for the repad work?
2) I'd like to get a new mouthpiece that's an upgrade from my old Selmer HS* (purchased probably 1985). Suggestions for someone focused on classical music and at my ability level? Of course, my ability level today will be quite different, but last I played I was principal clarinet in a student orchestra, part of a clarinet quintet, and I was admitted to college in part thanks to my clarinet ability (not sure of a better way to give a sense of my playing level from that era - which, again, will now be nowhere near what it was).
Post Edited (2019-01-31 23:14)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-02-01 00:31
Yeah, that's a pretty decent price for new pads and whatever other work you clarinet may need. I'm spending just north of $400 just to install new pads on a brand new R13.
I would HIGHLY recommend the Valentino Masters pads (NOT the Greenbacks!). The Masters series will seal like cork (a really good thing) and they will last forever (well over 10 years for sure).
Personally I prefer handing over my horn to someone and picking it up. If you have a reliable craftsman in your area, I'd stick with that.
As for mouthpieces, it seems like a close facing is what you have. I'd stick with mouthpieces like the Vandoren M13. There is a great brand called ESM (short for Ernst Schreiber Michelstadt) that CNCs pretty much the entire process for their acrylic mouthpieces. Their MCK-1 is a real winner in the close facing category. Finally I would highly recommend Clark Fobes mouthpieces which are hands down the best I've tried. Believe it or not, his introductory "Debut" model for $43.50 has the same facing as his signature San Francisco model and blows the doors off pretty much everything else on the market........you may want to start there!
.......................Paul Aviles
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
