 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: m1964
Date: 2025-11-27 09:53
I am looking for a key they list on the website as "in stock"
Twice I tried contacting them using the contact form on the website.
Both times received an automated response, but no one followed up after that.
Emailed directly- no answer so far.
Thanks
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Author: paulyb
Date: 2025-11-27 19:35
I've had no issues buying from them over the years though I've not used them very recently. Is there a reason you don't want to order it online if it's in stock? It might be worth calling them to give them a nudge.
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Author: MarkS
Date: 2025-11-27 22:55
I bought a clarinet from them in 2023. They were very accommodating, but I recall having to "ping" them once or twice to get a response. I found Matt Sanders in sales to be very helpful. I do not have a personal email for him, but you could send an email to sales@dawkes.co.uk and address the message to him (assuming he is still there).
Mark
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Author: kurth83
Date: 2025-11-28 01:38
I bought a buffet E12F from them a few years back, no problems. They seem to be a good store. Lots of online video reviews too, which I have found useful.
Aging classical trumpet player learning clarinet as a second.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2025-11-28 01:48
paulyb wrote:
"I've had no issues buying from them over the years though I've not used them very recently. Is there a reason you don't want to order it online if it's in stock? It might be worth calling them to give them a nudge."
Thanks to everyone who replied.
I would like to verify the key will fit since the one from an earlier Buffet of the same model does not- the barrel for the rod screw is too long. I understand that it can be shortened but, for the price they want, I hope it would not need any modifications.
edit: received an e-mail saying that it will fit.
Post Edited (2025-11-28 01:50)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-11-28 03:30
What key did you need? With any new replacement keys, you should always expect to have them fitted regardless of "the price they want" - it's very rare that a replacement key will go straight on without any sort of modification.
I've ordered replacement keys and parts for various instruments from Windcraft/Dawkes - some of them were already in stock and arrived within a few days, whereas others that were special orders have been a much longer wait depending on the maker.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2025-11-29 04:16
I got a newer R13 Prestige missing the left (alternate) Eb/Ab lever and its rod screw.
Buffet US does not have one in stock; it would cost under $150 if I waited for them to get it. Dawkes got it but the cost is about $220-230.
I was told that the rod screw barrel may need shortening.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2025-11-29 11:52
>> I was told that the rod screw barrel may need shortening. <<
Yes, one thing that Buffet does well, or at least used to (I know they were still doing it about a decade ago and just guessing it hasn't changed), is that hinge tubes are always made slightly long, then cut to length individually using a hinge tube shortening cutter.
You can see that the hinge tube end face has a... well... faced surface. Some instruments (in particular cheaper ones) often have a non-machined face, or a saw cut, or some other sign of a quick and cheap way it was made to "length" (often with play so it's not accidentally too long).
So it's good that replacement keys are too long so it's not the opposite which is much worse.
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