 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Klar1netteF
Date: 2026-03-28 00:10
Hi! I’m still breaking in a new buffet, and I’m not sure of what I see here is a crack. There seems to be a small gap in the wood which could be grain, but there are pieces of wood fiber going across it. Is this a crack?
Post Edited (2026-03-28 00:18)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-03-28 02:54
You should've waited until the weather was warmer before buying a brand new wooden clarinet as buying one new during the winter months and playing it in wile humidity levels are low are just asking for trouble. Your teacher should've advised you never to buy a brand new clarinet during winter.
If it has cracked, then have it repaired as opposed to having a completely new top joint transplant as you're only going to have to go through the whole playing in period again, plus the new top joint may not play like the original one which is the reason you chose it.
I strongly believe it's better to repair a cracked top joint than to replace it because of those reasons. And have it repaired by a skilled repairer - at best it will only need filling with superglue and at worst it'll need pinning or carbon fibre banding, but the end result will still be the same clarinet you chose.
Plus the fact crack repairs are far less costly compared to a replacement top joint, both for the company you bought it from if they're repairing it under warranty and also Buffet themselves.
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: Klar1netteF
Date: 2026-03-28 19:57
Sorry, there was a misunderstanding. I forgot to mention that it was used (still not played in a while). It is new to me. I have confirmed that it was a repaired crack that I didn’t see earlier.
Thank you!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-03-29 03:11
If it's an existing crack repair that has since opened up, then see if it can be filled in again, or either pinned or carbon fibre banded if necessary.
If it runs across the trill or throat A toneholes, then they'd need to be bushed as you can't guarantee filling in cracked toneholes will remain closed and airtight. If they reopen even by a small amount, then that's gong to cause a leak of some degree or other.
Please don't stick tape or use wax, grease or anything else stuck over or smeared into the crack as that can cause any future repairs to fail if the crack is contaminated.
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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