 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Melanie
Date: 2002-03-03 03:28
I have had my Buffet R-13 for about 2 years now. It has never had any repair done on it, and now I find that there are a few leaks that need fixed. It still plays well, but not like it should. Should I get an overhaul? I live in Southern California and will be spending the Summer in Eastern Washington state. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a good repairman? The clarinet was originally worked on and adjusted by Peter Spriggs (whom I bought the instrument from), but he works out of Canada.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-03-03 04:09
Two years is usually about time for a check-up. Replace pads and cork as necessary, clean, oil, adjust. I live in Sacramento (CA). I don't know about other areas. I don't think any reputable shop around here would recommend a complete overhaul for the minor symptoms you describe Maybe in another year or two.
Does Peter do work by carrier? If so, you may want to check that possibility out. Otherwise, you might ask some local players in Washington where they take their instruments. That's the best indicator I know of.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Melanie
Date: 2002-03-03 05:57
Thanks for the advice, I talked to Peter, and he does do repair by currier, and even has an office in Washington. I think that's going to be the best choice, as I don't really know any players in Washington, and I refuse to hand my clarinet over to some random stranger. Also, thanks for the advice for not getting a complete overhaul. I didn't think that it would really need it, because it just needs some adjustments. In another year, I will hopefully be able to do it myself, because I am taking a woodwind repair class through my university, but for now, I will probably send it to Peter. Thanks again for all of your help.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-03-03 07:28
Good direction to go, Melanie. I mean, dealing with Peter rather than a stranger in a strange land -and- learning to do it yourself.
I went to a shop several years ago and told the tech I was interested in doing my own horns. He smiled, wished me well and said, "You'll save yourself a lot of money."
Perhaps it was my imagination but, as I was leaving his shop down the narrow stairway, I thought I heard someone stiffling a chuckle... naw, prob'ly just the wind. Sure, that's it, just my imagination.
So, who cares? He was right. I've been saving money doing my own repairs ever since.
What, ME WORRY? :]
East Washington. We were up that way a couple of years ago. Is that desert area where you're going? We were kinda south east. Beautiful country. Love the sensible traffic too (compared to CA).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ian
Date: 2002-03-03 21:16
I agree with Ron, I would send my clarinet to the guy who I trust if I were you. It appears that music store repairmen often do not do such a good job. I have not heard of any really good repairmen in California. If anyone knows of any will you please post their names and contact information in this thread? -Thanks.
I also do my own repairs. I used to have problems with my instruments constantly going out of repair. I got a repair kit for clarinet about two years ago after three repairmen tried tried to fix my clarinet. It turns out it was just poorly set up. Now I just check it myself and make any adjustments it needs. I am still looking for a good repairman to fix a crack on my spare clarinet. I don't think I will attempt this repair myself.
Cheers!
Ian
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-03-04 06:58
Ian -
I sure don't know, couldn't possibly know, about all of California, just my little corner of it; Sacramento. There are some good repairers here, well... two that I'd recommend. They're not regulars at Sneezy but I'd be happy to post here where you can contact them. I think that's allowed -- Mark?
I definitely agree that a big store with a shop doesn't always equate to competent service :| This I know from personal experience. It's the reason I do my own :]
Now it's Happy Tootin' all the time
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-03-04 09:10
It is sad that after two years it is common for Buffets to have pads that have split.
Good quality pads last far longer than this.
Buffet pads USED to be among the best.
What happened, Buffet?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-03-04 16:16
Hi, Gordon -
I've heard of and seen some really odd things about new Buffets. From the factory, they need more than a little adjustment, corks slide off keys during hot weather (funny glue) and have to be re-done, pads not correctly seated, etc. I don't remember all the things just now dealers/techs end up doing that should have been taken care of before shipping. Poor 'quality control'? This is the first I've heard about bad pads though.
Are Buffets becoming like some bicyles nowadays? You buy a set of tires and tubes to replace the crappy ones that come from the factory because the factory ones won't hold air overnight. I, too, have always had a high opinion of Buffet instruments. Recently though, I've seen/heard things....
When I suggested to Melanie that four-five years... well, I guess my thinking was locked into ten-years-ago mode. At least I *hope* the instrument doesn't need a complete re-pad after only two years :|
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Melanie
Date: 2002-03-05 00:04
I think you are probably still right about my pads. They were replaced with some better pads and there were some corks and adjustments made to it before I got it. I don't know exactly what was done, but I think it just needs some touch ups.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-03-05 17:46
Melanie -
Peter Spriggs did some excellent work for me. He has a U.S.A. shipping address, so there is no customs problem, and his turnaround was very quick. I'd say you should definitely go back to him.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-03-06 13:22
And selmer Paris quality control and general standards are also far from admirable.
Le Blanc, for decades now, has been using a pad and cork glue whose consistency and adhesion resembles that of cheese after a couple of years, if not directly after application.
Personally I think the manufacturers have a major problem with pad glue.
Shellac is expensive (but only relative, not per instrument) and is not in a form that lends itself to speedy mass production.
Le Blanc's 'cheese' is quite inappropriate because it does not stick.
The glue-stick hot melt is easily automated but there's a rub! Unless all traces of moisture or oiliness is removed, and the key metal is heated to a fairly warm temperature, then the adhesion of the glue can be quite suspect.
The self-adhesive backing is currently being tried. corks 'creep' off the keys, and pads probably also move within the key cup, particularly if the bottom of the cup is not flat.
So far the short cuts in manufacture really are not working.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
