The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kes
Date: 2002-12-04 02:26
Well...I suppose my corks aren't quite suicidal, but some of the corks on my keys on my brand new clarinet have been falling off (which is odd, considering it's a buffet, and they're supposed to inspect everything). I was wondering, what is the cheapest and best material to use to put them back on, as I don't have any special stuff or even super glue to put it back on. What would you all recommend???
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-12-04 02:57
How brand new is it? I mean, you'd think that either the dealer or Buffet or both would have some sort of warrantee against something like that. If it was a manufacturing defect and not due to abuse. Do clarinet makers have this?
Alexi
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-12-04 03:52
There should be a year warranty from Buffet (if purchased from an authorized dealer.) Additionally the dealer might offer more coverage of their own. I would talk to the dealer, and do no work myself until the question of warranty coverage is decided.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-12-04 07:08
Are they sliding off or falling off?
A variety of manufacturers (including well known ones) have in the last decade or two, used quite a range of cork adhesive which is totally unsuitable. I assume they are using whatever is cheap to apply and hoping for the best.
Examples:
1. Adhesive which more or less resembles cheese, with similar (lack of) adhesive properties.
2. Glue gun type adhesive, used without heating the key sufficiently, &/or cleaning off oily film sufficiently to make it stick.
3. Shellac type adhesive, with the same problems as 2.
4. A double-sided self-adhesive backing applied to the cork. This type of adhesive normally 'creeps' when used on a small surface area; it creeps right off the key - sideways! This is currently very common.
If there is evidence of any of these I suggest you insist on ALL the corks (including tenons) being replaced before the guarantee runs out. This is expensive work if done piecemeal, every time the next cork falls off!
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-12-04 22:04
Buffet seems to be taking a pounding lately for their lack of quality control. From what I've seen and heard the past couple of years, their reputation is being soured by poor quality basic components as well. Conscientious dealers here in central California reseat pads as necessary, then just replace all the corks, as they begin to slide off the keys, as you mention, Gordon, rather than go to the expense and bother of sending the instruments back. That's nice for Buffet; they do a shoddy job and the dealers fix it. However, it isn't a combination that makes for good will.
It's sad. Buffet has been so 'on top' for decades and now to see it... sliding like a loose key cork... really sad :|
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Author: kes
Date: 2002-12-04 23:13
That is sad...plus, I never was able to send the warrenty in before the week deadline, because I got my clarinet in the mail the day before we left. I barely had time to play it before I left! And yes, I take very good care of my clarinet. It is expensive, and my baby...lol. I guess I'll take it to the repair tech when I get a chance...I still have the corks around I think.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-12-04 23:27
There is no advantage in taking in old corks. It is far preferable & quicker for a tech to replace corks than reglue them.
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