 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: packrat
Date: 2006-10-01 07:32
I have a Buffet S-1 Bb clarinet that I have played for years off and on. The last time it was overhauled in the late 70's. I haven't played much in the last 15 years, but I am interested in getting back up to speed since I now have more time to play, but I have noticed a stuffiness to the tone and I think I have a slight leak in the top of my lower section. I have to be really careful when playing big intervals. My A (an even older LeBlanc) plays much freer and has a much better feel to it. My old Charles Bay mouthpiece wasn't working for me anymore (I have no idea why) and I had to struggle to keep squeaks out of my music when I first started back. I thought it was me (since I had been out of practise for so long). After a few months, I purchased a new mouthpiece and on both clarinets I have noticed a remarkable difference in tone and articulation and that fixed a lot of my problem. However I still have problems on the Bb, although not as bad.
Here's my question. I have no idea who did the overhaul back then. I was yound and stupid and my teacher (who was 1st chair in the symphony at the time) had connections. He sent my clarinet to someone in Chicago who was a friend and he did the work. It came back better than new. I can't ask him because he passed away years ago.
I am so out of the loop now, I would like recommendations on who is doing good work for professional clarinetists. Has anyone had work done that they are really pleased with? I really should have had my clarinets done long ago, but I'm afraid to send them to just anyone without a recommendation. I love my babies even if I've been forced to neglect them for a long time.
Thanks to all that reply.
Packrat
Music gets better with age! (I speak from experience here  )
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Author: Bill
Date: 2006-10-01 17:33
I recommend Vytas Krass of South River, NJ. My sense is that his speciality is adjustment, something that often gets overlooked in all the cleaning and polishing that is done. I think "better than new" applies to his finished work.
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2006-10-01 17:41
I recommend David Spiegelthal in Virginia.
He recently overhauled my 30 yr old Leblanc . Now it plays better than ever
and better than my new R13.( His rate is down to earth.)
Post Edited (2006-10-01 17:51)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-10-01 18:12
I also have good experience with David Spiegelthal. Although he didn't overhaul a clarinet for me, he did repair a mouthpiece and I thought he was a really nice and honest repairer, and he also gave me some good advice. I thought it was great dealing with him as apposed to some other repaireres I've had the "pleasure" to meet.
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Author: Mags1957
Date: 2006-10-01 18:42
If it was someone in Chicago and came back better than new, odds are it was Brannen. They're still around and still do phenominal work. I believe they are a sponsor of this site.
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Author: bcl1dso
Date: 2006-10-01 19:31
Tim Clark in Ohio is the best around, but you better be prepared to pay
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Author: Imperial Zeppelin
Date: 2006-10-02 11:07
Chicago mid-70s could have been Frank Kaspar too. His apprentice, Rick Sayre (Sayre Woodwinds) is in business and has done great work for us.
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Author: Tim P
Date: 2006-10-02 20:13
My humble suggestion..... Pick any of the many good technicians that have been reccommended and talk to the individual and get a "good feeling". If you don't then move on. I believe it is very important that you can really trust the person and can connect. I always look at the worst that can happen. suppose the technicain calls and says that he/she just found a crack in lower joint. How do you know that they did not just pick it up off the floor? you don't!, unless you can trust them. Suppose they say that it tookextra time becuase the keys were so bent out of shape.
I mailed my instrutment to a member of this board but I had already met him in person and I felt I could trust him. He was not the cheapest around but he was not the most expensive either. The price was not final until the clarinet was finished. I believe that I got everything I paid for. I don't know if it is professional to mention his name but it rhymes with Walter Grabner.
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