 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: cj228
Date: 2008-05-07 23:46
I just bought a used Buffet R13. My daughter took it to her clarinet teacher today to have her take a look. The teacher said the middle A and middle B flat keys are "stuffy". What does that mean? Is this a major problem? How much will it cost to get these two " stuffy" keys fixed? Thanks in advance for your help.
Post Edited (2008-05-07 23:47)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-05-08 00:21
Two possibilities leap to mind:
The action of the keys is stiff or they are not venting enough (don't open enough). Neither is that expensive of a modification.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: cj228
Date: 2008-05-08 03:03
Thank you. Tobin. Do you have any idea how much the adjustment of these two stuffy keys will usually cost if I take it to a repair shop?
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-05-08 03:15
I know that my tech wouldn't charge me anything that I wouldn't call change (if anything at all) ...but I drop whatever money my horns need into them.
If you wait till midafternoon several of the repair experts will weigh in on the subject, and I think you'll find more concrete answers on the price.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-05-08 08:41
I'm assuming that as it's a used R13, the throat A and G# pads may have been replaced with much thicker ones (as the original Buffet pads are thin) and this may be a contributing factor to the stuffiness.
In this case, the cork stopper under the A key can be trimmed thinner, and the G' key cork too if it's thick enough. If the G# stopper cork is really thin, then the G# key can be bent to allow for more venting.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-05-09 00:24
Simple job any experienced repair (specializing in clarinet) tech can handle well.
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Author: cj228
Date: 2008-05-09 02:14
Does any one know a clarinet repair technician in Houston area who does a great job with a reasonable charge?
Also my daughter's E11 clarinet case is broken in the back (the wood is separating at the hinge from the interior lining).I see a piece of metal with screws exposed. The exterior and interior of the case is still looking good otherwise. Can a clarinet techinican fix the case problem? I wonder if I can use some kind of glue to fix this myself?
Post Edited (2008-05-09 02:24)
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Author: pewd
Date: 2008-05-09 02:24
John Butler is in the Houston area.
http://www.cork-and-pad.woodwind.org/
I hate the Buffet cases - they break all the time - I prefer Protec. Try wwbw.com or weinermusic.com for cases. But yeah, they can be repaired.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-05-09 02:45
Before you take it in, most importantly, is the A and Bb in tune? it could have been adjusted that way to correct intonation as buffet clarinets run sharp these throat keys are pressed. Play it next to a tuner and if the pitch runs flat, a little bit of sand paper underneath the cork will make the key open higher: both raising the pitch, and opening the "stuffiness" out of the keywork. you can DIY, however do it in small increments. if intonation isn't the issue, then take it into the shop.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-05-10 12:33
If there's crud built up in the toneholes (usually caused by using a filthy pullthrough) this can make things stuffy, even if the venting is good (the throat A pad opening should be around 2mm).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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