Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-09-30 19:09
Just got my "new" old Evette Schaeffer bass. Hard rubber, serial number 54XX. I can get a few notes out of it, but as I expected, it needs an overhaul, so I took it to my tech today.
He says the keys look to be in good shape, and that it has a lot of nice features (like a LH Ab/Eb key), so I was glad to hear that. The neck and bell are also in good condition. He's going to accomplish an all new pad job, some key cork work, and a good cleaning...really, an overhaul, so it's in great playing shape when he's done.
He suggested that the original neck, which positions the mouthpiece at about a 90 degree angle from the clarinet itself, could be cut, bent, and soldered so that it is closer to a 45 degree angle. He said it wouldn't be pretty, but that, in his opinion, the new mouthpiece angle would feel much more natural to play.
I told him to do it, as getting the angle of this instrument right has been a struggle for me. In some respects, I feel like it would be easier for me to stand up and play this beast, riding it like a broomstick rather than sitting in a chair.
Two questions...is altering the neck like this okay? and...based on the serial number, anyone have any good idea about how old it is?
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The Clarinet BBoard
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