 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: classic10
Date: 2010-01-25 16:07
Hi All,
I just got my first Buffet Paris clarinet (from 1937). It was very cheap but it was in dire need for repair. I've gone through everything... fixed cracks, polished keys, put new pads on, changed cork, etc.
The only thing left is to find a replacement for two posts that were heavily damaged. Before resorting to putting a post from some different clarinet (with the wrong thread size and height) in. Is it easy to find replacement post for Buffet clarinets. Where?
Also as an alternative I thought about buying on e-bay a different buffet clarinet that might have the same post style (maybe a B12?) Any thoughts on that?
Thank You So much for the help!!!
P.S.: I've searched the BBoard and didn't find anything.
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2010-01-25 16:12
Buffet designs have changed a lot over the years. Parts from a B12 will not just "fit right in", sadly.
The easiest thing to do (that I can think of) is to just make them yourself from a rod of nickel silver.
Which posts are they?
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Author: classic10
Date: 2010-01-25 16:34
Hi Skygardner,
It is the lower joint, ring's key, bottom post; and upper joint, Eb key, upper post.
I have a few spare parts but buffet seems to have the smallest posts from any clarinet I've ever seen. I never thought about making it myself. But I think it would "look" better if I use some other clarinet's posts even if it will ruin the threads on the wood than to try to make one myself. :-)
Is it common for repair shops to stock key posts? are they extremely expensive?
Post Edited (2010-01-25 16:37)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2010-01-25 16:40
What is the problem with the posts that you need to replace them? Most of the time it is possible to repair anyway.
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Author: classic10
Date: 2010-01-25 17:04
Hi, claribass,
The one from the top joint has a hole that's 3 times larger, since this post doesn't need to have any threads I thought about filling it up with silver solder and then making th hole again. But, well if it was easy to replace this wouldn't be necessary.
The one from the bottom joint is missing. :-(
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Author: atasic
Date: 2010-01-25 17:21
you can try to find the key posts here: https://www.windcraft.co.uk/
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2010-01-25 20:02
Be aware that when a clarinet is manufactured the bare post is screwed firmly into the wood before the facing for the key rod is machined and the post holes bored, so transplanting pillars from another clarinet, even a seemingly identical Buffet will created problems of alignment that have to be tackled.
Better to try and fix those you already have.
Incidentally the RH ring post and keys are the most problematical for getting correct alignment as the dimensions and centre-ing of the rings over the finger holes is critical.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-01-25 21:48
If you know anyone with a load of blank (undrilled) pillars of all different heights and has the tools to fit them, drill the holes through and face them off to fit keywork between (and drill spring holes), you're best doing that.
Sometimes you can get lucky and find pillars from a donor instrument that will go in and can be made to line up properly with each other, but the chances are very slim.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: classic10
Date: 2010-01-27 20:04
Ok.
I've decided that I need to make a new post from a blank and also a rod screw.
Here is my followup question:
What material stock do I buy to make those parts? I imagine that the posts are made of brass. What about the screw rods? I thought about ordering it from www.smallparts.com but there are dozens of materials to choose.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2010-01-28 11:50
Suppliers such as Ferrees offer many diameters of drill rod.
Then you will need a die of the correct thread.
Most posts are made from a cupro-nickel alloy, often called "nickel silver". Although it contains no silver, it looks like silver when it is polished. It is stronger than brass. Posts are normally electroplated with silver or nickel.
Cupronickel stock is not readily available. I buy it from the Fox bassoon company.
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