 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: plinyvic
Date: 2016-11-06 08:05
I recently got a new Buffet E11, and im in the process of breaking it in as it is made of wood. It is my first wooden clarinet, and im not sure of what is supposed to happen with new instruments. It is very difficult to play, and it is almost impossible to play anything below a F. Is this supposed to happen with new clarinets?
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-11-06 09:43
Which "F" are you talking about? In any case, you have a mechanical problem, probably easily rectified by a good technician.
IMHO, a wooden instrument's tone does improve in the first couple of years, if broken in carefully and not abused, but they should ideally play perfectly "out of the box" when totally new. Unfortunately, many new clarinets need some work.
E11s can be pretty decent clarinets. Enjoy!
Tom
Post Edited (2016-11-07 04:45)
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2016-11-06 18:00
If you mean the F on the lowest space of the treble clef, then you've almost certainly got a leak. Take it to a competent tech and they can fix it. It's probably the screw on the A key, and maybe if you unscrew it a little yourself you can get it close to where you want it. It's at least worth a shot!
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Author: plinyvic
Date: 2016-11-06 19:38
I will post a picture of the F that it is struggling with. What I thought is weird, is that for a while after about a week of break in the clarinet was playing fine, then I was busy and couldn't break it in for a few days and it started to play funky. The mechanical parts all seem to be working fine as far as i can tell.
http://meggrace.com/wp-content/uploads/c-d-e-f-300x194.jpg
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2016-11-07 00:46
Whatever is wrong, this has nothing to do with "break-in." Break-in, to the extent it's needed at all, has mostly to do with the wood itself, not the mechanism. Unless the instrument has cracked, which would be visible.
I guess you've considered and rejected the reed as a culprit after sitting unused for a week.
Karl
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Author: pewd
Date: 2016-11-07 01:39
Did you check the G#/A adjustment screw, as Katrina advised?
Back this screw (its plastic) off 1/2 turn and see if that helps.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2016-11-07 03:25
that sort of adjustment would be covered by warranty, take it back to where you bought it.
i have an E-11 and i really like it. But like all clarinets, it doesn't take much to be out of alignment in the mechanism and it be hard to play.
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