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Messages - DaveLeBlanc

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1
If you're talking about the thumb ring, I would first see if there's any grime on that little strip first.
Then, unscrew the screw rod, clean it with alcohol, then add a bit of key oil. If that doesn't fix it, you can try wrapping that little leg with some cheap teflon plumber's tape.

2
Boy, a 14 year old with an R-13? Talk about starting them off well!

3
Please see my Buffet identification guide here:

https://clarinetpages.info/smf/index.php?topic=1676.0

From the looks of it, might just be a 1970s or so R13. An astounding find at at thrift shop. However, I do see several repaired cracks on the upper joint, which can seriously detract the value. Either way, you should make a few bucks.

4
All about Clarinets / Thrift shop finds
« on: September 29, 2023, 04:22:51 PM »
I have literally never had any luck finding woodwind instruments for reasonable prices at any thrift shop.

Finally, this week, I found three:
$75 for a Vito bass in rather poor condition. However, it came with what appears to be a new Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, and the case is impeccable. An easy $150 in value just in the mouthpiece and the case.

$50 for a Buescher 20A alto sax. Great shape, slight bend in the bell though. Came with a rather new-looking Selmer Goldentone 3 mouthpiece. It needs a few adjustments in the lower stack, but that's probably a $200 instrument for $50.

$10 for an antique violin of some sort. It is a Stradivarius copy, and is stamped "Conservatory Violin" on the neck. I couldn't find any maker's mark, but there is an antique repair tag inside - repaired by *some guy* based in Washington, D.C., in 1936. So, it's at least from 1936, and considering that the repair was a lateral crack, and it doesn't appear to have been dropped or abused, I would imagine it's a very early 20th century piece.
It's missing the tailpiece, chinrest, bridge, pegs, and strings - it's a bare body. However, I just need to buy these individual pieces and I should have a nice 100-year old violin for less than $100 after I buy some cheap parts. Nice.

The gods finally answered my call for cheap instruments at the thrift!

5
Help and info about other instruments / Re: Got a new instrument
« on: September 29, 2023, 04:17:15 PM »
Huh, how neat. Looks like fun

7
Trading Post / Re: Other places to sell and buy instruments?
« on: September 29, 2023, 04:15:39 PM »
Well, I don't know of any schools which are willing to BUY instruments - they always take donations though. I guess that might help for tax purposes.

If you have a really special, expensive, or unique instrument, a local university or museum may be interested in a purchase.

8
How awesome. Lovely instrument. It will clean up very nicely, I'm sure. Shame about the cracks, but those are just about unavoidable at that age. A little CA and some delicate touch and you're in business.

9
All about Clarinets / Re: Yamaha CSVR and left Eb key (CSVR-ASP)
« on: September 29, 2023, 04:12:46 PM »
Always wondered why the left Eb is so uncommon on sopranos. I guess sure, the size, but... it's just an extra key. Every alto and larger clarinet has one standard!

10
All about Clarinets / Re: Thoughts on current instrument market?
« on: September 28, 2023, 05:36:53 PM »
Oddly enough, in my experience it's always been hard for me to sell instruments at a level that it's worth my time. If I'm spending 10 hours on a restoration and can only sell something for $500, but I bought it for $200, at that point it's not really a money-maker.

That being said, it's probably been about 3 years since I've sold anything, so maybe things have changed.

11
Nice mouthpiece!

12
Make and Model lists and research / Re: Interesting plastic Conn
« on: September 21, 2023, 08:09:20 PM »
How neat. Most Conns with that stamp I've seen tended not to have the brushed plastic finish, smooth instead. Sure looks like an Artley 18S to me!

13
All about Clarinets / Re: Who can share experiences with Fiberreeds?
« on: September 21, 2023, 08:07:08 PM »
Boy, been a while since I've been in the synthetic reed game. I used to play almost exclusive on Fibracell 3 on soprano and bass.

For Contra Alto, I always used Legere, a softer one though I don't remember exactly which. One day I'll pick things back up.

14
All about Clarinets / Re: Just bought a BD4 to try out.
« on: September 21, 2023, 08:04:42 PM »
Good review, thanks. For years I played on a very good Geo M Bundy 3 that was tossed in the case of some basket case clarinet.

Years later, Phil gifted me a Rico Reserve X5, and I've never had better.

15
All about Clarinets / Re: Pedler Hoosier Metal Clarinet
« on: September 03, 2023, 06:05:06 PM »
It's very difficult to find a manufacturer-specific barrel for metals. Best of luck

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