I suppose my question is, does it matter what handed you are when playing an instrument? It's not like I have higher "fidelity" or anything with my right hand on the lower stack. In fact, I'd argue that my left (and non-dominant) hand is superior in fine motor skills (with respect to instrument key actuation) than my right hand. If it was the other way around, I can't imagine it would be any different.

it's like typing on a keyboard, my right hand isn't any better at typing than the left. Or, playing a keyboard instrument for that matter.

I have considered donating to NMM or the Carlsbad Museum of Making Music. But at my (young) age, I'd rather have my own private museum display for the time being.

How neat. I have never seen that before. It does make sense to prevent cracking. Many of the articulates I've been through have had at least hairlines. One drop and it's over. I'm sure the extra beef makes a difference.

How did you manage to cut it, if I may ask? Asking for a friend...

WRT to developing your kids, I was told when I was young that I "must" play an instrument, and take private lessons.  My only choice was which one.  I chose trumpet cuz my dad played it.

I didn't become voluntarily committed to music until a few years into it when band (and eventually orchestra) became fun.  So personally I am a fan of this draconian method - might not work on all kids though. :-)

I got started with soprano clarinet because when I was a kid, my dad pulled out this old metal stick that he said belonged to his grandfather. I wanted it, so he said he'd give it to me if I learned how to play the clarinet. And so, I did.

Funny enough, despite my multiple offers to restore it, he kind of wants to keep it in the old dingy state. I suppose it's kind of nice to keep it as a time-capsule of sorts, perhaps memories fade when things are made new.

I'm sure the HP monogram caused some confusion with the HP for high pitch stamps that were common back in the days of the HP-LP schism.

Hey, we've all been there. A trick I learned from Phil is to wrap the tenon corks with some teflon plumber's tape. I actually prefer the cheap, thin dollar store variety, as opposed to the thick high quality stuff. Retains grip, while allowing for some dry lubrication. Cork grease just gets everywhere and makes cases gross.

Please keep us posted! I'm sure this is more common of an issue that you think.