Music Education Provides Discipline
Two-thirds (67%) of Americans say music education provides people with a disciplined approach to solving problems.
~ July 2014 Harris Poll
Tuning an instrument equipped with pegs instead of tuning machines can be a frustrating task when problems are present.
First of all the strings must be in good condition. Worn or frayed strings cannot be tuned well.
It is essential that the pegs be fitted well, and lightly lubricated if needed. Use peg dope or peg compound when the pegs squeak when turned. No lubrication is preferable to too much. “Peg Drops” is a useful product for a quick, temporary fix to slipping pegs.
When the peg is first turned, it is good to feel and/or hear a click. This tells us that the peg will stick correctly after tuning. After the click, the peg should turn smoothly.
The peg is fitted on a taper with the thicker end toward the peg head. It is the nature of this tapered peg to push its way out. The string will quickly unwind if this is allowed to happen. It is also essential that the pegs be held in while tuning. If you have to hold the instrument with both hands and push the peg in very hard in order to get them to stick, or if your pegs are constantly slipping, consider taking the instrument to our shop for correction and adjustment. Firmly holding the pegs in while turning should suffice.
If the string is just a half step or less off, just use the fine tuners.
Pegs whose string holes are too far to the wrong side of the peg box can and will keep the pegs from being held in. These pegs must have new string holes drilled in order to function correctly. This is a delicate process best handled by a luthier/string technician.
Paige’s stringed instrument repair shop is here to help you keep your instrument in its best condition. Play well and enjoy!
A couple of weeks ago a few of us from Paige’s Music had the pleasure of traveling to sunny Anaheim, California to attend the annual winter NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants). There we had the opportunity to meet with our vendors to review current products, as well as see and learn about new products hitting the market in 2016. One of the most notable products on the winds side came from Buffet where they introduced us to their new Tradition clarinet.
Expected to launch next month, the Tradition is being described by its creators as being “inspired by a pre-1950’s design while taking into account the needs of modern musical repertoire and performance practice”. Featuring a cylindrical bore that compliments the R13 and RC bore families, Buffet has stated this new instrument is “Le son à l’état pur,” or “Sound at its purest level”. They also go on to say:
“The project was completed with the objective of offering a clarinet in its most natural form, with no unnecessary changes or overstated technology. The new bore concept traces its inspiration to one of the earliest modern professional clarinets, the fabled Buffet Crampon BC20. Featuring a cylindrical bore design, the new clarinet harkens back to the purity of sound produced by the BC20, with a tone hole placement inspired by the Tosca design. The result is an instrument that presents a clear, focused, rich sound suitable for any acoustic environment and an even scale for consistent intonation throughout all registers. These innovations allow the amateur or professional clarinetist to focus on making music, rather than constantly adjusting their embouchure and voicing.”
We here at Paige’s Music are excited for the introduction of this new professional model clarinet to add to our ever evolving step up selection. Once it arrives to our store, we welcome beginning and professional clarinetists alike to come try the Buffet Tradition and provide us with your feedback!
Technical Specifications
Keys: Bb, A/ Pitch: 440?442 Hz
Features:
Body:
65 and 66mm for Bb
64 and 65mm for A
Keywork:
Pads:
Posts:
Case: