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Obervations during R-13 trials

Author: Jerry
Date: 2003-01-25 03:44

I've been trying several new and a used R-13s.

Observations 1: The majority (3 out of 5) had a sticking problem of the thumb (F4) ring key (meaning a microsecond or longer delay of the key returning/rising after being depressed) usually after a brief warm up period, and as a result of coming up from E. One well known repair shop (first initial "B") told me this is a fairly common problem with R-13's, and the only way to correct it is to replace the material Buffet uses on the underside of the E gizmo that contacts with the thumb F key lever (needless to say not their exact words!)

Observation 2: On at least 2 of the 5 instruments, the A (A5 one line above staff) plays with significantly more resistance with less volume (aka "stuffy") than the G below or B above. I say "at least" because I already sent the previous two back instruments back before I had the pleasure of playing one that had equal resistance, so I didn't really focus on that issue with the first two. But two of the three I am currently trying have this excessive resistence on this one note, one somewhat worse than the other. In a practice situation the other night, I was playing a piece on what I thought at the moment was my "favorite" R-13. There was a fairly quick slurred G4 to A5 jump and I couldn't understand why there was a slight delay from 4 to 5. Aside from the fact I don't have the airstream of a pro, this problem was greatly aggavated by the excessive resistence of this A5.

Observation 3: Being the curious person I am, I peered through the bore of the top piece of these instruments, and the thumb hole tube that protudes into the bore was a visibly different length between at least two of the instruments. Is this difference typical to adapt each instrument's intonation during the final tweaking process at the factory, or is this an anomaly, and, if so, what problems, if any, might it cause?

Observation 4: The finish of the wood on one was more transparent and lighter and fine grained than on two others which appeared more heavily coated with the dark stain that is used. Is this be any indication of a difference in quality of the wood, or just a superficial thing?

I'd love to hear any thoughts on these comments.

I have become as greatly impressed with the differences between instruments of the same make and model as I am with their similarities. Pity the poor beginner who has no idea why he is struggling with issues made much more difficult by a poorly adjusted instrument. One of the best services a good instructor or band director can provide is to sensitively play test student's instruments to help identify these issues. Not just that the notes play, but to identify when the instrument needs adjusting/repair to achieve the playability that most instrument are capable of.

Jerry

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