Klarinet Archive - Posting 000504.txt from 1996/02

From: Richard Spittel <ContraReed@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: bell on?
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 14:23:03 -0500

In a message dated 96-02-14 09:56:26 EST, you write:

>here's a small question for the pundits. I have built myself a case that
>takes my Bb and my Eb. When finished playing, I disassemble the Eb into
>mouthpiece, barrell and the "rest" sim. with the Bb, I leave the upper
>joint sepearte, biut I do not take off the bell. Is this correct?

Granted, there are commercially available cases which are designed for which
instruments don't have to be taken fully apart. However, this works to the
detriment of the instrument. Cork, being the somewhat elastic substance that
it is, can become permanently compressed if not allowed to expand, thus
makingyour bell fall off at the most inopportune time. On the other hand, the
inner tenon might expand and become stuck in the larger receiving joint and
when you need to take off the bell, might necessitate a trip to the repair
shop. IMHO, I think you're better off separating the joints when the
instrument is not in use. (and I'm not going to comment on that scene in
Mr.Holland's Opus!)

Richard Spittel

Baltimore, MD