Klarinet Archive - Posting 000271.txt from 1996/06

From: niethamer@-----.EDU
Subj: Re: Bending the register key
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 1996 23:35:49 -0400

> I guess 'invisible cracks' with bending are a possible
> concern. I wonder if the small amount of movement needed in
> this case would cause that, and there shouldn't be a need for
> rebending. Also, the bending would be done on the lower part
> of the key, and I don't see how that could affect the angle of
> the pad. In any case, I definitely agree that it would best be
> done by a knowledgeable repairman. My only objection to adding
> cork under the key to lower the pad is that it's less
> comfortable, being higher under my thumb, and students (esp.
> younger ones) are more likely to hit the key inadvertantly.

I actually did have a small crack develop in a register key, right at the
tube where the screw goes through the key. It required soldering to keep
it from breaking off.

Cork *under* the thumb spatula should cause the key to open less, but
shouldn't have any effect on the key when the register key is not being
used. It might, however, make the feel of the register key seem a bit
high when it is depressed, and make it feel unbalanced with the feel of
the thumb ring.

I haven't experienced these troubles with professional quality clarinets,
but some of the "off-brand" specials kids come up with have weird
uncomfortable setups that give the student fits when attempting to learn
the use of the register key.

> (Reply to David Niethamer's comment) My experience seems to
> suggest that an opening equal to the thickness of a nickel is
> too much. My clarinets have less than a dime's thickness of
> opening. That also helps to lower the pitch of high A-C. My
> mind is definitely still open on this subject, however.

I'm not a tech, nor do I play one on TV. I imagine that most brands have
a specification for the register key opening that balances the tuning of
the high A/B/C (above the staff) with the tone quality/response of the
throat Bb, and the third line B natural and third space C. Again, mostly
this seems to be an issue on off brand clarinets, where instead of a
nickel or dime, one could wedge a wad of $50's into the space between the
register key pad and the tube in the tone hole! Presuming, of course,
that any impoverished clarinetist/teacher would *have* such a wad!!

David Niethamer