Klarinet Archive - Posting 000274.txt from 1996/06

From: Roger Shilcock
Subj: Re: Bending the register key
Date: Tue, 18 Jun 1996 03:51:43 -0400

On Mon, 17 Jun 1996, Daron Bradford wrote:

> -- [ From: Daron Bradford * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
> >Luuk van B. says bending a key can create invisible cracks.
> >The point also arises that the bending will have to be
> >done precisely in the plane at right angles to the pad. Considering the
> >size and shape of the key, I think this would be very difficult to get
> right.
> >Roger Shilcock
>
> 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.
>
> (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.
>
If you bend the touchpiece part of the key, below the pivot, I suppose it
need not affect the angle of the pad. I had ruled this out just because
of the (possibly quite subtle) change in thumb technique which might well
be needed. There would still be a problem if this part of the key were to
be bent asymetrically.
When I was just starting, I found the register key touchpiece to be
disconcertingly far away from the edge of my thumb, which tended to lift
off the ring - this improved with practice (and better instruments!). It
might actually be easier for a beginner if the
cork on the key was *very* slightly buit up to reduce the key opening,
rather than bending the key.
Roger Shilcock