Klarinet Archive - Posting 000584.txt from 1996/09

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: side-key "bounce"
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 1996 11:11:05 -0400

Peter wrote:

>Ever since purchase, my Prestige-R13 A clarinet has had a slight bounce
>when you trill the F#/C# key. Repair expert's been baffled-he thinks the
>fact that there's an alternate Ab/Eb lever, which adds a key to this
>left-hand assembly, might be causing a changed angle on the C# key.
>Anyone out there experienced this/have any ideas to fix it? Thanks!
>Peter (peter.stoll@-----.ca)

Peter,

The bounce you're describing can come from F#/C# pad (the felt)
that is too hard. It also can come from a misplacement of the spring
cradle. If the cradle is too far from the post it will cause the key to
bounce. On normally open keys, the cradle can be farther away from the
post, the bounce being remedied by using soft felt under the foot of the
key (ex: lower ring key); the bounce will not affect the playing of the
instrument. On normally closed keys like the F#/C# you can install a soft,
woven felt pad (like vito clarinet pads) to reduce the bounce to a minimum
but relocation of the spring cradle is the real answer. The spring cradle
on the F#/C# key should be approximately 18 - 19mm (I'd say no more than 2
cm) away from the edge of the key (post).

Your repair tech. hasn't put cork under the F#/C# lever has he/she?

Steve.

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu