Klarinet Archive - Posting 000591.txt from 1996/11

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: clarinet adjustment theory
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 11:34:14 -0500

>Now that I've found a way to send messages to the list again I have the
>following question:
>
>Where can I get information on the effects of various adjustments on the
>Bb clarinet? I have a book that shows how to make repairs. But I want
>something that explains more the effects and inter-relationships of
>adjustments. For instance, how far should the register key be above the
>register tube for optimum adjustment? What happens if the key is too close
>or too far away? What is the effect of different diameters or lengths of
>the register tube? What adjustments can be done to make an individual note
>more sharp or flat? More open and loud, or more constricted or stuffy?
>Etc. Are there books available? Where can I purchase? Or otherwise
>obtain?
>
>Thanks!
>

Many questions!...I'll try my best to address them. If anyone has any other
information, please feel free to cut in.

As far as books on repair, or at least the in depth repair you're looking
for, I'd have to say I've never seen any. Repair book authors: Kenneth
Muller, Eric Brand (now being sold by Ferree's Tools Inc.), Ron Saska,
Burton Stanley (or Stanley Burton, I forget which) to name a few. I don't
necessarily agree with all that each author states but, I'm sure they don't
agree with all that I say.

Below is a list of approximate key heights and cork thicknesses for
clarinet. All of you may feel free to use it but please don't sell it...(it
and the rest of the book is a publisher for approval). I hope it formats
correctly in your email program.

Clarinet

Upper joint

Register key Under touchpiece #1 or #2
A key Under touchpiece #6 - #7 or #1
G# key Under touchpiece #1 or #7
Thumb ring key Under foot #1
F#/B ring key Under arm #1
F#/C# trill key Under foot #2
Bb trill key Under foot #2 or #3
C trill key Under foot #2 or #3
Eb/Bb Under touchpiece #3
Eb/Bb auxiliary key Under touchpiece #2
D/A ring key Under bridge arm #1 (where
arm articulates bridge foot) #2 (where arm strikes upper jt. body -
not applicable to some clarinets)

C#/G# key Under touchpiece #3 or #7

Venting of Upper joint: Instrument is assembled

A, G#, trill keys - 2.5 mm
Register key - 1 mm to 2 mm
Eb/Bb aux. key , C#/G# key - 3 mm
Eb/Bb key - 2.5 mm
D/A ring key - 2.5 mm

Lower ring key Under bridge foot #2 or #3
B/F# key Under touchpiece #2
F/C lever Under foot #1 or #2
F/C key Under arm (articulates #1 F/C lever)
F/C key On crows foot #1
E/B key Under foot #1 or #2
Ab/Eb key Under touchpiece #2 or #3
Thumb rest Underside #2

Key venting lower joint: Instrument is assembled

Lower ring key - 2.5 mm
F#/B - 3 mm
Ab/Eb, F#/C#, F/C, E/B - 3 mm to 4 mm

lining the inside of a tone hole (I usually use clear nail polish though
some very reputable repair technicians will use epoxy or other material)
will flatten the pitch of the fundamental but will have the opposite effect
on the 12th or (no effect). Undercutting the tone hole will also affect
the pitch as well as how smooth the instrument sounds from note to note.

Shortening the length of the register tube will raise the pitch of the 12th
above the fundamental and the throat Bb. The altissimo notes will really be
sharp. I remember certain Selmer clarinets had a register tube that was too
long (about 1mm); this made the throat Bb quite flat and stuffy.

Keep in mind that tone hole placement and size are not the only things that
affect pitch. The bore plays a big role.

I'm getting long winded, I hope this information proves useful.

You might also try addressing your question to the Repair Listserve

Steve

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