Klarinet Archive - Posting 000132.txt from 1997/10

From: Ken Bryson <kbryson@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Assembling the clarinet
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 1997 22:49:56 -0400

Dee,

I read a couple of replies to Scott's post, and at the moment I don't
recall the exact details of your method. In defense of mine I can only
say that it has always worked for me and never resulted in damage to
keys, and that I have taught that methods to a couple of young
beginners, one of whom is currently entrusted with my Selmer Series 10,
and they have had no difficulties maintaining their instruments in good
condition. If you repost your assembly technique, I'll read it with
clarinet in hand.

Nancy

Dee Hays wrote:
>
> Ken Bryson wrote:
>
> > Grip lower section of clarinet in your left hand with the long bar of
> > the lower section in the "V" between your thumb and index finger, and
> > the bottom joint of the section toward the heel of your hand.
> >
> > Grip the bell of the clarinet in your right hand.
> >
> > Twist to assemble.
> >
> > Continue holding the lower section in your left hand.
> >
> > With your right hand, grip the upper section of the clarinet as
> > follows: clarinet section rests in the palm of your hand with the thumb
> > hole down, approximately in the "V" between your thumb and index finger,
> > and the center joint to the left. Curve your fingers over the long side
> > keys and bar, and depress the rings over the tone holes in the upper
> > section. (This raises the bridge key over the middle joint to avoid
> > collision while assembling.) I find this gives a very secure grip with
> > no danger of damaging the keys.
> >
> > Gently twist the two sections together, being careful to keep the rings
> > depressed with the fingers of your right hand, and line up the bridge
> > mechanism.
> >
> > Continue holding the clarinet in your right hand. With your left hand,
> > twist the barrell onto the upper section and then the mouthpiece onto
> > the barrell
>
> I have been studying your reply for several days now. I cannot say that it is
> wrong but it appears to me that this puts the long rods on the lower joint at a
> great risk of being bent if not done perfectly. Similarly if the grip on the upper
> joint is not perfect, there is a risk of twisting the side keys enough to either
> bend them or twist the posts.
>
> Did you read my reply to Scott? If not let me know and I can repost. That way you
> can study it and see if perhaps you might like it better. I think it is a little
> more "forgiving" of errors on the part of the person assembling the clarinet.
>
> Dee Hays
> Canton, SD
> deerich@-----.net