Klarinet Archive - Posting 000703.txt from 1998/07

From: "Cox, Graeme" <Graeme.Cox@-----.nz>
Subj: RE: [kl] E/B Key
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 23:41:38 -0400

Dear Dirk,

This is a common problem (with new and repadded instruments) and =
usually
easily fixed. The first step is to ensure that the pads covering the
four lowest holes are correctly bedded in. To do this, you thoroughly
wet the pads and tie them tightly closed with rubber bands. Then leave
them to dry overnight. When you remove the bands, the pads will be
flattened and will show a clear ring on their surfaces. Unless you can
see these rings, and they are complete, the pads will not seal
correctly. If the pads are too spongy (as new) you will never get the
notes below G to sound with a good tone.

Then you can set the metalwork with some careful inspection and =
bending.
It's easy to do and can be fixed if you get it wrong. The critical =
thing
to do is to match the E and F# keys. Start be pressing down the E pad
with you finger on top and watch the F# be taken down too by the
linkage. Both pads should touch down exactly together and the pads
should be flat enough that they can't be squeezed down with further
pressure. You will probably not need to add or subtract bits of cork to
get things right, but you can if you have heaps of time!

Once you get things right, with the pads flat and sealing, you will =
find
that you need only slight finger pressure to create a full round tone
for the lowest notes. You will also notice that the notes just above =
the
break are also clean and very easy to play.

If you are having problems with your older clarinet, try what I suggest
on the old one and then do the new one once you feel confident.

Good luck!
Graeme Cox Business Consulting Team Leader
Management Information Services Unit
Christchurch City Council PO Box 237 Christchurch, New Zealand
+64 3 3711531 Fax 64 3 3711989, 163 Tuam St, Christchurch
mobile 025 2291765
Graeme.Cox@-----.nz=20

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dirk Kussin [SMTP:dirk@-----.de]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 1998 4:47 AM
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Subject: [kl] E/B Key
>=20
> Hello!
>=20
> I would like to ask a question concerning the key (for little finger
> left hand or right hand) which closes the hole nearest to the bell.
>=20
> I now have my second clarinet (the first was a beginners instrument,
> now I have a pro), and on both I have problems with this key: I have
> to press it very strongly in order to get the hole dense. Slightly
> decreasing the pressure of the finger to this key leads to truncating
> the tone immediately. Also, there are problems with the response of
> the tone if the pressure is not strong enough from the beginning. The
> problem is present for both the LH and RH key.
>=20
> My questions:=20
>=20
> Is this a usual (well-known) problem?
>=20
> Is this "normal", and I just have to press strong enough?
>=20
> Or is this not "normal" and should and can be fixed by a repairman?
>=20
> Thanks in advance for your help.
>=20
> Dirk
>=20
> --=20
> Dirk Kussin dirk@-----.de =20
> Fachbereich 17 Mathematik Raum D2.323
> Universit@-----. (+49) (5251) 60-2636
> D-33095 Paderborn --------- http://www-math.uni-paderborn.de/~dirk/
>=20
> =
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