Klarinet Archive - Posting 000741.txt from 1999/08

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Leblanc
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 19:46:17 -0400

Pattijo Hoskins wrote:

> Hi, I am not sure if this is the correct way to go about this, but here goes. I am the proud owner of a Leblanc Paris 300 model b flat clarinet and would like to know a little more about it. I got in several years ago on a trade and have been very happy with it. There is only one thing, no, two things ( now I sound like Monty Python) that I am having some problems with. The first is putting it together and taking it apart. It seems like I am supporting the cork grease industry with gusto. Even with all that grease I sometimes have to jiggle it apart after a lengthy playing session.

Problems getting it apart "after...lengthy playing session[s]" suggests that moisture is swelling the wood. Your instrument is probably quite old. Oiling the bore, particularly the end grain in the sockets will keep the wood from taking on all that moisture, swelling and causing it to bind. Do you ever use bore oil?

> The other thing that I notice is that I have to off center the middle joint a bit to have it play correctly or the alternate fingering in the C range come out too breathy or not at all. Any ideas on this? Thanks, Pattijo in Wa.

The keywork connection between the two main sections is out of adjustment. This is very easy for a repairman to fix, and if you smile nicely when buying a box of reeds, the repairman in the store might even do it for free. You really should get this done.

It is important to have the two pads that are a part of the two connecting ring keys close in perfect unison. If the upper one doesn't close, you will loose the option of using the one and one fingering for E flats in the bottom register (used rarely) and the same fingering for Bb above the staff.

If the bad adjustment goes the other way, and that seems to be what you're describing, the first tone hole of the lower joint is not being allowed to completely close. This makes playing tough in all three registers when playing any notes that require the right hand.

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