Klarinet Archive - Posting 000629.txt from 1999/09

From: "MARY A. VINQUIST" <kenshaw@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] RE: Bass Clarinet Stuffiness
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 08:00:41 -0400

Sheryl L. Katz asks about her Yamaha bass clarinet that is stuffy in the
second register above Eb.

The stuffiness is almost certainly due to a problem with the register key=

mechanism, which shifts from the lower vent to the higher one between Eb
and E. Usually, the stuffy notes are the ones from B to Eb, and not the
higher ones.

Since you cleaned a lot of crud out, the first thing to do is make sure t=
he
upper register vent is completely clean. A dampened pipe cleaner is the
best tool.

It's more likely, though, that the mechanism is out of adjustment. It's =
by
far the trickiest and least reliable part of the bass clarinet mechanism.=
=

If the upper vent opens properly when you raise your right ring finger, t=
he
problem is almost certainly that the lower vent does not close completely=
. =

To check, have someone hold the lower vent closed while you play from E u=
p
to C in the clarion register. =

Balancing the mechanism involves careful adjustment of the levers and
making sure the spring tensions are correct. Make a "feeler" from a narr=
ow
strip (1/8" wide) cut from a piece of cigarette paper. The lower registe=
r
vent is fairly large, so be sure to check it all the way around to make
sure it seals firmly. You can try this for yourself at home, but a repai=
r
technician can probably do it quicker and better.

Good luck.

Ken Shaw

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