Klarinet Archive - Posting 000821.txt from 1999/11

From: Don Longacre <nw2v@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] fuzzy C# key
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 1999 01:43:18 -0500

Beth G.

Welcome to klarinet forum. The left hand C# is often troublesome with the
problem you described. After the register key and the thumb key, the left
hand C# key tone hole is positioned nearest the "bottom" of the clarinet
and saliva tends accumulate in the tone hole. When the C# key is pressed
fuzzy sounds and often gurgling are heard. The quick remedy is to run
your cleaning swab
through (which might be impractical if you're marching)
or open the key and blow back through the tone hole. If you are in a sitting
position, say at band practice, hold the clarinet across your lap with the
C# tone hole up when not playing to divert the collection of saliva. The
pad, as others have pointed out, can be defective. I think the C# pad has
the shortest life span on the instrument because of saliva collection. Often
you can spot a darkened color to that pad and it seems hard and unyielding
to the fingernail. If you have a technician replace the pad make sure he or
she leaves the key at the right height which I don't doubt the tech would
routinely do anyway. Good luck and lets hear from you again!

Donald Longacre

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