Klarinet Archive - Posting 000193.txt from 2003/02

From: Joseph Stevens <oamclarinetist@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] new r-13 question
Date: Sat, 8 Feb 2003 03:50:12 -0500

--- Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net> wrote:
> It is entirely likely that you are getting
> wood-on-wood binding, not just
> tight cork joints. This happens very frequently
> with new clarinets,
> especially the high-quality models that are made to
> tighter tolerances, as
> the instrument breaks in and the wood expands and
> contracts. It is very
> easily corrected by a technician, and should be done
> at no charge by the
> store you bought it from.

My R13 Bb (#203758--made in 1980) has the same
problem, but it isn't as toublesome as something else
that I have noticed. For a 23 year old clarinet the
tenons are in remarkable shape, as they look like they
received little to no wear with no chips or cracks,
and fit well in the joints.

However, the three main tenon joints have gaps in them
when the clarinet is assembled and I have pushed the
pieces together as far as they will go. The gap
between the lower joint and the bell isn't too
extreme, and my clarion B and C natural come in
dead-on intonation wise so I can't complain; and the
same applies to the middle tenon joint. The joint
where the barrel attaches to the upper joint of the
clarinet, however, has me slightly concerned. The gap
there is large enough to just slide a quarter into it,
and my open G is usually about 15 cents flat. This
gap was present before my clarinet went in for an
overhaul when I first bought it, and its still around
after.

I'm guessing either the inside of the barrel or the
lower portion of the tenon has swollen, so the barrel
fits smoothly until it gets to a point where it will
go no further. Looking down the bore without my
mouthpiece on the clarinet I can see that the tenon
isn't too long as there's about a quarter's width of
space to go. I'm betting its the tenon, as the barrel
off my other clarinet will sit flush with the upper
joint and upon removing it there is a layer of cork
grease everywhere *except* for a portion where it
rubbed away as though there too tight of a fit at that
spot. Does anybody have an educated guess as to
what's happening, and is this a cheap and easy problem
to have fixed?

While I'm at it, I've also noticed certain notes
(middle C to the E at the bottom of the staff) have an
audible buzzing sound going on when I play. I've
ruled out the mouthpiece as I can play other clarinets
without the buzzing with my mouthpiece and reed. In
case its important though I play on a Charles Bay H2
MO-L, and a Vandoren blue box #4 reed. Its just my
R13 that does this though, so I'm wondering if I have
a leaky pad or something of that nature? Or could it
possibly tie into my little problem with that top
tenon joint?

Thank you in advance,
Joseph

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