Klarinet Archive - Posting 000795.txt from 2003/03

From: "redcedar2" <redcedar2@-----.au>
Subj: RE: [kl] Stuck bell
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2003 16:01:42 -0500

"I have a pair of old Buffet clarinets which have been sitting in a cupboard
unplayed for many years. They are worth restoring so I may just buy them.
The bell on the Bb is well and truly stuck. That's the problem with those
Buffet cases designed for the lower joint and bell to stay together when the
instrument is put away. Otherwise everything else is fine. Obvious
question.....How do I get the bell off?"

Had this problem with a new RC four years back. Wouldn't disassemble after
use, especially in hot weather.

B&H in Sydney advised the dealer to get someone to grasp the lower joint
from the mouthpiece end, and have another grab the bell, and contra-rotate
with whatever force was required. It worked. You do need to be careful
positioning the grip on the lower joint to ensure the key-work isn't mangled
in the process.

I subsequently had the lower tenon successively shaved over some weeks till
a tight, but moveable fit, ensured. It's been fine since then.

Michael

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