Klarinet Archive - Posting 000802.txt from 2003/03

From: "Dee D. Flint" <deehays@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Stuck bell
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2003 17:33:38 -0500

----- Original Message -----
From: "redcedar2" <redcedar2@-----.au>
Subject: RE: [kl] Stuck bell

>
> "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.

In the case of an older instrument that has been sitting assembled for
years, it may simply be that the cork has deteriorated and is sticking to
both parts thus holding them together. So once you get them apart, it may
not be necessary to have the tenon shaved but simply clean up the joint and
get new cork.

Dee Flint

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