Klarinet Archive - Posting 000817.txt from 2003/03

From: "Holloways" <holloways@-----.za>
Subj: [kl] Stuck bell, again!
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 11:31:36 -0500

Hi Guys

Seems things went off the rails a bit. Here's some more info and my idea.

The bell is not glued. The owner simply didn't play the clarinet for over
twenty years and left the bell on the bottom joint all that time. It's most
likely that the wood has swollen and is tight against the bell. Certainly
all the other joints will have to be shaved as well as recorked as they are
all sticking wood against wood from swelling. They were stored here in
Durban which is known for its humid summers.

I'm thinking of heating the ring carefully with a soldering iron in the hope
that the bell will expand enough to release some tightness. I emphasise
'carefully'! If I leave the bell as it is playing the clarinet after so many
years could cause it to crack as the bottom joint will heat up before the
bell..

Incidentally, anyone know where I can research the serial numbers? They are
early, 65***.

Thanks for the input.

Ian H.

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