Klarinet Archive - Posting 000184.txt from 2003/08

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Tuning rings revisited
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2003 12:24:27 -0400

Wow, it is amazing how one statement can get so misconstrued and a simple
concept present such anxiety to some people.

First, it does not require a lot of contact cement to glue a metal or nylon
tuning ring into the tenon. Second, the glue releases easily enough and it
is very simple to lift the ring out with a screwdriver blade. Three, I have
never had any trouble removing the remaining glue.

Some contact cements are better than others. I have always used "Weldwood",
which cleans up very easily with acetone. Acetone will not damage the wood
provided you don't let it flow into the bore. This is just a matter of
being careful. Use a Q-tip to swab the area and a soft rag to wipe it. If
you are not comfortable with gluing the ring in, then make a nylon or hard
rubber ring than can be press fit into the joint. BUT, this may be more
difficult to remove than one that is glued with contact cement.

Also, I never suggested the use of cork as an INSIDE tuning ring. Cork will
absorb water and turn to mush in a few months. Use cork for the outside
tuning ring only.

I suggested cork, because it is readily available, cheap, and easy to work
with. You can also go to a good hardware store and check out the plumbing
supplies. There are many different sized fiber gaskets. I have in the past
found some that were the exact dimension required.

One of the reasons that I like to write about instrument repair and
acoustics is that so many players seem to think all of this is a big
mystery. Well, it ain't. Repair work on the highest level is an art. I
practiced that art for almost 25 years. But, many types of simple
adjustments can and SHOULD be made by the player. I think any instrumental
music major (especially those going into the field of music education)
should acquire some basic knowledge of instrument repair.

For all of you teaching clarinet out there, I highly recommend buying a few
hours of your favorite repair guys time and have him.her show you how to:

replace a pad

replace a key cork

The proper technique for adjusting:

1+1 mechanism
The crows foot adjustment
Ring heights

I also think Benades "Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics" should be required
reading for all musicians.

I hope some of this is helpful

CLARK FOBES
reedman@-----.com
Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.

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