Klarinet Archive - Posting 000393.txt from 2003/09

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Mess
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2003 11:14:29 -0400

Roger -

You don't say what brand clarinet you have. In some brands (Buffet), its very easy to remove the speaker tube. Take off the register key, using something "coated" like the handle of a pair of pliers covered with rubber or plastic, push the
tube out from in side. DON"T USE ANYTHING SHARP - you'll mar the bore. I have a cheap pair of needle-nosed pliers that I use exclusively for this task, the curve of the handle and the rubber coated handle make it perfect for this purpose.

I believe some Selmers have the register either cemented in or it's threaded. Don't use un-natural force, if it doesn't come out with normal hand pressure don't break something!

Once the tube is out, you should be able to remove the "wodge" easily.

If you don't feel comfortable removing the tube, go to a repairman.

All due respect to Bill, but I would not recommend backing out the blockage working through the toneholes. I have seen far too many instruments ruined by people damaging the sides of the toneholes using this method. The temptation to pry, using the sides of the tonehole as leverage is almost overwhelming, and can lead to serious damage. Working through the toneholes would be my last option.

I just spent half a day fixing an instrument with a damaged tone hole. Not pretty..........well, actually it was pretty when I was done, but the bill wasn't.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
repairs, restorations, mouthpieces, barrels and other cool stuff

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