Klarinet Archive - Posting 000130.txt from 2004/02

From: "mark" <cpaok@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Loose bell rings
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 12:42:07 -0500

.... 24-30hrs in a gallon-size zip log bag with a water source (we use
several sheets of Bounty, neatly folded to make a small rectangle & soaked
<but not dripping> under a faucet - place the Bell in an elevated position
at one end of inside of bag, where it will not come into direct contact with
the water source). IF it takes longer than 24-30 hours or so --- there has
probably been (permanent) shrinkage in the wood, rather than a temporary
loss of water. eg You might be able to drive a tributary of the
Mississippi through it!)

We see many clarinets and we see our share of lower bell rings with
"movement". Those with less movement can probably trace their "looseness"
to humidity levels. Those with significant movement need the RING PRESS.

A Ring Press is a MUST for a woodwind repair shop.

The older Selmer & Erick Brand Presses are worth their weight in gold. The
Allied Press is expensive but features polished surfaces which will protect
the Bell while it is being worked on. Also, Allied provides more Dies and
this helps solve OTHER Ring problems as well.

Proper use of the Press shouldn't scare anybody. Nature (inducing of water)
is as problematic & dangerous as man-made appliances!

mark weinstein

----- Original Message -----
From: <GrabnerWG@-----.com>
To: <klarinet@-----.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 9:58 AM
Subject: [kl] Loose bell rings

As the winter drags on and indoor humidity levels continue to be so low,
just about every clarinet I see has a loose ring at the bottom of the bell.
Does anybody out there have a good way to tighten these without using a
banding press and a bell ring die set? Frankly, using these things scare
the devil out of me!

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