Klarinet Archive - Posting 000826.txt from 2004/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@------.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] basic repairs EVERY clarinettist/music teacher should
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 13:40:49 -0500

At 11:21 AM 3/14/2004 -0500, Patricia Smith wrote:
>Bill Hausmann wrote:
>
>>Of course, too-soft reeds may not be your problem. A misadjusted
>>instrument is more likely the cause of your squeaking.
>
>This IS all-too-often the problem in a number of band clarinet sections,
>especially if the band dictator...err, director (I've been reading Rebecca
>a lot!) is not familiar with basic woodwind repair.
>Bill, just for an overview, as a repair tech, what do you feel are the
>"basics" that every instrumental music teacher should know how to do with
>a clarinet & other woodwinds? I know that a teacher should be able to
>replace pads, adjust springs, etc. But sometimes, this isn't possible,
>because either the right size pad isn't available (just used the last one
>on another horn, etc., or no money in budget to purchase repair supplies, etc.)

I'm not so much a repair tech as a "meatball surgeon" -- kind of like the
guys on M*A*S*H -- I do the quick fixes to keep the horn alive until it can
be sent in for REAL repair. But then again, that probably makes me well
qualified to answer your question. I think the biggest single factor is to
learn to DIAGNOSE the problem! If you don't know what is wrong, you can't
fix it. And often it is a very simple fix. You would not believe how many
dead clarinets I have resurrected by backing out the Ab bridge key
adjustment screw a turn! Or bending the bridge key at the middle joint so
the lower ring key pad would close. Basic rule of thumb: start at the top
of the horn and play down the scale until it stops playing. Your leak is
most likely right above that point.

A good basic repair set would have to include a spring hook, jeweler's
screwdrivers, SMOOTH-jawed pliers, and a number of lesser items (pin vise,
feeler gauge, pad slick, etc.). That is the sort of stuff I have in a small
bag that comes into each school with me along with invoices, etc. The
"killer set of tools" stays out in the truck unless needed. A small butane
hobby torch would be desireable, too, but a butane lighter will do in a
pinch. And a good leak light can be very useful. The little lights in a
flexible tube that are used for decorative purposes make a very effective,
and inexpensive, leak light, which will fit even down a clarinet bore
(except the register tube). The tools are all available from
Ferree's. They also make whole kits, complete with tools and pads,
springs, corks, felts, etc. Their "Standard" kit (Q30) is quite complete,
really, but lists for $408. The smaller Q31 "Economy" kit has the basics
for $199. There is also a Q29 "Deluxe" kit, but it is about $1100! As far
as getting pads, etc., just be sure to be friendly with your local repair
tech. They should sell clarinet pads to you for $.80 to $1.00 apiece.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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