Klarinet Archive - Posting 000309.txt from 2004/06

From: Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Buffet Evette clarinet
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 22:33:33 -0400

At 05:28 AM 6/18/2004, you wrote:
>
>Nancy
>
> Only stack keys (solid screws that go all the way through between both
> posts) are swaged (swedged). Keys taking pivot screws at each
> end are tightened up by reaming the counterbore in the post.
> (If gone too far, the with a pivot V holes then need
> reaming!). These are the bigger, longer shafts such as the
> LH4 and RH4 clusters, and tend to create the most noise.
>
> This adjustment is a pain if you shift humidities, as I do
> between CO/NM and the UK. I am resigned to having my bass
> clarinet keys fit in New Mexico and rattle in England. The
> wood can change by a few tenths of a mm between key posts on a bass.
>
> I have designed a screw adjustment for such pivot screws that
> would not need any reaming, but have not got round to making
> any yet. Anyone interested can have details, as this is not
> exactly a mass market and there is no future in a patent!
>
> Plating will not tighten them up other than temporarily.
> Silver is very soft and soon wears, and is not kept as a
> bearing surface after plating. But it will sure make an
> improvement in the appearance. I also like the friction of
> silver on the fingertips.
>
> Keith Bowen

Hi Keith,

Thanks for taking the time to fill me in on how I am going to have to fix
my instrument. The long C (L/H) has a split in the end of the tube and I
think it will have to be replaced. The L/H spoons for the long keys also
have pretty severe dips in them from finger contact and they will have to
be replaced too. The left hand G# and A keys have dips in them too that I
don't think plating can cover. I have been on the look-out now for a while
for and old E&S that has body damage that can't be repaired but has good
key work. I have found one (made the same year as mine), but the keys are
green. I think some sort of acid wash would clean them up, but I'm not
sure if it is better to clean them with acid or to buff the grime off
them. I don't know if the surface has to be rough or smooth to accept
plating. I will keep in mind your instructions when fitting the keys to
the clarinet after they are cleaned and replated. They were initially
plated in nickel, but I plan on having them done in silver. Even in the
condition it is right now, this clarinet is worth far more than when it was
new. I want it to hold its value. I am hoping to give it to my
granddaughter when she is old enough to play. She is just six and can't
quite hold on to it yet. She is learning on an old Selmer Eb clarinet
right now and having a good time just squawking away. Thanks for your
help. Are you coming to Fest this year?

Nancy

Nancy Buckman
Principal Clarinet / Orchestra AACC
eefer@-----.net

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