Klarinet Archive - Posting 000516.txt from 2004/06

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Relocating keys..
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 08:34:17 -0400

At 06:39 PM 6/30/2004 +1000, Umar Goldeli wrote:
>Several questions -
>
>* What type of welding/soldering/brazing/connection method is usually used
>to attach keys to rods? Can it be removed by using heat or must it be cut
>out?

The keys are silver-soldered together. Heat would be the method of choice
to separate them.

>* Do clarinet repair technicians do this kind of stuff or should I be
>looking elsewhere like perhaps a jeweller?

A clarinet repair technician would absolutely be the one to go to. Since
this is a rather special job, I think I would try to find a top guy
specializing in clarinet who will work closely with you and your needs.

>* What are the keys made of anyhow? Is it easy stuff to work with or a
>disaster material like aluminium? (yes, I know it's not Al, but Al is the
>worst thing I could think of that it could be made of :)

I think I have actually seen a Chinese instrument with aluminum
keys! However, REAL clarinet keys are made of nickel-silver (also called
German silver). Nickel-silver really has no silver in it; it is a brass
alloy with a high nickel content, giving it the silver color. It is used
BECAUSE it is durable and easy to work with.

Bill Hausmann

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

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