Klarinet Archive - Posting 000243.txt from 2005/05

From: Dave Gilbert <dgilbert@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] buffet repair problem/puzzle--long post
Date: Sat, 14 May 2005 01:44:33 -0400


Help...this has us puzzled;

On a late 1970's vintage buffet Bb, which had a crack in the tenon
socket at the top of the lower joint which extended into the first tone
hole ( pad that closes with F/Bb.

This crack having been repaired by a top rate firm from upstate N.Y.,
who responded to a posting on this list.

The tenon socket has been fitted with a carbon fiber /epoxy band hidden
under the metal tenon socket ring.

The tone hole has been repaired and resurfaced and looks perfect. Fresh
pads(appear to be gortex) on lower and cork upper ( other than bridge
key pad on upper which is also goretex).

This clarinet is sealed very well and draws and holds a good strong
vacuum on both lower and upper joints. The bridge keys are properly
adjusted and i get the same result even when rotating one joint so that
the bridge does not connect at all.

THE PROBLEM: top staff F# is very clear and plays with wonderful
projection. The same is true for chromatic fingering of the same F#.

F natural (one half step lower) plays like .....%**&*^%$#%#$. Well
you get the idea. The note is stuffy ,resistant and sometimes hissy,
and does not project , We have tried opening the relevant tone holes
slightly ( no improvement ) have re-seated the pad on first tone hole
-lower joint...inspected and re-inspected the lower joint ,,,it looks fine

The same air pressure and support that yield a great F#..... yield a
lousy F natural. The notes immed below the F natural are also
resistant and harder to play. NONE of this is true in the lower
register where the same fingered B natural and Bb both play fine as do
the rest of the notes below.

This clar has been to a few different repair people in an attempt to
diagnose the problem... all have found no obvious defect.

Any suggestions from the group would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave G.

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