Klarinet Archive - Posting 000382.txt from 2006/03

From: "Geoff & Sherryl-Lee Secomb" <gsecomb@-----.au>
Subj: Re: [kl] Rossi quality flaw
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:21:43 -0500

"Rommel John Miller" <rjmiller@-----.net> wrote:
> Let us not forget that the 3 of the 4 keys depressed with the Right-hand
> little finger can also be played by the Left-hand, little finger too.
>
> And this is where my issue with Buffet R-13 #3 rests. The levers used on
> those keys manipulated by the left-hand pinky do not provide ample closing
> power to the keys, and the escaping air causes the high pitch shrill sound
> that send shivers down my spine.
>
> Rafi

Dear Rafi,
I have found that the issuie here is rarely one of lack of mechanical
advantage, but one of improperly seating pads on the F/C and E/B keys,
usually hitting hard in the back of the pad and light in the front. Once
you get these pads seating accurately, problem solved.

Why should this happen on a new instrument? Because no matter how well the
pads are installed at the factory, a lot of time passes before you get your
hands on the clarinet. If it's had Buffet's clamps left on, the pads
probably have fairly deep impressions of the hole in them. As you play and
as the felt in the pads responds to changes in moisture, the impressions
start to become less, with the result that they no longer seal adequately.

A competent repair person can set these up to seal with minimum finger
pressure, and shouldn't cost a lot. I wouldn't be surprised if whoever
tests the instruments at WWBW is not discerning a problem because they are
freshly unclamped, and that person may also in their technique use a bit
more pressure than you do.

If you basically like the instrument a change of these pads may well sort
things out for you.
Hope this helps,
Geoff Secomb.

GS & SA Secomb
Musical Instrument Sales & Repairs
(07) 3893 0983
Australia.

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