 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ai Li
Date: 2000-11-27 06:29
When I use the right B/E key, I can get the note straightoff, but not with the left key. I use the left key fingering and don't get a sound. I have to use the right key to hold the pads down, hold down the left key, let go of the right key, *then* I get a sound...
Should I bring it to the tech ASAP?
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Author: Andy
Date: 2000-11-27 07:41
I think it is a problem with the pads not sealing properly. I would take it to see someone straight away, the notes should be easy to use not matter what fingering you use.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2000-11-27 11:05
This is the most common maladjustment on a clarinet. The F/C &/or the E/B pad is closing securely at the back but not at the front. It is very common in brand new clarinets and also occurs as the felt of the pads compresses with use. Because of the mechanics of the keys the problem becomes noticeable sooner with the left hand fingering than the right. Adjustment is outside the scope of most players. If you fiddle you will very likely make it worse. It is frequently a problem with key cup alignment but a number of other adjustments are related. So get it serviced ASAP and the right fingering will have a far better response also.
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Author: William
Date: 2000-11-27 14:32
This is a common maladjustment problem that I encountered often as a band director and is usually a result of the "crows foot" under the r-h C-F key becoming lightly bent so that the action of the B-E key does not completely close the C-F pad, making the B-E note hard to play with just the right or left little finger alone. If the B-E plays well with one little finger playing the B-E key and the other on the C-F key but stops when you pick up your C-F little finger, then that is your problem. It can be easily adjusted by any repairperson, or probably by your local band director if he/she is a clarinetist. It is tricky, however, so please don't try this at home. Good clarineting.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2000-11-27 18:19
Ai Li -
All the previous opinions could be, and probably are, correct - pad, pad cup, cork, crows foot - any number of, or all of them at once(!) could cause a leak. If you feel that you have not identified the problem, or are not confident about fixing it, go to a tech - as William advises. I'd guess William has seen this malady a few dozen times :] It's one of those aggravating *little things* techs, and (some) band directors, handle all the time.
From the way you describe it, it's no big deal. You just can't play a horn very well with it like that and that's no fun at all.
ron b
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-11-27 21:28
The above is correct, I've seen and cured this problem many times. The E/B and F/C MUST be seated accurately using the LEFT LF lever, not the right. With new pads, at times, some key-rod bending may be required to bring them close to coordinated seating, then I slightly heat both pad-cups, while holding down the left lever, to give a seating ring on each and then try it out, repeating if necessary. This job prob. should be done by a good repair-person for success. Don
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