 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-07-31 14:45
I have just gotten my "new" vintage clarinet back from repairs - new pads, new cork, oiled, cleaned, polished, etc.. My question is, I have a very hard time getting from B - D out above the break. Honestly, I don't know if this is "user error" since this is a different instrument than I am used to, or if there is something amiss with the repair work??? Is this common after new padding? I have thought maybe the pads almost have to get used to the shape of the tone hole they are covering? Or is that just wishful thinking on my part? I had to drive almost an hour to get to a repair tech I trusted, and really don't want to go back, but....
Is there some way I can tell if it is me or the instrument????
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-07-31 15:01
Long B to D: can't think of any mechanical reason for a problem --unless the C or B (or both) mechanism is not lifting cleanly --which would be a spring adjustment problem.
Look for crisp raising of the cups when you release the keys.
If they don't pop up, you might be able to disengage the spring from the hook on the actuating rod, bend it over a bit and re-engage it.
Check for the long E to G transition.
I'd get really steamed up making that drive back to the repair shop!
Bob Phillips
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-07-31 15:47
Whenever I come across a problem like this, the first place I look is the pad immediately above the bad note(s). Problems with long B to D in the clarion could be a leaking Eb pad - actually a common problem. It could be poorly seated or could be blowing open because of inadequate spring tension. Try clamping it shut (or having someone hold it shut) and see if the B - D don't improve. It could be something else but that's the first place I'd look.
Best regards,
jnl
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-07-31 15:54
Are you having trouble with the B when using either the left or right hand, or both?
When you hold the E/B key down, does the F/C key fully close with it, or is there still some movement in the F/C key?
If there is, it's the crow's foot adjustment that needs adjusting. If not, then there's a leaky pad - as Jack said it could be a leaking Ab/Eb pad.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-07-31 15:59
When I was getting my set of Buffet Prestige Clarinets "set up" from a big name repairman back in 1988 in Phila. I had to schedule the fix date and a "fix the fix" 3 seperate times!
Something would always shift - was a real pain. Hmm, maybe I was the one getting "set up"..... 
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: RAB
Date: 2007-07-31 16:01
I think that you should contact the repair person that did the work for you. That person should be willing to correct the problem for you.
Many times something will shift or get "bounced" around in transit, If you do not get a good response then you should have another repair person take a look at it,
If you suspect that it is something you are doing as a player, have another player whom you trust play the instrument.
Remember that if you do not contact the repair person then they will assume that the work is to you liking. Most good repair people want your feed back so they can take care of you needs as a player and establish a long term relationship with you.
RAB
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-07-31 16:15
Are you sure the problem is from B to D and not from D to B, when playing the B with just one pinky, especially the left...?
Play B with both pinkies, left one on the B key/lever and right one on the C key. Then raise both pinkies to play D. Is there a problem?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-07-31 17:42
The crow's foot adjustment can go out if the case lid is a tight fit on the clarinet as it can bend the F/C touch, or the case has been dropped landing lid downwards, or something presses or lands on the lid - and with the relatively soft metal used in clarinet keys it's all too easy for this to happen.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: sweetjames
Date: 2007-07-31 18:02
Dear Robyn,
My own experience with a vintage clarinet, also completely restored by one of the best, was that it was a very different animal from the newer clarinet I was used to. It was like waking up one morning, finding yourself operating at a grade school level and having to relearn the basics.
For what it's worth, in my case the problems, including those surrounding the break, gradually disappeared with some playing time. It took a few weeks in my case, but I am neither a gifted nor a disciplined clarinetist. For you, as with most of those who post here, I suspect that the problems, many of which seemed to be related to finger placement, will vanish quickly.
I hope that you enjoy your vintage instrument. They can be demanding in their own way, but worth the effort.
Sincerely,
James
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Author: kev182
Date: 2007-07-31 18:30
When my RC came back from repair, Long B was extremely resistant....It was not because of leeky pads, but my guess was somehow the oil.... I don't know if that is possible. I do know this particular repairman oiled my clarinet for over a week, and it was not Naylor. Maybe an adjusted register key height?
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-07-31 19:29
Robyn,
James' comment set me thinking. Do you only have trouble playing the notes in passages or do you also have trouble playing them individually (starting on them and holding them). Something that you could be doing to cause the problems you are having would be inadvertently depressing the right-hand sliver key slightly when you close the lowest right-hand (ring finger) hole. Try playing the problem notes being very careful not to touch that key (or clamp its pad down - a piece of cork under the sliver should work). Also, in a run, if you have a problem, stop and look at your right hand.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-08-01 16:12
I have checked each of the mechanical suggestions above, and don't see anything mechanically wrong with it. I had my 7 year old son push on the pads I told him to, and didn't hear any difference in the pushing and not pushing.
I am almost positive it is something I am doing...It is very difficult to play those notes when I first assemble and play, but after several minutes of warm up playing, it is much easier to play the notes. Also, this is my 3rd day playing this instrument, and (unless I'm imagining it!), it seems to have gotten better each day I've played - the problem is hit and miss instead of constant.
I will just try for several days to be sure I am not accidentally hitting any of the side keys with my fingers and that my fingers are completely covering the holes - the set up definitely feels different than the clarinet I've played forever! If the problem persists, I'll call the repair tech to set an appt up. I don't want to tell him he did something wrong and then find out it is actually me
I think my Noblet and I just need to get to know one another  Thanks for the advice
Robyn
-- Robyn
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