 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2011-10-21 02:37
Just wanted to ask...what is the purpose and quality of clarinets that have a rim of metal on the inside edge/rim outside the cork wrapped around the wood of one of the main pieces of the clarinet? The metal rim that goes inside the instrument when put together? Was this common on vintage instruments or still used today?
Thanks so kindly...
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2011-10-21 02:43
Are you talking about the metal caps on the ends of some tenons?
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Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-21 03:20
These are called tenon caps. They generally serve two purposes. First and foremost they provide a wear-resistant surface that will help to keep the end of the tenon in good condition and ensure a secure fit in the socket.
The second purpose, and one that is somewhat debatable, is that they help to prevent the tenons from developing cracks. However some technicians, notably Tom Ridenour, have said that these tenon caps can trap moisture at the end of the tenons and actually make them more likely to crack as a result.
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2011-10-21 13:35
Thank you SteveG CT, I really appreciate your message. Thanks.
So, this is basically for the purpose of strengthening the instrument, nothing to do with affecting the sound quality?
Isn't that something...sometimes the very thing intended to help can be sometimes a detriment to it, yes?
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2011-10-21 16:31
I didn't know that (that caps may make things worse). I've considered having my tenons on my Bb and A clarinets capped because of already existing damage (chipped middle tenon and glued crack on lower tenon, both on the Bb). I don't want to risk making things worse.
Hmmm...
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Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-21 17:13
gsurosey wrote:
> I didn't know that (that caps may make things worse). I've
> considered having my tenons on my Bb and A clarinets capped
> because of already existing damage (chipped middle tenon and
> glued crack on lower tenon, both on the Bb). I don't want to
> risk making things worse.
>
> Hmmm...
>
You might want to take a look at Ridenour's video that discusses tenon caps among other things entitled "Dumb Ideas for the Clarinet": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-PD1-V1Yyk
The part on tenon caps starts at 3:15 into the video.
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Author: salsacookies
Date: 2011-10-21 18:48
Both of my clarinets have tenon caps on them. I've never had a problem. As long you make sure it's completely dry before you put away, I don't think there will be a problem with moisture.
My setup
Leblanc Legacy Bb with grenadilla barrel and bell, B45 w/Optimum lig.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-21 18:59
salsacookies wrote:
> Both of my clarinets have tenon caps on them. I've never had a
> problem. As long you make sure it's completely dry before you
> put away, I don't think there will be a problem with moisture.
>
Agreed. I have them on probably half of my clarinets and I've never had a problem. That being said I don't think they provide enough benefit that I would have them installed on a clarinet that didn't have them unless the end of the tenon was severely worn to the point where it would rock in the tenon socket.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-10-21 22:23
The real world benefit is that you will never have to worry about those joints sticking together due to wood swelling.
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-10-22 01:31
A lot of people use cigarette paper, because it is thin. This usually happens in dry snow covered winter seasons as the horns tend to dry out just a bit. Is this on a Buffet or a Selmer? Selmers have metal on the cork joint as well as the joint that slides over the cork joint. I think it's just the wood versions of the selmers.
If you have a local repairman near you, simply watch him and you will be able to do this youself for many years. It's that easy to repair.
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2011-10-22 20:10
My bass clarinet once got severely stuck together because the tenon cap got stuck in the slightly oblong socket. I had the socket reamed out a little and haven't had a problem since then.
Lori
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