 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: larryb
Date: 2001-03-05 13:55
When playing Bb using the two index fingers on a Boehm system, the Bb pad doesn't close completely. Aside from placing masking tape on the upper part of the bridge mechanism to make that pad close, are there any other quick fixes that I should try before bringing the clarinet to a repairman? Should I attempt to "flex" the upper bridge downward to correct the problem? If so, how?
thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2001-03-05 14:49
It sounds like the thin piece of cork on the bridge mechanism is missing. This can happen if the clarinet is put together without raising the bridge while putting the two halves together.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: larryb
Date: 2001-03-05 14:54
Eoin -
the cork is there, it's just not quite closing completely when using normal pressure.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Al
Date: 2001-03-05 15:21
You probably need a thicker piece of cork. If you do the repair,be sure that the first pad at the top of the lower joint is closing tightly. The Bb pad and the lower joint pad must close simultaneously.
Al
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-03-05 15:50
Larry -
The bridge key is easy to knock out of adjustment, but easy to fix. If it's just a minor amount of key bending, you can do it yourself. Bend the upper joint key to the approximate position and test to make sure the two two pads -- one above the left middle finger ring and the other above the right index finger ring -- are pressing with the same tightness. To check this, get a pack of cigarette rolling paper and cut a strip about 1/8" wide. Slide the strip under the uper pad, press the right hand rings and slide the paper out. Do the same with the pad on the lower joint.
Anything more than minor bending is a job for a repair shop.
Remember your very first lesson as a beginner. When you put the instrument together and take it apart, take care not to mess up the bridge mechanism.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-03-05 17:16
Yes, adjust it by bending. I do it daily. First check that the pivot screws are secure.
Smooth jaw pliers help a lot. Don't do it with serrated jaw pliers!!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-03-05 17:26
Gordon -
My bending is limited to what I can do with my fingers. Any adjustment that's big enough to need pliers I take to a repair shop.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: larryb
Date: 2001-03-05 19:09
Yes, the art of bending is what concerns me. I appreciate Ken's cautious approach. I'll give it a try tonight.
many thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-03-05 20:04
Congrats - You have found one of several critical alignments the 17/6 clar needs. I'd also suggest trying a slightly thicker piece of cork, if you get it too thick, sand it gently. If your cl in not a semi-antique, one of the bridge pair should have "ears" to prevent bending-breaking on assembly. Check to see if any side-to-side bending has occured, you may want to have a repairer if so, prob. a good idea anyway. I approach the bridge cautiously!! [in a car also!] Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gene Wie
Date: 2001-03-06 10:35
Ah yes, the art of bending. Anyone here been unlucky enough to snap a key? I've done a fair amount of bending on the left hand pinky keys to make them more comfortable to reach on my Buffet's, and I've never had one give way. Still...I still get the shakes whenever the need to bend a key around arises. =)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-03-06 10:57
Just keep away from the Conns and the B&H Regents, and any Bessons you find lying around. The pot metal keys break on the 2nd or third significant bend and cannot be mended.
Otherwise broken keys can be quickly silver soldered together again. This cupronickel is very difficult to break and usually does so only at poor soldering joints or when there are flaws in the metal.
If bending by hand you get very little control over how far you bend. If in doubt, muck around with the cork. Sand it, or wrap plumbers teflon tape around it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jeff
Date: 2001-03-08 17:11
Larry
Many of us start to "manually adjust" (bend or straighten) before diagnosing the true problem, thus creating more problems.
You state that the cork is in place......are the screws appropriatley tight?
If a screw has backed out even slightly (on upper or lower joint) you could run into a bridge alignment problem.
Good Luck
Jeff
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
