 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2014-11-07 18:12
Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I have done a couple of searches and can't find anything. I have just had my clarinet serviced and I can't get a b to sound if I just use left little finger. However, if I put down right little finger too, it comes out fine. I have consulted my husband (an engineer but not a clarinettist) and he thinks the two bottom holes in question are not closing simultaneously (but also says this is very difficult to adjust). What can I do? I can't always put down right little finger...
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-11-07 18:43
Your crow's foot needs adjustment, which this video will show you how to do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh6Pg__DRUE
We all have this problem periodically. It's that wonderful 17th century design work that we still haven't improved on.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-11-07 19:19
If you've only just had your clarinet serviced and it's not working as it should, then take it back to whoever serviced it so they can put things right under warranty.
They haven't regulated it properly - when you play upper register (not throat) B with just one finger alone, the F/C key pad should close with more pressure than the E/B key pad to ensure both pads close. If the F/C key pad is lighter, then the B won't speak.
As far as terminology goes, the throat notes are open G to Bb - B is over the break and is in the upper register. You can get a throat B by playing A and opening the top trill key or by playing Bb and opening the lower trill key, but they will always work if the rest of the mechanism is out of regulation.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2014-11-08 19:29
Thanks for your help, we have put some paper underneath the crow's foot temporarily and I will take the clarinet back for the minor adjustment.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-11-08 19:58
It could also be a piece of cork under one of the left side levers, or a pad height problem, or they replaced one but not both pads on one side, or a bent key, etc.
E.G., there are other issues besides the crow's foot that can cause this problem.
Take it back, insist that they adjust it properly.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-11-08 19:59
You're actually lucky it got bad enough for the B not to play. Many times I've made this adjustment I've been amazed how easy it plays afterward, which means I'd been fighting without knowing it.
Everybody else- is your crow's foot really OK? When's the last time you checked it? Ah clarinetists...
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-11-09 01:32
I check this almost as much as I check the over all seal and the "1 and 1 Bb."
For me, this is a repair you should be able to do yourself. The Leblanc Opus had a reputation for the keys to be soft enough that this went out of adjustment almost every time you put it back in the case. And it is not uncommon for this to get "bumped" out of adjustment on any clarinet. You'll sleep much easier having this skill under your belt.
............Paul Aviles
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