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Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2023-07-14 04:00

I am having some stability issues on my E11 A clarinet in the upper clarion range. I want to try reducing the gap between the pad and register tube. How is this typically done? I would imagine the key could be bent or a larger cork bumper could be used or maybe a thicker pad? Is one way better than others? Because this is an E11, I don't think tube replacements are an option right?

Thanks

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Re: register key gap adjustment?

Author: prigault
Date: 2023-07-14 04:29

I find that a good non-destructive way of trying different key and pad heights on my instruments is to use plastic pads cut out from different mouthpiece cushions (allowing me to vary the thickness from 0.35mm to 0.8mm as well as the stiffness and surface texture) that I cut to the desired shape for this. I always have mouthpiece cushions and scissors at hand, and they stick sufficiently strongly in case I want them to remain for a long term.
For the register key, I would stick the pad on the body under the key.

As the register key opening influences quite a few things (among which intonation, altissimo, large intervals legato), I would highly recommend a simple method like this for tinkering before modifying the instrument in any persistent way.

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Re: register key gap adjustment?

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-07-14 05:26

Intonation is very much an issue of the register key opening. I had (in my misguided youth) opened up that space because I perceived a more natural sound from the middle line Bb (using the throat A and register keys together). The problem with a bigger space is that it also raises the pitch of the clarion notes even more as you move up and down from the fourth space E. Play B (first ledger above the staff for example) and 'hold' that note as you release the register key. The B will be lower without the register key. The difference is smaller when the space is smaller and helps even out your intonation across the clarion.

The space should be no bigger than the thickness of a dime.

Yes, I just bend the key.

................Paul Aviles

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