 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-11-18 06:51
It appears to me that I have a leaky bass clarinet, since it displays the symptoms of trouble playing mid c.
The question is: is there a better way to check for leaks than by dropping a light bulb down the bore? And, how much light leak is tolerable? Maybe there is something that can be placed under the pad to make a better seal during the test.
thanks. Ed
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-11-18 08:36
No light leak is tolerable. All pads should seat by gravity alone. Basic repair 101.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-11-18 12:17
You may be able to locate the leak by air pressure with one end sealed by a stopper (blow into the other) and listen for leaks.
The leak light I use is a 'Rope light', essentially a string of LEDs surrounded by a clear plastic tube.
A set of clamps to hold your pads against the seats may help with the seal. If you have a torn or perforated pad, this may not help.
The only effect gravity has on my pads is to pull the works toward the center of the earth (which is why I wear a neck strap).
There's nothing elementary about the bass clarinet.
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2002-11-18 12:45
Another method for locating leaks is for you to play one of the notes that is troublesome. At the same time, have a friend press down, one at a time, on the pads that should be closed. If pressing on a particular one makes the tone come out more clearly or easily, you have probably located the leak.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-11-18 14:05
When I believe I have multiple leaks in a joint, not detectable by the above usual methods, I use pieces of masking tape under the "suspect" pads to help find leakers. Temporary use doesn't leave adhesive residue, and may actually remove deposits from tone-hole surfaces. Hope this doesn't shock purists. Yes, bass cls must be very "tight" to play well. Don
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-11-18 15:34
A good method of testing for leaks is to take a piece of very thin tape (long running cassette tape is ideal) and placing it under the pad feel if it is gripped to the tone hole all the way around.
If you use the blocked end method try sucking instead of blowing. A partial vacuum should be created and last a few seconds.
I've seen someone seal one end and blow smoke into the other (Fingers covered) but that mat not appeal.
A visit to a reputable repairman may be your most reliable option.
If by mid c you mean 3rd line C it might be worth checking the speaker mechanism, the most common problem on basscl. due to the double hole arrangement.
good luck
jez
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-11-18 18:18
Use any method listed above to test for leak(s), they're all time-tested and effective. Making a 'better seal' during the procedure will defeat the purpose. First, you find the leak... THEN you fix it. You can't reverse the process and expect to get anywhere
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-11-18 20:35
A quick reply to Synonymous Botch
When I referred to gravity it was to do with pad seating. If a pad does not seat by gravity alone then you have not done your job right.
Secondly basic repair 101 does not refer to anything elementary it refers to instrument repair skills which are considered basic to any experienced instrument repairer. I am not talking about amateur repairing here. I make rather a lot of money out of fixing amateur repairs! Anybody that blows smoke through an instrument to test for leaks is mad!
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-11-18 22:01
Mark P -
Blowing smoke is a highly traditional way of looking for leaks. It's only now that smoking is out of favor that people denigrate it. Tom Ridenour, for example, uses this method. By the way, he doesn't smoke, and neither do I.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-11-18 22:33
I have used the smoke method before but only in a pinch, like just before a rehearsal or concert. Trouble is it can leave a brown nicotine ring on the good pads but a distinctive mark on the offending pad. It works though.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-11-19 03:47
Sure, the smoke trick works fine... if you don't mind a stinky horn afterward)) No, thanks.
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