 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rick
Date: 2002-12-07 13:14
Hi:
I recently purchased a Leblanc Concerto which is my first new clarinet in 30 years. The metal or metalized plastic trim ring on the "large" end of the bell is loose and rotates. Is this something that needs to be fixed or is it just a normal reaction to the wood movement?
Thanks
RW
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Author: William
Date: 2002-12-07 14:35
It is important for protecting the bell and preventing crqacking. Also, if left loose, it may vibrate causing what you may percieve as a subtone on certain notes. It is an easy repair for any competant repair person, inexpensive and should be done. Hope you like your new Concerto--they are great instruments.
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Author: Rick
Date: 2002-12-07 15:12
Thanks! I appreciate the information.
RE: the concerto...LOVE IT! I'm a rethread having taking it up again after many years off and played an old Selmer. Fine instrument in its day but that day was probably in the late 50's...g It was off tune by a quarter and a nickle..ie. extended the barrel the thickness of a quarter and a nickle...seriously. Then it only went badly out of tune in the upper clarion. Altinssimo I don't really know since my dog made it quite clear that such notes were not appreciated by any creature with finely tuned hearing. Since she was a GSD and could rip arms and legs off, I felt it best to avoid annoying her.
If I had known a clarinet could play as well and as easily as the Concerto, I would have probably been playing all these years. Absolutely wonderful instrument!
Thanks Again
RW
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-12-07 15:54
The BELL ring is decorative rather than protective (the other rings do provide a protective function). There are at least a couple of pro clarinets made without bell rings. The only drawback to not fixing it is that some people have experienced rattling or buzzing.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-12-07 15:58
T'is the season [all winter] for observing the lower indoor humidity levels [get a "weather center"], and humidifying all wood instruments. About once a week I renew the wetness of pieces of [kitchen] sponge in pill bottles [with "holy" caps] kept in, at least, my best wood's cases. Seems to protect them from cracking AND loose rings. Prob. would help pads on plastics also. Don
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Author: Rick
Date: 2002-12-07 17:27
I actually keep a humidifier in the case and went down and had the tech fix it...so job done.
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-12-07 18:56
Unless the bell was initially loose/design flaw (possible but doubtful) sounds like a simple expanding/contracting issue as the horn breaks-in...those things happen with a new horn.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-12-08 08:20
Very few repair shops would have a press and dies for bell ring shrinking. At times I have forced epoxy between the timber and the ring, using my finger, to stop the ring vibrating (buzzing). Any other methods?
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Author: Aaron
Date: 2002-12-08 17:30
OIne fo the best things to keep in the case to re-humidify the wood is orange peels. I live and am dioing my masters program here in Colorado. I had used Dampits, and sponges, and nothing seemed to really work. I then tried orange peels and I have not had a problem since. I was very skeptical, but it is amazing how well it works, and for how long it keeps moisture in the instrument........
and as a disclaimer, no i do not work for or are related to anyone in the orange growing business....HA
good luck
Aaron
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