The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jArius
Date: 2004-12-05 08:40
I got my swab stuck on the register tube earlier today, and not knowing any better I just pulled on it until it ripped free. Now, after reading some of the old posts, I realize that was probably a really bad idea...
I think the swab was linen, but now it's just a rag.
How would I know if I did any damage? I can't play it right now because it's two in the morning. The really bad thing is, I have a performance on the 17th, just learned about it yesterday, and am trying my darndest to get my solo piece ready in time. My company apparently decided that two week's notice was plenty for anybody.
And just to top it all off, I'm still trying to recover from Carpal Tunnel.
(Can anything else go wrong? Oh, yeah, also take into account that the place I bought the clarinet from is an hour and a half away, and if I don't want to make the trip (through a suicide canyon in the snow) it's a two-week round trip to get the clarinet there, get it repaired, and get it back. Now that's what I call stress.)
I suppose I could use my old Bundy beater horn if I really have to, but I do kinda want to make a good impression on these people.
Jeremy Bruins
Proud member of the too-much-time-on-my-hands club.
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Author: VermontJM
Date: 2004-12-05 12:12
As long as you were able to get the swab out, it's most likely that things are ok- BUT.... you could have loosened up the register key tube (which is what I did when a swab snagged and subsequently ripped on it.) Other than the register key tube, there's not much else in there to get damaged....
Good luck!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-05 14:41
Yup. More than likely it was just your swab that guy messed up. IF the register is messed up, it's not hard to fix (provided the repairman has an extra one).
Play it first and determine if it still works or not.
And next time, invest in the Doc's black clarinet swab. Works great, and NEVER got stuck. And I've used it faithfully for about a year so far.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-12-05 15:23
SOS [same old story, repeat] , swab the U J from its top, that gives you fore-warning of swab sticking as well as a bit of "washing" of the entire bore, just my IMHO. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: ariel3
Date: 2004-12-05 16:59
Hi, I thought of something else to check. While, hopefully, you did not loosen the register tube, you still may have lodged a piece of the swab cloth inside the register tube. I would remove the register key and clean out the register tube to make sure it is clear. This should be done on a regular basis anyway.
Also, do invest in the Doctor's swab. It is one of the best investments I have made.
Gene
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-12-05 20:10
"Highly unlikely that you damaged your swab" ???!!!
Highly unlikely that you damaged your vent.
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-12-05 20:48
My swab has gotten stuck plenty of times and the vent has never come loose. It's very doubtful that anything bad has happened.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-12-05 22:05
I second ariel's recommendation of The Doctor's swab. I've been worry-free about swabbing with it, which is nice with all that I have to worry about (e.g. accidentally knocking the reed off center when switching from A to Bb)
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-12-05 23:32
sfalexi,
I got the Doctor's swab stuck in my Bb a couple of months ago. Never say never!
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: jArius
Date: 2004-12-06 00:24
well, that's good. I just hope I can find my other swab
(is my name listed in my profile or something? How did ron_b know it? Unless he just happens to be Ronnie from school, but naww...)
Jeremy Bruins
Proud member of the too-much-time-on-my-hands club.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-12-06 00:50
jArius wrote:
> (is my name listed in my profile or something? How did ron_b
> know it?
[ Currently, your name appears in your user profile. However, if you have chosen a screen name, we prefer that other members use that same screen name when addressing you - GBK ]
[ Your real name isn't required, either, if you don't want people to know it. Mark C. ]
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2004-12-06 01:21
In high school I got my swab stuck so bad that my dad had to get it out with needle nose pliers and a great deal of time. I couldn't watch. It was like watching a surgeon. It ruined the swab but the clarinet survived.
Most likely your clarinet is fine but you really should invest in the Doctor's swab. I just bought one a month or so ago and I love it. It's made of silk and it goes through the clarinet without a hitch. I also like that the weighted cord is longer than most swabs.
Good luck, Rebecca
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Author: Jerry
Date: 2004-12-06 01:48
If I were as stressed as you seem to be, I'd try it out at 2 in the morning and apologize later.
Jerry
The Villages, FL
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-12-06 04:46
Apology to you jArius. GBK's right; I won't do it again.
(ronnie, but not from school...
rb
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Author: jArius
Date: 2004-12-06 05:07
I'm pretty sure that the serging around the edge of the swab was what got caught. Does the Doc's have a stitch around the edge, or is it just silk? Also, who is this mysterious Doctor?
Oh, FYI, the clarinet's just fine.
Jeremy Bruins
Proud member of the too-much-time-on-my-hands club.
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Author: jArius
Date: 2004-12-06 05:21
"Jerry
Destin, FL"
Destin? I used to live in Ft. Walton Beach!! Well, actually Eglin AFB, but close enough.
I can't believe this! It's been 10 years since I've seen Florida! Tell me, is the Scampy's restaurant still there? I remember when we went there my dad always ordered the mahimahi (sp). I just had the hamburger, 'cause I didn't like seafood.
How did Destin hold out against the hurricanes? Are the beaches still as beautiful as ever? Are cockroaches still taking over the entire state? Man, this brings back memories. How about that Children's Learning Center, or whatever it was, is that still there? That was my favorite place in the entire county.
Wow, it's a small world after all.
[ Make sure the private chit-chat stay private - use personal email. Mark C. ]
Jeremy Bruins
Proud member of the too-much-time-on-my-hands club.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-12-06 08:37
jArious wrote, "...who is this mysterious Doctor?"
He is Omar Henderson, a sponsor of this site, and a man with areas of great expertise, especially in scientific research.
At the top-right of this thread you are looking at, you will see "Accessories", with a light brown background. Click on this, then scroll down to "The Doctor's Products".
Or go direct to http://www.doctorsprod.com/DrsProduct.html
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-06 13:12
Quote:
Also, who is this mysterious Doctor? I've noticed that most of us address him as "Doc" or "Doc Henderson". I always wondered what someone who wasn't already 'in the know' would think. I'm betting visions of "Doc" in Back to the Future come to mind (at least they do with me when I hear someone talking about "Doc")
Sorry. I guess we shoulda been a little more clear. Gordon pointed it out. His products (not JUST the clarinet swab) are very good. He IS a clarinetist, and works FOR the clarinetist, developing and selling products that work, last, and do the job correctly and efficiently.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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