 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: stebinus
Date: 2005-07-19 09:18
Have some arthritis in left pinky and not liking that stretch to play lever keys e/b, f#/c#, f/c on my Selmer 9* and Buffet E-11. Recently tried a Yamaha Model 20 and these keys are longer and much easier to reach. Are all Yamahas this way? Any other clarinets like this? Is there anywhere I can get longer replacement keys or extenders for my Selmer or Buffet?
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-07-19 16:00
The Yamaha may be *better*, but it may not be the complete answer you're looking for, Stebinus.
Arthritis is probably the most common reason for modifying a horn. Injuries, of varying kinds, are not uncommon and just making the horn easier to play is not unheard of 
Some repair technicians (but not all, mind you) are pretty good at modifying keys and such for folks with special circumstances. It takes a good bit of additional metalworking skill to do the job. If you can find a tech with a genuine interest in your particular needs and the skill to alter your instrument to suit you, you are indeed fortunate. I've seen many brass and woodwind instruments modified in creative ways that allow the musician to play with little to no extra effort. Pinky key alterations are probably, in my experience anyway, the easiest.
Have you asked around town about other players who may have had such work done for them? You really need to get in touch with someone in your area who can work closely with you personally.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: cujo
Date: 2005-07-19 16:36
You can have keys extended by any good technician.
They could saw the key at a specific point and solder a piece in the middle, extending the key. This could be filed down, polished and made to look original.
Possibly buy new keys to do this to and save old ones in case you might sell it later.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-07-19 17:40
Instrument repair mechanics can re-pad and even restore horns, and for the most part they make a good job of it. Yes, they can also saw, piece together and extend and polish, etc. but there's a little more to it than that.
I've seen key modifications done by "any good technician" that were a shame to the trade. If you've ever scraped and removed every last molecule of gobbed on lead solder to re-do and remedy someone's misguided butchery, you'll understand that I refer to the difference between a mechanic and a technician.
Ask to see some examples of work done. Good photos are okay and sometimes are displayed or kept for reference by techs who are justly proud of their work.
Be selective and demand the best you can find. Believe me, you won't be happy with a Solder Gobber's product.
- ron b -
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-07-21 04:32
Sound words from Ron.
For anything outside the ordinary, choose your technician very carefully.
(And also if you want the 'ordinary' done well!)
Post Edited (2005-07-21 04:33)
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Author: 3dogmom
Date: 2005-07-21 13:20
How about the right pinky keys? I have a problem with my right hand pinky finger - specifically with regard to the F#/C# key. My pinky "locks" and I practically have to manually re-bend it to get it into the "normal" position again. I can't visualize where, or how, the key could be adjusted to accommodate this, however. Anybody have ideas or experience with this?
Sue Tansey
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-07-21 14:21
Sue - No experience with "lock-up", but my reach for the right F#/C# and partic. the E/B is greatly improved by a "high" position of the thumb rest. Also I almost always use the left hand F#/G# for all but the most difficult cross fingerings. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: cujo
Date: 2005-07-21 21:35
I meant qualified/experienced at soldering tech, "good" does seem a bit general.
Well with the right pinky keys you can have them moved. This is much more complicated and needs someone with custom work experience.
My opinion on best way is to lower the e/b and f#/c# keys to comfort position.
It will take some high modification but it is possible.
You may find better ways, figure out where you want your finger to be and have the spatula put there.
I have seen pictures of a working one handed sax. So I know anything is possible with some ingenuity.
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