 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: eac
Date: 2008-03-19 15:50
My lovely new (to me but actually ten years old) R13 Vintage developed a full length hairline crack in the bell this winter. Thankfully, no cracks in the upper or lower joints. My instructor says it would be expensive to fix and isn't sure it will impact my sound very much if at all, particularly at the level at which I am playing at present. Should I pursue having this fixed, just leave it alone or eventually replace my bell? Thanks!
Liz Leckey
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Author: Joarkh
Date: 2008-03-19 16:28
I've got something very similar, doesn't seem to have any impact on my sound.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-03-19 16:37
it shouldn't have any impact on the sound. only when the crack goes all the way through and there is an actual gap will it affect the low register. best bet is to carefully apply super glue over the crack to make sure it doesn't expand.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2008-03-19 16:43
I would say take the clarinet to a repair tech and have the crack properly adressed by getting his/her thoughts and then following through.
David Dow
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-03-19 17:19
These cracks are fairly common and are among the easiest to repair. The current technique preferred by most good repair techs, involves "filling" the crack with (wood) superglue, letting it dry and then sanding the excess down with fine sandpaper (inside and out). A good repair tech can do it so that the crack is virtually invisible and it shouldn't be expensive, at all -- not nearly as expensive as a new bell. Some experienced players consider it within the realm of do-it-yourself. Check with a good repair shop.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-03-19 17:31
Even if the bell splits all the way from top to bottom (and all the way through), the rings will prevent it from falling apart. It should be easy enough for a reputable tech to fill with superglue (and tidy it all up so the repair is pretty much invisible), no matter how serious the crack is.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-03-19 18:26
Hi, I’ve experienced this myself with one of my bells. I simply applied a little bit of super glue directly on the crack and it’s been fine for many years now. Has absolutely no effect on the sound. Just be careful not to put to much glue on so it doesn’t become unsightly. ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-03-19 20:11
I had a crack in the bell of my clarinet about 1.5 years ago and it wasn't very expensive just about 50$.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-03-19 20:26
Nice to see superglue being mentioned several times here!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-03-19 20:32
Chris P wrote:
> Nice to see superglue being mentioned several times here!
Each time I see or use superglue, I have to think of you... ;-)
--
Ben
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-03-19 20:38
"Each time I see or use superglue, I have to think of you... "
Is that one of Ella Fitzgerald's greatest hits?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2008-03-19 21:59
"It had to be glue........
'cause Ben likes it too.....
That strong superglue,
shiny and new,
it had to be glue....."
Sorry. ![[frown]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie2.gif)
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Author: hans
Date: 2008-03-19 23:17
eac,
My #2 clarinet has a crack in the bell like that too and it doesn't affect the way it plays. The repair tech said he wouldn't bother to repair it unless it got worse, and that he would use superglue at that time. Judging by the preceding, it seems to be the "industry standard".
It's not a valuable instrument so it doesn't bother me, but... if my Recital cracked it would be in for repair ASAP.
This thread will be complete when GBK has contributed some poetry :-)
Hans
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Author: eac
Date: 2008-03-20 15:44
Thanks! Nice (and rare) to have so much agreement on a a topic.
Liz Leckey
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2008-03-20 16:55
Swap bells with your instructor to assure yourself that it has no noticeable impact on your sound.
Bob Phillips
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Author: clarinets1
Date: 2008-03-20 19:25
i also have a damaged bell. two small cracks that have been there for the past 4 years to remind me of my clumsiness. nothing rattles, and the sound or response hasn't been affected, so i never bothered to have it repaired.
jk
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-03-20 20:48
I guess GBK is out to lunch.
The crack in the bell was a shock
But once I began to take stock
I grabbed super glue,
added powder, made goo
The inserted plug's now like a rock
HRL
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-03-20 21:39
A crack in the bell? Not severe.
It should not induce panic or fear.
Careful testing has found
It won't change your sound
Just relax, and have a cold beer.
As if under a deep magic spell
All things will shrink (or could swell)
If you want an ample
Historic example
Just look at the Liberty Bell.
...GBK
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-03-21 02:23
lol you guys "crack" me up.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2008-03-21 12:19
Sometimes these cracks can make a buzz in sympathy with certain notes.
I used to force epoxy into and right through such splits, using my finger. Some would prefer a gloved finger. It worked well.
If the timber has a black filler/paint/dye over it, then superglue is likely to cause more cosmetic mess. Otherwise it is great. I use low viscosity so that it wicks deep into the crack.
Post Edited (2008-03-21 12:20)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2008-03-21 15:10
I agree the crack should be filled and fixed. Later on you can replace the bell. I use a Backun bell on my R-13, but that's a bit more pricey than a repair.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-03-22 12:46
When a wood bell cracks it might also be in conjunction with a bell ring loosening which can also result in a buzz.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Avie
Date: 2008-03-24 16:21
When the crack almost completely closes up when the clarinet is cold and opens up after it warms up should the super glue be applied when the crack is open or almost completely closed? If applied when the crack is open would it remain open permanately? If applied when the crack is almost closed would the glue still penatrate and seal the crack? It could possibly create another messy problem than if just left alone. ![[huh]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie11.gif)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-03-24 16:27
The glue should be applied while the crack is open.
Applying the glue once the crack has closed means the glue may not penetrate as far, and there's a chance the crack can open again when the wood swells.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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