 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-08-31 03:45
Selmer Bass Clarinet...when playing E in the staff the second register key opens but the first register key doesn't completely close. What is the remedy?
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-08-31 05:09
Fixing the register key mechanism 
Depending on what model it is (i.e. when it was made) it might have adjusting screws for some of (or all) the linkages of the register mechanism. To fix the problem you need to correct the linkages to work right. If you want to do it yourself, you need to figure out what it is supposed to do and make it do it. If you can't figure it out, maybe it's better to let someone else do it, for example a repairer who is experienced with bass clarinets.
Nitai
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-08-31 19:34
Sounds like the linkage between the joints could be bent as well.
What era (going by the serial number prefix) Selmer bass is it?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-08-31 19:51
This is a friend's bass....I believe it is a 1970's vintage.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-08-31 20:57
I have a V series Selmer B C, to low Eb, a fine horn when then the DRK linkages work properly, so if you can't figure it all out, I suggest as, C B has , take it to a bass cl-knowledgable tech. I keep mine working !! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-08-31 21:10
Go the a good tech! ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 Listen to a little Mozart, not on bass
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-09-02 05:51
>> Some of the Selmers I've owned and played were sensitive to the position the neck is in
This happens if the shape of the neck key, where the arm from the body lever touches, isn't shaped as part of a circle that is parallel to the body (on some instruments it's possible to improve this problem). If this happens then at worst case the upper register key would be open all the time, but it shouldn't affect the opening or closing of the lower register key. The only way it would is if the spring on the neck key is just strong enough so at some point it is too strong for the lever to overcome, but that is extremely unlikely, and I've never seen this problem on any bass clarinet.
I don't remember the mechanism of 70s Selmers, but it's probably similar in idea to the modern instruments, so this is what I'm going by here and hopefully it's mostly similar.
The register mechanism basically opens the neck register key. When the G/D key is not pressed, there is a piece blocking a part of the register mech from moving, to open the body register key instead. Press the G/D key and you should see a part connected to the register key mechanism moving (at the top of the mech, not the joints linkage). When the G/D key is not pressed, this part probably blocks another part, but not enough. This part is also connected to the linkage between the joints, so these should be adjusted with each other.
Unless the mechanism on this older Selmer is completely different, this should be enough of a start to figure out the problem and the solution. It might mean bending a key (if there's no adjusting screw) so if you do bend something be careful to make sure you are not ruining something. You can instead add and/or sand cork. It could also be as simple as screwing an adjustment screw a little bit more.
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