 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: klarisa
Date: 2009-01-18 18:44
Attachment: DSC00863-800.jpg (62k)
Hello,
First of all pleas excuse me for any mistakes in my English sins it is not my native language.
I recently bought an old noblet Eb clarinet. Serial number 1925. I replaced most of the pads and cork to make it playable again. I can play it over the hole range pretty much in tune, the high notes from top the C above the staff and higher tend to be on the low side but not so much that I cant lip them up. There are only tree notes that are way to low to get them right that are the low A, the E in the middle of the staff (same fingering with what I think is cold the speaker key) and the high C#, again same fingering.
I noticed the lowest open tonehole is not wood but brass (see attachment). Could it be that in the past this hole was damaged and replaced with the brass one? Could this brass hole be to small, it is 6,2 milimeter, making the above mentioned notes sound to low? Can someone let me now what the exact diameter of that tonehole should be. And if it is the wrong diameter can a clarinet tech make it wider by drilling or other means?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-18 19:25
It can be drilled or reamed out if it is too small (and making the A, E and C# flat).
To me that tonehole looks way too small with the brass ring on it, so take it to someone who knows how to tune clarinets so they can correct it.
But if you're feeling confident, try filing the inside of the brass ring to increase the diameter with a small half-round file.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2009-01-18 21:50)
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Author: huff n' puff
Date: 2009-01-19 09:52
Hi, and could I add to this ............ put a small piece of cardboard up the bore to avoid accidental damage by the tip of the file to the opposite side of the bore........ maybe also grind away any sharpness on the file tip.
Patience, and just take your time.............. H&P
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-01-19 12:12
I agree with Chris; it does look too small. Since the pitch is low anyway, why not take it to a good tech and have them replace the tone hole with a black plastic one? Then the pitch will be good and it will look normal, too.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-19 13:14
If it's only 6.2mm that's way too small - whoever fitted the brass ring probably measured the other toneholes, though at least it can be enlarged.
I think the RH3 tonehole is more likey to be nearer 8mm (maybe more) as that's usually the largest of the RH fingerholes.
If you do know someone who can repair or has the equipment to replace the entire tonehole chimney (in plastic, ebonite or wood), then that's a much better thing to do.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: klarisa
Date: 2009-01-19 20:53
Thank you all for the information so far.
I think i'll take it to my tech and ask his opinion about replacing the chimney or just enlarging the hole. Is there somebody with the same type of eb clarinet who can measure the size of the tonehole so we know what size to go for before we start.
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2009-01-20 02:55
I've got an old Normandy from about the same era as yours and if I measure the lower tone holes here is what I get.
The lowest (your metal one) 7.92 mm
the middle one is 5.81
the upper one is 6.54
Yes all my notes above high C tend to be flat but use of the G# key usually brings them up enough. I don't have any problems with low A or middle E
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-01-20 04:07
This is the lower stack open tone holes of a Vito which might help.
Top: 6.76 mm
Middle: 5.98 mm
Bottom: 8.32 mm
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