 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CuriousClarinet
Date: 2012-02-19 06:20
This post kinda contains multiple questions, but whatever... =p
On Thursday I learned that my 1 year and 3 month old R13 is cracked. It has two, extremely small and barely noticable cracks that extend not even an inch-length from the clarinet's middle tenon (on the bottom of the top joint). My repair tech said one goes through the bore of the instrument, and he can tell that the clarinet is leaking slightly, but doubts a crack that small would be the cause. He won't know what's causing the leak for sure until he takes all the keys off and looks at it closer, though. Unfortunatly, I have solo/ensemble competition on the 23rd, and can't really afford to let be without my clarinet for the next week. Any suggestions on how to minimize the possibilty of the cracks speading until then? Not playing it isn't an option, since I still have a bit of cleaning I need to do with my solo. The repair tech I talked to said to make sure I used cork grease and not to play it anymore then needed, any advice beyond that?
My other problem is, since discovering the hairline cracks on my R13, I can no longer look at any section of my soprano or bass clarinet without thinking I see a crack. Is there a way to tell a diference between the natural grain of the wood and an actual crack? And while I'm on the subject, can anyone tell me how big of an issue the cracks on my clarinet really are? I'm pretty depressed that my clarinet cracked, I take imculate care of my instruments, and I don't have money to go and just buy another. By some miracle, will the cracks not affect the playability of the clarinet? They don't seem to be so far, hopefully it'll stay that way?
Sorry for any spelling/grammer issues. I'm too lazy to use a spellchecker. =p
Post Edited (2012-02-19 07:02)
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-02-19 06:58
Unfortunately cracks are part of life with wooden instruments. The socket on the lower joint is probably the single most common place for cracks to occur. Most likely the wood dried out a bit and shrank enough for the ring to get slightly loose and this allowed the wood to split when the instrument was assembled. I've had this happen a couple of times before. The good news is that if the cracks don't extend past the end of the socket they can usually be repaired just by wicking low viscosity CA glue into the cracks. As long as the wood isn't allowed to dry out again they will usually remain stable.
As far as identifying cracks goes the best method I have found is to look down the bore of the joint, barrel, or bell and point it at a light. Rotate the part as you are doing this and any cracks should be readily visible.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-02-19 11:52
Can you borrow an R13 to practice on until you get your's back? Particularly if you use your own mouthpiece and barrel, there should be little difference between the two. In fact, I once put my mouthpiece and barrel on my nephew's Vito, and no one could tell the difference. Even I had trouble. If you have an A clarinet, you could practice on that.
Remember that you'll have your own R13 back in time for the contest.
It's easy to get a bit paranoid, particularly when you're under the stress of the upcoming contest. It can happen to anyone, and everyone gets over it. I even had to take an audition for the West Point Band on a borrowed R13, and it went fine.
Hold and play your A and your bass and remember how much pleasure you get from them. They need to be played, and you deserve what they give. When you start to worry, start playing and switch your mind and feelings over to that.
Ken Shaw
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Author: kimber
Date: 2012-02-19 12:08
I second Ken's suggestion - take your barrel and mouthpiece and beg, borrow or rent a different clarinet to use in the meantime. The sooner you can have your cracks addressed, the better the outcome for the clarinet.
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Author: CuriousClarinet
Date: 2012-02-19 20:21
I don't know anyone else that has an R13, besides my teacher, but that's a tall order, seeing as he is also the repair tech that would be repairing mine. "Here, let me take your R13 while you fix mine." =p I have a plastic B12 Bb (but it's currently being borrowed by someone in my section, ironically), and I do have a E11 A clarinet, but I would hate to do that to my accompianst, and I would have to find a piano part to match the key. The one I have is to accompany a Bb clarinet, but if I can find the part in the next few days, I might play it on my E11.
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Author: ttay1122
Date: 2012-02-20 03:58
I wish more companies used reinforced grenadilla like the Hanson company in the UK. It would be nice to not have to dread the thought of cracking...
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Author: ttay1122
Date: 2012-02-20 06:29
I remember coming across these for the first time on Wiki. Have a gander
http://www.hansonclarinets.com/Hanson_Clarinet_Company._Making_Music_in_Great_Britain./Materials.html#1
Taylor
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