 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Stephen Froehlich
Date: 2001-11-06 23:22
Almost a year ago I picked up an old Kohlert Bass which Dave S. had been using. Except for his afinity for hard springs and some bent keys in shipping, it was very well adjusted.
Over the year, of course, it has gotten a bit loose (all basses do this). Last week I took it in to the local repair guy (@ Strait for you Austinites) to get everything tightened.
I walked in, handed it off to the counter guy who took it upstairs for an estimate. He came back perhaps 15 mins later with the question "Now what do you want done?"
What I needed was the bridge key mechanism adjusted (Bb/F key wasn't sealing well all of the time), the register key adjusted, and some other work done. I talked to the repair guy and communicated everything pretty effectively.
It was ready the same day, and everything on the horn was nice and tight. I practiced for an hour or so, swabbed it out thouroughly, and left it sitting out on a stand. I picked it up again tonight and the register key was binding and the same ol' leak was back with the Bn/F# key.
I got some temporary fixes in place, but I'm wondering what to do from here and what caused all of this?
The register key is squeezed tightly between the posts, and will only actuate if overly lubricated and the steel rot it pivots on is in the right position.
The bridge/Bb/F mechanism just seems to bend out of place easily and then develop a leak - I don't know if its the corks or what, though the metal links are a little weak in that area.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2001-11-07 06:38
Hi!
I have a friend with an Kohlert bass clarinet which was extended to low C by the legendary Glen Johnston. I've done some work on it and made extensions for the left low E and low F# keys to make them easier to get at. This one is very difficult to work on and I hope he keeps taking it to his regular repairman instead of me. With a replacement Selmer neck, it has a wonderful sound but it doesn't fit my large fingers very well. The Bb/F is not so easy to adjust and the octave mechanism is tricky. Good luck.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2001-11-07 13:59
When I read the topic, I thought maybe your post was about me....
Actually, one thing you mention sounds very wrong: no key on any clarinet should have to be "overly lubricated." Key motion should be okay with no lubrication at all, and a small amount of "oil" should be applied once it's working well. Being "squeezed tightly between the posts" is not a good situation; no doubt this should be relieved. Also, that "steel rod it pivots on" should have any rust removed, and the tube it goes through should be cleaned out.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-11-07 16:32
Same day service, eh?
Sounds like JMcA is onto the cause of your problem.
I, too, would suspect the register hinge was either overly swedged, burr(s) not removed, or the hinge tube or the hinge or screw is bent or the posts are twisting(caused by too strong spring tension?) -- or all of these...
:[ Agghhh!!!! ]
You should never have to use more oil that just enough to prevent rust (which, if there was any, should have been removed while it was being looked at).
The bridge mechanism should cause no problems unless something is shifting. Check pivots and seats for excess wear.
It may have seemed nice and tight but it obviously isn't or it wouldn't be doing the same thing again :
I'd take it back until it's done right.
- ron b -
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Author: Peter
Date: 2001-11-07 17:21
Better yet, I'd take it to someone who can do the job right the first time out, even if it takes a day-and-a-half to do so.
Have you thought of sending it to David S. for repair?
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-11-07 21:52
Peter -
You are correct. Better to have it done right... period.
I just mentioned taking it back because it's very hard to get a refund for something like poorly done repair service. Stephen already paid for it, he may as well *try* to get his money's worth.
- ron b -
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2001-11-08 15:19
Stephen,
I feel bad ---- my old flame is mistreating you ---- how can I help? Especially since my hard-rubber Kohlert has been absolutely reliable for the last year+, and is still a joy to play (though somewhat, er, "plain" to look at.............).
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