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 Spring size
Author: SVSorna05 
Date:   2003-08-23 19:01

For a normal soprano clarinet what would my spring size range be. Also what do i do about the flat springs on the trill keys, thanx as always
-dain-
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 Re: Spring size
Author: ron b 
Date:   2003-08-23 20:34

Hi, SV :)

Ordinarily, you don't need to do anything about springs. But when you do... you really do.

Flat springs for most Boehm clarinets are pretty standard and you need only two or three lengths. Register key is usually the longest ones you'd need (two lengths) and are pretty standard too. Round spring diameters and lengths, on the other hand, can vary quite a bit. You might find that another tech has changed something before you have the instrument in front of you. So, if you plan to change round springs yourself, it might be a worthwhile investment to buy a whole set. Ferree's offers a complete assortment separated in little marked vials. They're reasonably priced and, if you do your own repair work, they are very handy to have on hand for those 'emergencies' you always run into when least expected.

A lot of 'normal' clarinets nowadays use stainless steel springs so you need to decide when ordering whether you need regular steel needle springs or just stainless steel ones - or both.

I have a set of broaches that I occasionally find quite useful. Not a necessity but nice to have around if you need one.

I'd recommend ordering a couple dozen flat spring screws and a matching tap if you plan on really getting into it. I've never used spring removal or installation pliers but I think they might make things easier. I may 'spring' for them in the near future myself :)

- r[cool]n b -
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 Re: Spring size
Author: BobD 
Date:   2003-08-24 15:52

Straight round spring work can be rather challenging. Wear safety glasses too.
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 Re: Spring size
Author: Gordon (NZ) 
Date:   2003-08-24 23:30

There is nothing much standard about needle spring diameters.

A good technician has the full range and selects one to match the diameter (and material) of what came out, or match the hole in the post, or changing the diameter (and material) if this is deemed appropriate.
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 Re: Spring size
Author: Mark Pinner 
Date:   2003-08-25 11:52

I wouldn't be mucking around too much and certainly not broaching spring holes without knowing what you are doing. I have spring sizes from .30 through to 1.4 in varying lengths and at least 6 pairs of spring specific pliers from removers to setters and pin benders. There is also the music wire option. Likewise there are thiick and thin flute bronze in wire or pre-cut form, white gold thick or thin and I buy my stainless in rolls Dentaurum orthodontic wire from .2 to 2.0. There are also flat springs in bronze or case hardened steel or stainless (flute thumb). In my experience the best brand of needles are the premium Pisoni and Armstrong/UMI make some cute bronze. In addition there are about 25 sizes of brass valve springs, spit key springs and rotor springs. This is for the experts kids. My last shipment cost a fortune. But I will make it back in fixing amateur re-springing jobs. Don't forget the ball pein hammers of different weights, five at last count in my workshop from 1 oz to 12 oz and a couple of different sized anvils. I repeat this is speciialised repair work.
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 Re: Spring size
Author: BobD 
Date:   2003-08-25 13:33

RightOn, Mark. The problem starts with getting the old spring out.
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 Re: Spring size
Author: Gordon (NZ) 
Date:   2003-08-25 22:08

Orthodontic wire. Well I never thought of that!
I find that for instrument repair many of the best materials come from other industries, and are little known or used by mainstream repairers.
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 Re: Spring size
Author: BobD 
Date:   2003-08-26 13:10

It figures, Gordie, both dentists and clar. techs. work on things you put in your mouth......Butler proxybrushes work good on toneholes
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 Re: Spring size
Author: Gordon (NZ) 
Date:   2003-08-26 23:42

LOL! Impeccable logic.
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