 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 00:21
So I received four Greg Smiths to try out in the mail. As soon as I put one on my clarinet, the Eb/G# key completely falls off. So now I can only test then from A to throat Bb, and E to C. Go figure. Tomorrow I'll ask the clarinet instructor at school to help me with a "quick fix" since my new clarinet will be here more than likely within a week's time.
But I was so excited to try them out . . . !
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 00:32
Well, I just melted the glue with a candle, popped the pad back in and had it reseat itself (since the outline of the tone hole was already there) and looks like it's ok for now. Hopefully it'll last till next week.
Alexi
Did I do good?
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 00:59
In answer to my previous question, no I didn't. Now I can't get the needle spring to keep enough pressure to keep the Eb pad closed. So I'll be rubber banding it until I get the new clarinet, then I'll send this one to the shop. What a pain.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2004-01-29 01:22
Hmm.....why don't you wait until you get the new clarinet in to audition the mouthpieces. They may perform differently on your new clarinet...just a thought.
jbutler
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-01-29 01:54
sfalexi, regarding the spring tension, read my post in the thread:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=136185&t=136178
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 02:11
John,
I realize that. However I could narrow it down as to which feel comfortable to play (he has four facings, 1*, 1, 1+, 1++, and I figured I could find which were the most comfortable). Anyways, I have a great and trying testing week coming up. I'll be testing Greg Smith against two refaced Spiegelthal's. One that I have currently and one that he'll be sending me with the clarinet. Gonna be a tough, but a pleasant sounding time!
Thanks Gordon on the thread. I'm checkin' it out . . . done. Thanks for that link. It's not at all what I was attempting and I'll give it a shot tomorrow morning.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (2004-01-29 02:13)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda
Date: 2004-01-29 03:26
Sounds like you're the kind that just has to tinker with things, probably makes your life (and that of those around you) quite interesting! I had a grandfather like that. Well, experimentation is part of learning, too.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 03:55
Brenda,
Yup. And I just bought a copy of "The Clarinetist's Handbook. Volume 1" dealing with care and repair of an instrument (and foolishly admit I forgot I had it when I was trying to fix this pad tonight). But I fully intend on replacing my pads and tinkering with this clarinet once the new one comes in. Not to mention the countless hours I've spent researching and learning how to build computers, how to build and replace parts in my video game systems, wiring stereos, TV's, basically anything technical, expensive and therefore "fun" to toy around with!
I'll be toying with this clarinet and repadding it once the new one comes in.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: msroboto
Date: 2004-01-29 04:03
hey Alexi I have a rather beat up Bundy that smells bad too if you want a crack at that. I only have like $50.00 including the cost of the replacement pads into it (not installed just bought some). It needs pads bad and cork and maybe some time in the sun to try rid it of the bad smell.
No great loss if you can't make it better. I'll pay shipping of course and you can get an education.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 04:13
That sounds like a great idea msroboto! I get a horn to work on, and you get work done for free. So if worse comes to worse, you take it to someone else to redo it anyway. But I'm COMPLETELY booked through June with work orders and mouthpiece orders so I'm afraid I won't be able to accomodate you this soon.
Just kidding. I was just practicing ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif) Send me an email and who knows, perhaps we can work something out! Of course my emails will have the disclaimer of me never having attempted this before, but you know this already.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 04:39
Gordon,
It worked perfectly. Got the key working. I think I set the spring tension a little, nay - WAY too high (meaning I bent it too far backwards) but it'll work for the next week. Thanks Gordon.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-01-29 04:43
AS I think I explained in a later post in the same thread. Just hook up the spring with a small crochet hook and pull it slightly (say 1 mm) to the left to de-tension it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-29 04:46
Yup. It was one of the recommended tools by Moenigg in that book I mentioned above. I need to start gathering up my tools and creating a work area for myself. I'm excited to learn to do this stuff to save some money on repairs!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2004-01-29 14:38
If your willing to spend the $$s on a GS mpc, why not take your clarinet in and have it tweeked by a competent repairperson. You will spend considerably less, but be more able to fully appreciate how great those Smith Zinners really are. Just a thought..........
BTW--if you really like to tinker, why not design your own mpcs? That's the way Santy Runyon got started. He told me once that he never played a mouthpiece that he didn't make himself and that he made his first one while still "a kid". Maybe a few Zinner blanks and some sandpaper...........who knows? (just another early morning thought.......)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2004-01-29 14:45
Oh, and I know all about Murphys' Laws--I married one (and talk about "honey dew" lists--yikes!). Her latest "law" is, NO MORE NEW CLARINETS. But that doesn't mean "used" does it??...............
"I never lose....I just change the rules" Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-30 02:04
William,
I will bring it in, however wanted to fix it quickly since I will be receiving my new clarinet soon. There's no reason why I should have to be without a clarinet for a week or two when I can fix it at home, wait for the new one to arrive, and THEN send it away to be fixed/adjusted properly. That way I don't lose any practice time.
And you're right. I do plan on experimenting on mouthpieces. Not quite right now (as the wonderful Hallmark Holiday "Valentine's Day" is coming up and I have a few more things on my plate right now than I should have) but I do intend on learning eventually! I was also wondering what a lathe and a nail could do too . . . . but let's not go too far too quickly.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
