 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: poopsie
Date: 2004-08-23 22:33
Okay,
I have a plastic selmer clarinet that I am using for marching band and it is really messed up. When I try and play the higher octives (G-C and all the notes inbetween, right above the staff) and the notes will not come out. The same is happening on my lower keys, (E-B, lowest notes on the staff) except they are coming out as if I had my octive key pushed down. (I have tried changing my airstream and that did not help) My director checked out the instrument and he could not figure it out and I am at least 1.5 hours away from the closest place to get it fixed and have a show this Friday. HELP!!!
Thanks ahead for the help. Sorry if you are confused. It is really hard to explain what is going on with this thing.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-08-23 22:55
Yes, call up the tech. See if it is at all feasible for you (or family?) to get your clarinet out there for repair. (an hour and a half is some people's daily commute, you know)
Are you sure there aren't any reputable local repair persons (working out of their garage or a small shop) that can look at it? Wherever you take it, call them in advance and make sure that they can do same-day or next-day repairs. Some places, at least where I live, will have a one-day-a-week repairman or will ship out your instrument.
Alternatively, is there anyone's instrument you can borrow until you get it fixed?
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: pewd
Date: 2004-08-23 22:57
check the g# adjustment screw , see if its too tight, keeping that pad open,
there shoud be a tiny amount of play when you press the A key - maybe 1/1000 "
examine the pads on the top joint - see if one fell out, or is torn
check octave key - is it closed? spring under it intact, and keeping it closed wihen not pressed?
then try a leak test on the top joint , close all keys, hold it against the palm of your right hand, and blow into the top - see if theres air leaking out anywhere
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-08-24 02:06
It sound as if a leak is possible/probable. Nothing can be done without diagnosis.
Take one section at a time. Block the lower end with a cork or equivalent. Close the normally-open keys with one hand. Blow in the upper end. even if you blow quite hard, air should not escape. If it does, then you may find out where just by listening. Otherwise, use the other hand to try pressing down hard on different key cups until you find the culprit.
That is a start.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-08-24 03:17
Poopsie --
Did the instrument just all of a sudden stop working -- like, it worked when you played it one day, and then didn't work the next day -- or is this the way it was when you picked it up?
If this was a sudden thing, the comments above are good. I would just add that you might also check the spring on the right side of the upper joint under the C#/G# key. That can be a bad actor if it slips out of its groove, too.
Susan
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-08-24 11:50
Many dozens of possible causes could be listed. This is why diagnosis to focus on the culprit is necessary.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-08-24 17:09
The above suggestions, if followed, should show you where the leak is....since it probably is a leak. In addition to blowing as Gordon mentions you can also suck which sometimes helps locate the leak better. Good Luck.
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