 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-25 23:20
While doing a bit of tweaking on my 1932 Selmer F B [R I series], I found that I had loosened the register key tube, which made further playing nearly impossible. So, a question to our repair pros, is this a frequently occuring, maybe an undetected, problem ? It seems to me that this small tube and the "F /C Thumb" tube can be easily disturbed by bore swabbing etc, and being high on the cl, any leakage, can wreak havoc !! I applied a very small amount of pad/cork cement around these tubes, and think that some wood-bore oiling might help. Comments, please, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-09-26 00:33
Don,
If you have a stick of shellac and a regular soldering iron it's an easy fix. Put bottom side of the register tube on the preheated tip of the iron and apply the shellac around on the bottom side of the register tube. Without removing the tube from the soldering iron push the tube into the hole. Wipe the access of shellac immediately with the paper towel or rag and you're done. It takes about a minute if you have already preheated iron.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-09-26 02:27
VK,
Do you have the register key tube pulled just about completey out when you heat it? Then the shellac must flow around the tube and seal it as you push the tube back into the clarinet, right?
Also, the bottom side of the tube you refer to must be the tube end on the outside of the clarinet or do I have all mixed up?
HRL
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-26 02:44
Many TKS, Vytas, I was sure that this problem had been met and solved by our pros. Will find skilled help !! Along this line, I have wondered/considered having some good cls [where I have been asked for advice, maybe to replace a pad or so] with miserable mid staff Bb's to have a Galper reg. vent tube installed, possibly even trying to find a Stubbins "system" [key, pad and mechanics] and then trying to find a knowledgable repairer who would install it !! Have you [and our other skilled pros] any advice re: this, please. TKS, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-09-26 21:15
Attachment: 1._Register_tube.JPG (55k)
Attachment: 2._Register_tube.JPG (91k)
Attachment: 3._Register_tube.JPG (72k)
Tools needed: a stick of shellac and a regular 15-30 watt soldering iron. (pic #1)
1. Remove the register key.
2. Remove the register key tube.
3. Place the register tube on preheated soldering iron tip. (tip is a RadioShack part #64-2052 fits RadioShack 15-30 watt soldering iron). (pic #2)
4. Apply shellac on the bottom/pad side of the tube.
5. Without removing the tube from the soldering iron push the tube into the hole. (pic #3)
6. Wipe the access of shellac immediately with the paper towel or rag.
Hank,
Yes, if you have soldering iron with the regular tip, pull the register key tube just about completely out when you heat it. Apply shellac on the bottom side of the tube (the tube end on the outside of the clarinet) and push it back. Do not use more than 15-30 watt soldering iron or you might damage/burn the wood.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-09-26 21:31
VK,
Thanks very much. The pictures make the process very easy to understand.
HRL
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-09-26 21:54
"I applied a very small amount of pad/cork cement around these tubes, and think that some wood-bore oiling might help. Comments, please, Don"
Pad and Cork Cement (MICRO KWICKSET) is actually dissolved shellac so it's kind of good, but it turns one minute job into a 24 hour project. I wouldn't apply any bore oil into the hole. It's like placing some grease on the wall before painting it.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
Post Edited (2004-09-26 22:10)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-26 22:24
And Again, many TKS, Vytas [and for Hank and other readers] for your fine advice. So far the Micro cement seems to have worked, this old [but "good" cl] still needs more TLC, so unless you have a desire to "restore it", I'll go to my near-local repair-friend . Its "pinch Bb" [with a thin pad] is quite good [compared with the A + trill} , the F B "long Bb" [lowEb with reg key] is not very well in tune ! Any thots re: the Galper reg tube [and key?] or possible Stubbins conversion will be appreciated. Again, TKS, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-09-26 22:53
What about sealing it with Bees Wax first?????? That's what Abe Galper did for our Register Tube for installation.
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-09-27 00:02
Don,
I'm afraid the Galper reg. tube and Stubbins conversion will not work on your Selmer "RI" (Radio Improved).
IMO. RI, L-series and L-series Selmer "BT" have unacceptable intonation by today's standards and you can't do much about it. Some players manage somehow play these instruments in tune but it doesn't work well for me.
Vytas
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-09-27 14:20
TKS, Vytas, I was afraid it wouldn't be a good idea to try either "improvement" ?generating acoustic problems?. While "my" reg. tube was loose, I tried pulling it out about 1 mm [somewhat like my CT and LeB L7 reg tube structures]. After a bit of glue dried [sealed?], I tried playing it, but that "re-location" did interfere with some of the clarion 12th's playability and pitch. So, I'll "leave well-enough alone" , dont play much sop, have nearly no need for a F B, and just be happy with my Sel 33 bass cl [and my S-P alto] for comm band playing. Again, many TKS for an "educational experience". Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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