 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JHS
Date: 2004-12-02 18:51
I left my clarinet fully assembled for a week - playing it daily - and when I attempted to disassemble it for a thorough cleaning, was unable to remove the barrel. Anybody have advice on how this can be done without damaging the instrument? Thanks for the help.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-12-02 19:36
Store the clarinet in a cool place overnight or so. In the morning, use a blow dryer or something like that (on LOW heat setting) to blow warm (not hot) air over the barrel only. This will expand the barrel whilst the rest of the clarinet is still somewhat contracted from the cool storage --- might allow removal of the barrel without tools.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-12-02 20:40
You need to remove the barrel as soon as possible. Wood is binding on wood and can easily cause a crack.
Wrap several thick rubber bands around the barrel to give yourself a better grip. If that doesn't work, and you can't get to a repair shop, you'll have to do what everyone says not to do -- flex the barrel/upper joint SLIGHTLY to the side, to break the adhesion loose.
Don't panic. This happens to everyone, and I've made many worse mistakes in my life.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-12-02 21:28
If you are not "handy" I'd recommend getting it into a repair shop....period.
I guess there are differences of opinion on leaving a wood clarinet assembled for a week........but I wouldn't do it.
Bob Draznik
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-12-03 00:27
JHS,
This has come up several times before and a search should turn up more information.
Getting it to a repair tech ASAP would be my first choice too, if possible.
I read somewhere that inserting a knife in the joint might free it, but can't comment from personal experience.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: marcia
Date: 2004-12-03 00:54
I had a similar problem at one time and Morrie Backun reccomended the flexing of the barrel method. However once he removed a sliver of wood the problem was fixed.
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Author: VermontJM
Date: 2004-12-03 01:07
Just a suggestion (and maybe you were already planning this) but don't leave your clarinet assembled for so long...
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-12-03 05:29
1. Get a stronger person to twist it apart. I have needed to resort to '2' only very rarely, when the joints have been stuck together for years.
2. Bend the body/barrel at the join until you can slip a very thin shim into the gap on one side. Repeat with a second shim on the other side. Alternate with thicker and thicker shims.
3. I don't like the cooling and heating methods because I suspect that this would split some bodies. Some technicians put the section in the freezer for 10 minutes only, and claim it works. Personally I would not risk it.
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Author: JHS
Date: 2004-12-03 18:01
Thanks to all for the excellent recommendations.
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Author: Dragonpuppy
Date: 2004-12-03 19:01
Wear dry yellow rubber gloves (the type you use for diswashing) and try to disassmble it.
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