 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: k_squared
Date: 2005-01-03 13:41
Hello,
I recently acquired a used Yamaha 20. It looks in almost new condition but I had problems with low E/Fb and high B/Cb using the alternate fingering (I don't know the "technical" names of the keys, but it would be the inner most key of the three keys on the left and the bottom right key of the four keys on the right). I had the clarinet looked at and a few pads were replaced, but I'm still having problems with those keys. I might not have been as specific as I should have been when I took it in for repairs. I think that the upper right pad on the lower half was replaced, but I don't think that the lower right pad was. If I press either key really hard, I can get the note, but it's very difficult. Also, it is easier to get the low E/Fb than it is the high B/Cb. Is there some adjustment that could be made that I might be able to do myself or is my problem most likely the lower right pad?
thanks,
k2
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-01-03 14:24
Sounds like the pads are not closing simultaneously. This can be caused by the
"crows foot" being out of adjustment.
If you are mechanically inclined, you can check for equal pressure on the pads by feeling the drag on a piece of cellophane placed successively under each of the two large pads this key closes. The pads should close at the same time and the drag should feel equal.
If the drag is not equal, a temporary fix can sometimes be accomplished by adding pieces of tape to one side of the "crows foot" until the drag is equal.
If all this confuses you, take it to a good technician and fully describe your problem.
Even if you are able to temporarily fix it, take it to technician for a more permanent adjustment.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-01-03 18:05
If you took your lawnmower in to be tuned up and it didn't run well when you got it home, would you then try to fix it yourself or would you [grrrr] take it back?
Well, that's not likely to happen, k2, because Lawnmower Techs usually start the machine and make sure it's running okay before releasing it to their customer. Lawnmower techs are far better PR people than musical instrument techs in this respect.
Don't monkey with your horn, take it back. If it can't be adjusted, this time while you wait (you already paid for this service), ask for your money back and find a different tech...
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-01-03 18:55
I was having a problem with the Fb Cb nomenclature....but I think I got it now. I guess you mean B and E natural.....! Yeh, don't try adjusting those.
Bob Draznik
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Author: k_squared
Date: 2005-01-03 23:31
Thanks everyone for the help.
ronb: I assumed that a clarinet is played after being repaired before it is released to the customer, but it sounds like my assumption is incorrect (?). Maybe some techs do and some don't?
This particular repair was done by someone I hadn't used before. He was located in my hometown, and I had it done while I was there over the holidays, thinking it just needed a pad or two replaced. Unfortunately, I didn't play it before returning home, and I won't be back that way for a while. The nearest music shop doesn't have a tech on site....he picks up the instruments at the store and does the repairs in his home. I've used him before and have been happy with him. He'll call me before doing any work, so i can more fully describe the problem to him.
BobD: yes, I mean B and E natural...sorry for the confusion!!
thanks again everyone....i really appreciate the input.
k2
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-01-04 01:00
Some techs are woodwind players and some aren't. I know a tech who only plays the radio but is an excellent instrument mechanic. This may be an unusual and exceptional situation but, anyway, the store owner (good clarinetist) play tests every horn, woodwind and brass, before it leaves his shop. He will not call the customer until he's satisfied that the repair is done right. And then he always asks the customer to try the horn before accepting it. Unless the customer is a parent representing the student, they usually are happy to comply. That's pretty much the ideal way it should be.
There are techs around who do not play, do not play test anything, and couldn't care much less whether it plays easy or hard, as long as it make a sound. You may have to complain and return several times before the instrument finally works halfway like it should. I'm sorry to say that there are too many of those kinds of musical instrument techs around.
Unfortunately, I have no idea what can be done about it. Now that you're out of that technician's territory, I don't know. You might take it to your regular tech and ask h(im/er) to adjust it for you. Some techs, understanding the situation, will do this as a courtesy to you as a valued customer. I would.
- rn b -
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Author: BassClarinetGirl
Date: 2005-01-04 03:30
I have the exact same model clarinet, and had the exact same problem. I'd be willing to bet that your symptoms are a skwaking B when you are coming up from an A (and at times when coming down from C), and a skwaking E when going for F#-F to E (i never had much of a problem with this one, but it did happen a few times). While my clarinet is currently in excellent condition (minus... a scratch here and there) and very good repair, it had been left for a long time without tweaking when I got it, which caused the B key to go out of wack. My key would hit the keys behind it- it wasn't tight enough or something, and the pad didn't close over the hole right unless you pressed excessively hard, hence hitting the other keys. Have it adjusted by someone else, and have your whole clarinet gone over, and checked for leaks. And be very clear with your tech about what the problem is- don't stop short of play testing the clarinet before you leave the shop. If it's still a problem, I wouldn't take the clarinet back before it's fixed.
Becca
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-01-04 13:04
Whether the Enatural (left piinky) key hits the Fnatural(lp) key can be a function of the rotation of the top section relative to the bottom section.....when the height adjustment of the Fnatural key is too low. Slight movements can cause problems. Bending the Fnatural key to a higher setting can correct the problem.....but I wouldn't recommend trying it if you're not an experienced tech. I would take a cooperative attitude with the tech.
Bob Draznik
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Author: k_squared
Date: 2005-01-05 04:37
well, I've narrowed down the problem....it seems as if the upper right pad is not sealing tight when I use either pinky for E or B. I slid a piece of paper under each of the pads and pressed each key, and the paper came out from under the upper pad quite easily, whereas it stayed tight in place under the lower pad. I have no problem, however, playing F or C.
any other thoughts before I take it to the tech?
thanks!
k2
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-01-06 04:44
In my experience, this is an almost universal problem, to a greater or lesser degree, for almost every new clarinet.
If your technician did not get it right, then you definitely need a 'real' technician.
It is the most complicated area of adjustment for a standard clarinet, and not the sort of problem you should really mess with yourself unless you have plenty experience. As you have noticed and been a victim of, many technicians even, are not capable of getting it right.
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