The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Heidi
Date: 2000-04-14 11:10
Does anyone know of a good repair manual that will teach me how to make "simple" repairs on my bass clarinet. I'd like to learn how to regulate my instrument myself (for emergency situations only -- major repairs I will leave for the experts). Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Heidi
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Author: Katherine Pincock
Date: 2000-04-14 14:07
I don't know about a manual itself, but I can tell you the two most common causes of bass clarinet problems, at least in my experience:
1) screws on the bass clarinet come loose very quickly and easily, especially the ones on the long rods. You should check these both before and after you play. I've been amazed at how many times it seemed the instrument was broken, and that was the only problem.
2) because the rods on the bass clarinet are so long, they can get bent or twisted very easily. Make sure you learn how to put it together without putting any pressure on the rods--it takes a little practice, but it is possible. Again, a very little twist to the rod will make it almost impossible to play.
Hope these two tips help; I'd love to hear others
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Author: SusieQ
Date: 2000-04-14 14:08
Heidi, If you find one please let me know about it too. I would love to have that info. Sorry I couldn't help you.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-04-14 14:34
I suggest only VERY SIMPLE repairs should be attempted on our BC's! Most of our "good-book" authors shy away from discussing repairs for what I consider valid reasons, some, like on the big clar's, get highly complex and "touchy". I know I get in trouble at times and go to get pro-repair help, and do survive their knowing smiles, recognizing that I got in too deep. The only fairly comprehensive repair reference I know of is in Robert Willaman's 1950's book, "The Clar. and Clar. Playing" Chap. IV, which is prob. available only in libraries [maybe by loan!]. He, however, doesn't seem to distinguish the biggies from the Bb sop.. Conclusion, simple and careful!! Don
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-04-14 15:02
There is a book by C.Theide (sic) published by WC Brown (I think). This book may or may not be still be in print. It covers the basic repairs on all instruments. It was written as a manual for the college student studying to be a band director. It covers only basic problems of clarinets and I can't recall (since I'm not at home) if he covers that much bass clarinet, but I think it does. It is a good 'basic' manual that is easily read and understood. You might check into this one.
J. Butler
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-04-14 15:02
There is a book by C.Theide (sic) published by WC Brown (I think). This book may or may not be still be in print. It covers the basic repairs on all instruments. It was written as a manual for the college student studying to be a band director. It covers only basic problems of clarinets and I can't recall (since I'm not at home) if he covers that much bass clarinet, but I think it does. It is a good 'basic' manual that is easily read and understood. You might check into this one.
J. Butler
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Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-04-14 16:15
The Erick Brand manual, which covers many different wind instruments, is in print and available from Ferree's Tools. Ferree's also sells tools and repair supplies, such as cork and pads. I've been learning simple repair work and agree that repairs are much more difficult and complex on the large woodwinds than on the small ones. However, I think learning to take care of some of the frequent, small problems that come up is a really good idea. Stuff happens -- especially at night after the repair shop closes! One good, basic tool to keep in the take-along kit is a spring hook, for slipping one of those needle springs back into place when it pops loose. There's no need to run to a repair tech to re-hook a spring, but it can be the most frustrating !@#$%^&* little job without the right tool! I like the type of hook that has a different size head on each end, for different sized springs -- it will take care of anything from an Eb soprano clarinet to my bass sax. Some clever people make their own spring hooks by filing down crochet hooks.
http://www.ferreestools.com
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Author: Gary Van Cott
Date: 2000-04-14 16:20
We have a book on our web site by Ronald Saska titled: A Guide to Repairing Wookwinds. It is intended as a textbook for a course in (woodwind) instrument repair. It is quite comprehensive and uses the clarinet as the starting point for the instruction. It includes a chapter on harmony clarinets.
I would caution that while nearly anyone could get something from this book, it is an introduction to profesional repair, not a do it yourself book.
Clarinet Books and More
http://www/vcisinc.com
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