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bass clarinet alignment, cork grease

Author: John Morton
Date: 2006-03-04 16:48

My bass is very sensitive to changes in the orientation of the upper and lower joints with respect to one another. A 1/16" offset at the bridge connections produces difficulties that get me in trouble. I find that some joint rotation occurs as I play, more if I'm in a jazz combo, turning and making cue gestures with the horn. The resistance to twisting seems firm when I assemble the horn, but there is definitely a tendency to creep under pressure.

Is there something I should do to condition the cork? Over time I eventually come to need cork grease (because the joints stick and release annoyingly as I twist back and forth to get the alignment right). But then a little is always too much. I am using the Doctor's synth grease, which is less viscous than the paste-like stuff I used to use. Should I try something else?

thanks
John Morton

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Re: bass clarinet alignment, cork grease

Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-03-04 17:12

When your joints "wander" while being assembled this could mean that the cement that bonds the cork to the tenon has become gooey and gradually wants to get back to the point of least energy involved (just like an old photo camera's lens whose distance ring gradually tries to turn back).
Grab the unassembled joint's cork with a kitchen paper towel and try to (carefully) twist it a bit. If the feeling is syrupy, have the joint recorked or the corking checked by your technician.

--
Ben

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