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mysterious alto clarinet problem

Author: dgclarinet
Date: 2006-07-08 17:00

I've been searching the board here for a possible answer to my alto clarinet question, but haven't found it, so I'll ask it fresh.

I recently acquired a Selmer alto clarinet, probably built around 1972. I got a Grabner mouthpiece and the setup plays beautifully. My problem is with the tuning slide on the neck. With the slide pushed all the way in, the horn plays beautifully (and really sharp). With the slide pulled out to bring the horn in tune, it plays stuffy and is generally a monster.

Has anyone ever experienced anything like this?

After thinking about this question for a minute, I'd probably agree that the problem has to be me somehow, but I can't figure it out.

Thanks for any help I can get.

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Re: mysterious alto clarinet problem

Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2006-07-08 20:02

Probably your neck tenon or neck socket is somewhat out of round, and after you pull out a certain distance a gap between the two is uncovered and there is a leak path there. Or, as with saxes, if you pull out so far that the end of the neck approaches the slot cut into the socket to allow it to tighten around the neck, a leak might be occuring that way.

Try an experiment: Pull the neck to where the instrument is in tune, then wrap some masking tape tightly around the neck-socket interface (including the aforementioned slot) so that everything should be airtight. Now try playing.

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Re: mysterious alto clarinet problem

Author: dgclarinet
Date: 2006-07-10 00:31

Thank you David. I knew somebody on here would have a good answer. I did the masking tape test and did notice a difference. I took the neck piece off and there was no seal for the tuning slide, so that has to be the problem. I have a pretty good repairman...hopefully he can figure out how to fix this.

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Re: mysterious alto clarinet problem

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-07-10 01:58

I think Dave has solved your problem, just have your repairer check for "roundness" of both pieces. My Sel B series AC is well in tune at about the 1/2 setting of the sliding neck. You might use some cork grease on the smaller piece, to perhaps seal somewhat better. Luck, Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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