 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Wayne
Date: 2006-09-14 03:25
Hello: I wish I knew the actual name of these parts: The left hand pinky keys on the lower joint rock around two protruding rounded knobs. On my clarinet, an older master model Buffet, the center screw in one of these stems always seems to work its way out (the top one) . I normally just use my thumb to screw it back in. Is this something that needs to be addressed ? If I've neglected to screw it back in, the screw can stick out quite a bit. Any advice appreciated !
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Author: pewd
Date: 2006-09-14 03:48
screw it back in, then try a small drop of clear nail poish on the end of the screw.
careful, don't let the polish get anywhere except on the end of the screw; e.g., don't gunk up any of the moving parts.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
Post Edited (2006-09-14 03:49)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-09-14 11:35
....but be sure the key is free to move freely before applying the nail polish.
But for the long run you should probably get it serviced by a tech.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-09-14 13:30
These are axles on which the keys pivot. Take them out, wipe them off (use some key oil to work off the gunk), reapply key oil, and put them back in. Tightening with a screw driver is also a better idea.
If that doesn't solve the problem, then try the nail polish (but this sounds somewhat extreme to me - as long as the mechanics are working properly, one should not need to "jerry rig" the horn).
............Paul Aviles
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2006-09-14 13:44
Names....
When a key has a pad on it, it is usually called a "key". When it has no pad, but is used to operate a key with a pad, it is usually called a lever.
So these could be called low note levers, or something like that.
Unless a key is jamming on a pivot, a pivot rod will not work loose if it has been screwed in tight. It can never be screwed in tight with a fingernail!
If screwing it in tight jams the hinge, then the underlying problem should be attended to.
If a hinge is not screwed in tight, then it can rotate WITH the hinge tube, with the hinge action occuring inside the supporting posts. Posts are not area of any instrument where you want any wear to take place, because they are far more difficult to make tight again, than are hinge tubes and rods.
Pivot SCREWS (as opposed to rods) are a little more complicated, because there are several types, but if they are properly installed, they will not work loose either.
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2006-09-14 13:50
A good screw driver for vlarinet work is the one opticians use. They're available around, (Google it) but just ask your friendly optician (who perhaps plays clarinet as well) to buy you one with a reversible tip (gives you two sizes of tip)
You can also tighten your wife's eyeglass hinge as well, which she'll appreciate.
b/
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Author: Wayne
Date: 2006-09-14 15:49
Thanks everyone - after reading your responses, I've decided to send my clarinet for service - given the fact that my local shop has never impressed me (and charges for every little adjustment) and reading through some service posts - I'll be contacting Mr. Spiegelthal for some advice and service.
Thanks again !
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Author: Cuisleannach
Date: 2006-09-14 17:41
When I was apprenticing in repair, my boss told me, "the easiest way to make $100 is to sell a screwdriver to a flutist or oboist". They have far more set screws then clarinets do. Just be careful when you have that shiny new screwdriver not to tighten down the throat g#/a set screw. Don't laugh...it happens....a lot!
-Randy
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