 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2007-05-21 22:49
I have to play this instrument on an upcoming concert. The instrument is a leblanc contra in Bb. It plays fine except for third space C and the adjacent D. The D is particularly bad. The D will only play if I go to it from another note. I know those two notes are utilizing one of the octave keys so I know the problem could be there. Any other ideas? Incidentally, the low G and F are fine.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2007-05-21 23:59
Dave -
It's 99% sure to be a problem with the register key mechanism. There are three pads, for the throat Bb, for the lower clarion (middle B up through Eb) and for the upper clarion (E and above), and when one of them is open, the other two must be completely closed.
Either the top vent or the throat Bb vent is not closing completely. Finger third space D (with the register key) and slowly raise and lower your right ring finger, watching whether one of the other two keys remains slightly open.
To make sure which key is causing the problem, have a friend stand next to you and press the upper register pad and then the throat Bb pad down to make a good seal.
The Leblanc contra register mechanism is very complex, with springs of different strengths working against and overcoming one another. I can adjust almost anything on a soprano and even a bass clarinet, but the contra mechanism is beyond me and needs an expert repair tech to get it working right.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2007-05-22 00:44
Thanks Ken. That's kind of what I was thinking, but as I am here all alone, there is no one to help hunt for the leak.
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Author: buedsma
Date: 2007-05-22 06:27
use small pieces of wood or rubber to keep the pads that you suspect completely open or closed ( one at a time to start with of course )
gr
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-05-22 06:58
cigarette paper also works. see if there is any weak holes by testing if the paper slides out easily or not.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2007-05-22 19:49
Use rubber bands or tie string loops to hold the keys closed.
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The Clarinet Pages
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