 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clockwiser
Date: 2007-11-05 19:18
Hi everyone.
I put my clarinet on the floor but I accidentally knocked it over and it fell down (on carpet) floor. There was not broken parts but when I tried to play it, the low notes could not speak, only 12th are played, just like if the register keys are held down.
Then I realised that the problem is from the top joint - the pad for Ab/G# throat key is leaking. I put some paper under the pads and it seemed to work but I really would like it to go back to how it was before! :(
What shall I do?? Will I be able to fix it my self? I've always fixed other small problems on the clarinet with success, but I'm stuck with this one!
Thank you very much in advance!!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-11-05 19:24
Sounds like the throat G# key arm has bent inwards causing it to leak, so you should take it to an EXPERIENCED tech to have it straightened out again.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2007-11-05 19:25)
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Author: clockwiser
Date: 2007-11-06 20:22
servicing in my area is extremly expensive. the clarinet has the problem is a student clarinet, therefore I would be good if I could do it myself if it is not too hard.
What do I have to do if I would do it myself? I don't mind taking the risk.
Thank you!
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-11-06 20:27
The problem with bent keys is that when the un-bending fails, a student key costs nearly as much as a pro key to replace.
If you think it could work without bending - you can remove the key, remove the pad, put some suitable paper (old postcard) wedge between key and pad, reassemble the key and carefully heat the cup so that the pad slips into position.
--
Ben
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2007-11-06 21:53
When unbending 'fails', I never get a new key. I make the unbending succeed. The only clarinet keys I haver ever replaced are those made from pot metal, which is pretty rare now.
Repairs by forum are somewhat risky, so I take no responsibility for the results....
If the A key is strong, and has no bend, and the G# pivot tube operates freely around its hing rod, then the following has an 95% chance of success, as long as you make sure you don't wreck something else in the process...
Unscrew the regulator screw until the tip is flush with the underside of the A key.
Poke a metal object, say brass wire, a small crochet hook, etc, DIAGONALLY through under that bridge part of the G# key, and over the flat on the A key where the screw would contact. Actually you might get away with a softer material such as a kebab stick, or hard tooth pick.
If the thickness of this 'poker' is suitable, then this should lift the G# key's pad above the tone hole, bkky a mm or two. Now using a stick, or other suitably non-hard object to press down on the G# key cup arm, close to the key cup. This should bend the G# key back to position. Test the result by dragging a thin feeler under the G# pad in different locations. If you bend it too far down, then simply tap gently on the top of the 'bridge' of the G# key, again using a softish material like dowel, or a soft hammer, so you do not damage the key.
Finally, adjust the regulating screw.
The biggest, but highly unlikely risk of this method is that you put a bend in the throat A key's pivot tube.
Warning: These instructions are for a person with some mechanical clues, who knows the likely results of each process!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-11-06 22:32
The thing is, all repairs are repairs and will cost the same amount on any clarinet for the same amount of work that needs to be done, regardless of make or model.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-11-07 04:45
You can also use a lighter to heat the pad cup (keep the flame about 5 cm away from the pad cup and let the glue expand the pad, don't over heat) or you might burn the pad.
depending on how the clarinet fell (if it actually fell on the G# key) or if the pad was just leaking and began to leak even more after the accident (in which case using a lighter will be the fix) then you might have to bend the key. nothing too hard. put a piece of cloth inbetween the plyers so you dont have metal to metal scratching.
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: Mike Clarinet
Date: 2007-11-07 08:06
Your ISP shows Northampton. Are you really there? If you are, then 1 to 1.5 hrs drive gets you to Dawkes Windcraft in Maidenhead (Down the A43, M40 to High Wycombe, A404 to Maidenhead then A4 into Maidenhead town). They do small repairs on the spot.
http://www.dawkes.co.uk/
Disclaimer: No connection with Dawkes except as a satisfied customer.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-11-07 08:16
>> servicing in my area is extremly expensive <<
How expensive? Depending on what exactly was bent it might take very fast to repair and even at extremely high prices (usually from high overheads like location, etc.) it shouldn't cost so much. If you are not sure what exactly was bent and where, you probably shouldn't try to fix it yourself anyway 
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2007-11-07 21:28
It would probably take under 1 minute, or up to 5 is a pad needs changing. Therefore it shouldn't cost much.
"The thing is, all repairs are repairs and will cost the same amount on any clarinet for the same amount of work that needs to be done, regardless of make or model."
I disagree. Repairs on poorly make instruments take longer, because there is a can of worms around every corner.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-11-07 21:56
But only if you choose to work on badly made instruments, and let's face it - none of us do. I choose not to work on cheapo Chinese instruments as they're more hassle than they're worth.
Though I'll work on plastic clarinets from reputable makers (eg. Artley, Buffet B12, Vito, Yamaha, Bundy, etc.), but I draw the line on working on any recognisable CSO as they're beyond help.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2007-11-08 01:14
I had the same problem years ago and I had just started learning repair. Even with careful thinking, no experience and taking my time, the bend and pad seating took about 15-20 minutes- at the most. The repair bill can't cost much.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2007-11-09 10:25
You are in a luxurious position, Chris. It is not so easy to take that attitude in smaller countries.
I have long thought that one of the greatest repair skills is to give a sour's ear a few years, for a price that leaves everybody happy.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-11-09 10:51
More often than not, anyone that happens to acquire a CSO very quickly realises it's shortcomings and upgrades to a reputable brand.
Most repairers I know of also refuse to touch CSOs. The last one I worked on cost more to repair than it did to buy.
Though a lot of UK music shops rent used instruments to beginners, mostly the plastic ones I mentioned. So at least for less than the cost of a CSO a beginner can get accustomed to a clarinet of better quality and if they decide to stick with it after 3 months or so, they often buy a decent plastic clarinet to continue with. When that plastic clarinet returns as a part exchange (against a wooden clarinet), it will most likely become part of the rental stock for someone else to begin with. And as a well built plastic clarinet is much easier to maintain than a cheapo, they will last for ages with the maintainance work being done between each rental. So decent instruments are available to all that want them.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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