 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Pathik
Date: 2008-10-07 10:15
Attachment: PA050005.JPG (353k)
Hello,
I have a low C Lyrique bass clarinet which unfortunately has developed a problem which I can't seem to fix myself. The pad underneath the D/A key doesn't open when I let go of the key, for example playing D to E. This pad seems to be connected with the front bridge key on the upper joint. I don't know why this has happened, because last time I used it everything worked fine. This is a wonderful bass clarinet, and do love playing it, so if anyone who knows something about this is able to offer help or suggestions I would be most grateful. I suspect I am going to have to take it to a repair tech to get it fixed, but maybe what needs to be done is something really easy I can do myself? I've attached a picture of what it looks like. I can easily lift the pad up with my finger, but that is a bit impractical while playing.
Thanks.
Pathik
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2008-10-07 10:24
When you lift it- does it stay up all the way or does it go back down a bit?
From the picture I guess it could be a spring out of place, OR the pad is sticky and the stickiness is stronger than the spring.
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Author: Pathik
Date: 2008-10-07 10:34
It does stay up when I push it up. I don't think the pad is sticky, more likely a spring that's out of place, but which one and how to even begin trying to sort it out is beyond me. I can more or less understand the mechanics of my standard B flat clarinets but the low C bass is so complicated I've given up trying to figure out how it all works mechanically.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-10-07 10:35
First, what do you mean by: "This pad seems to be connected with the front bridge key on the upper joint."
I'm not sure what the "front bridge key" is. On my bass clarinet, not a Lyrique, and on any other bass clarinet I remember, this key is connected to the upper joint part of the bridge connection between the the joints. Is this what you mean?
On my bass, the D/A key actually closes two keys. One key is connected to the same hinge of the D/A finger touch piece, but is actually right under the third finger touch piece. The other is right under the finger but is connected to the bridge key. IS it the same on your bass? If not, how is the layout on yours?
Once you narrow it down to the exact ONE key that is causing the problem, you can check if it's one or a combination of the following (first, just on the upper joint when the instrument is not assembled):
1. Does a pad stick? If this is the problem, then when it doesn't open, and you slightly move the key up a bit, it will then spring back up the rest of the way.
2. Did a spring get out of its cradle? Look to see. If you bring the problematic key up, does it fall back down? If this is the upper key, then you need to hold the lower one down.
3. Maybe there is friction in a hinge or linakge. With the springs out of their cradles and not touching the key, do they move smoothly without any resistant? Check each key and also together, maybe too much frcition was somehow created in one of the linkages.
Edit: I missed yout photo when I posted. Seeing the photo now, it looks like the actual touch piece comes up ok, and it is only the key under it that doesn't come up. Is that right? So check what I suggested for that key. For 3, keep the upper touch piece spring open and test the problematic key.
Seeing your second post (which wasn't there when I posted my reply), you find the spring by looking the spring cradle (where the spring sits) or spring that moves when you move ONLY that key. It will be on the hinge tube of that key.
Looking at my bass again, I noticed that the key cup ARM of that key is VERY close to the post of the key just below. Depending on the direction of the rod screw, maybe it got screwed out a little or too much and is touching the key cup arm. It isn't clear if this is also very close on your bass clarinet.
Post Edited (2008-10-07 10:45)
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Author: Pathik
Date: 2008-10-07 20:53
For some reason, the problematic key seems to have sorted itself out, at least to some extent. It does now move back up towards the touch key, and even though it doesn't go all the way, at least it's enough to give me a clear E/A. Thanks for your time and suggestions.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-10-07 22:55
Does this happen more often when it's cold? As we've just had a chilly spell, this may be a contributing factor.
I reckon the key may be too tight between the point screws, and as it's ebonite which will contract with cold temperatures, the key binds between the point screws. There should be a small amount of end play allowing the key to move laterally (but not excessively), and also to safeguard it from binding up when it's cold.
A good way to check is to put the top joint in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes and then see which keys bind between the pillars. Then if you can, undo the point screw slightly to free it. You may need to remove and apply Loctite to the point screw thread to prevent it falling out if it's too loose in the pillar.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Pathik
Date: 2008-10-08 14:24
Chris P,
thanks for your comments. I think you might be right about this, because prior to me discovering that there was a problem with that key, I hadn't actually played the bass clarinet for about 10 days. Usually I do play it every day, and it seems to be happier when it's in use on a daily basis. It's stored in its case at normal room temperature, maybe about 20 C, but somewhat cooler than that during the nights.
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Author: Eh.Steve0
Date: 2008-10-08 17:09
Is the spring on that key connected properly (can you freely move the key with no resistance)?
-Stephen Ian Savage-
Clarinet Performance
CCM
"The first question I ask myself when something doesn't seem to be beautiful is why do I think it's not beautiful. And very shortly you discover that there is no reason." -John Cage (1912 - 1992)-
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