 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ryan25
Date: 2009-02-21 01:59
For all you repair techs on here or anyone that knows:
On one of my clarinets, the right hand pinky G#/Ab key has become very loose with regards to spring tension. So much so that when playing a low E, it will open on it's own. I have something pretty important coming up soon and the reapir guy I go to was unable to fit me in.
I assume it has something to do with the spring tension so my question is, is there a way I can remedy this myself?
Hopefully someone can help.
Thanks!
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-02-21 02:50
You could try bending the spring yourself but if you don't have any experience with it you might make it worse. The temporary remedy is to position a rubber band so it closes that pad without disturbing anything else. You will have to experiment with some different bands to find the correct tension so it's not to strong but does the job. Good luck, ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-02-21 05:14
If I was you I'd use the rubber band suggestion. Sometimes springs can "half" break. This means they still work but feel VERY light, then when remove the key to see the problem it breaks completely, especially if you touch it. Also this key is slightly more critical in that putting the spring in the cradle after the key is on can weaken it too much on some models.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-02-21 06:11
Do take care to get it fixed asap... depending on the key material, using a rubber band long-term may tarnish the metal. Learned that the hard way on a flute.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-02-21 11:37
Of course if the metal of the spring is in good shape, you can bend it back.
I would bend it at a point about 1/4 inch from the post using a pair of bent, needle nose pliers. For me the trick is to NOT undbend the spring once you put the key back on. To do this, take a crochette hook (or similar tiny hooking device) and carefully pull the spring back ONLY far enough to re-attach to the bottom of the key.
Other key points:
Detach the spring BEFORE removing the key to do the bending.
You may have to do the whole operation (remove spring, take off key, bend spring, put key back on, put on spring) several times to get the right key tension.....this is a matter of feel as well as ensuring the key doesn't blow open AT ALL.
That being said, since you haven't played with this stuff and you're in a pinch, do as suggested above. When you have some free time to fool around, it IS ESSENTIAL to learn repairs like this for yourself though.
..........Paul Aviles
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Author: Ryan25
Date: 2009-02-21 13:57
Thank you everyone for your help. I will try the rubber band trick this morning. I agree that I need to learn how to do this. I can do some minor repairs but have never had a go at spring stuff before. I will let you know how it works out.
Thanks again.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2009-02-21 15:08
it could also be a loose post
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Geirskogul
Date: 2009-02-21 18:40
You can get a "kit" of springs from sites like MusicMedic or the like, and one of those special slotted pliers. It's simple to replace the springs when you have just the right tool, but almost impossible without.
Pretty comprehensive tutorial
http://www.musicmedic.com/info/articles/num_35.html
Removing spring
http://www.musicmedic.com/info/articles/num_30.html
(Slightly overpriced) pliers
http://www.musicmedic.com/catalog/products/tool-pl100.html
Note: I don't work for musicmedic in any way, it's just the first site off the top of my head I could remember that had supplies, and shipping's free.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2009-02-22 10:06
If this particular spring is hooked into its cradle while the key is mounted on the instrument, it will almost always have precariously insufficient tension.
That is because it is de-tensioned too much simply by taking it around the edge of the spring cradle.
Take the key off.
Re-tension the spring.
Put the key back in position but displace it across the clarinet a mm or two so that the spring cradle is closer to the spring.
While in this position, hook the spring only just around the edge of the cradle and into the cradle groove.
Now move the key back to its correct position between the posts, and don't move it any further!
Replace the hinge rod.
The same can apply to other keys that are kept closed by needle springs. It is because during normal operation, these springs, as they ought to if they are well designed, are operating very close to their elastic limit.
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