 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clariknight
Date: 2009-03-11 23:05
Well, today I made a very stupid and (hopefully not fatal) error: I forgot to zipper close my clarinet case after rehearsal. As I picked it up, the contents fell to the floor. Upon close inspection, the only hurt part was the left hand C/F key, which has been bent outwards, twisting the pole supporting it. Is it safe for me to go ahead and bend the key back myself? If so, how should I do this in order to minimize damage? I'm really hoping it won't need a tech, it was just in the shop recently. Thanks in adavance for advice, and I hope this serves as a friendly reminder that closing the case is in fact in important part in keeping your clarinet safe
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2009-03-11 23:14
The only safe way to bend this key back is to first remove it from the instrument which will require you to first remove the 2 other left hand levers and then remove the RH F/C and Ab/Eb keys, usually mounted on the same rod. It should then be possible to wiggle the LH F/C key past the remaining keys.
Hold the long shaft in a vice near the bend and realign with flat-jaw pliers.
Carefully twist the pillar back in line (hopefully will tighten up qas is comes into line. Then reassemble as reverse of above.
Good Luck
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-03-11 23:17
But do use something to protect the key from being marked by vice or plier jaws - thick leather or a cloth folded up several times will prevent the plating getting scratched.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clariknight
Date: 2009-03-12 01:42
Thank you! With your guidance I was able to avert a major heart attack. The key is readjusted and all plays fine. I will (hopefully, knock on wood) never do this again!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-03-12 09:07
I think I'm about as careful and paranoid about keeping the case closed as one can be, but the other day while working on one I knocked the unlatched case to the floor as i rotated in my swivel chair. The bell clattered on the concrete floor while the lower section remained in the case. As they say.......it happens.
Bob Draznik
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Author: 2E
Date: 2009-03-12 14:47
I once had this happen to me also at the end of a rehearsal. My case is a zipper case which has a velcro part to cover the zips. I saw the velcro was closed and assumed the zip was shut but it wasn't. I went to sling the case over my shoulder with backpack like straps and both Bb/A clarinets went sprawling all over the stage. Had to get both instruments overhauled which wasn't cheap, needless to say I will never forget to close my case again ....
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Author: allencole
Date: 2009-03-12 16:51
I did a 'sling' myself a few years ago with one of the pre-velcro pro-paks. It's easy to get distracted while packing up, and hard to see if you've forgotten the zipper.
I recommend painting the pulls for the zipper so that they contrast with the color of the case and you can see where they are at a glance.
Allen Cole
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Author: KV
Date: 2009-03-13 03:54
I use White Out. It is handy and I can see it.
kimvawter72@cox.net
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2009-03-13 13:31
Glad to hear the damage wasn't worse. I live in fear of opening a case upside down, having damaged an alto saxophone that way once. The cost of the repair prompted me to put "this side up" stickers on the clarinet and sax cases that look too much alike on top and bottom.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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