 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sinkdraiN
Date: 2009-04-03 12:07
I got the best deal ever on a new (old version) Opus. I noticed the alt side F# pitch was low compared to the standard F# fingering.
The side key just above the side Eb/Bb was not opening enough. Oddly, the key hits the little metal slot that holds the spring. It didnt seem like bending anything would help so I had to take the key off and shave a few mm's off the bottom to allow it to vent more.
That completely fixed it but I am amazed that I had to do that!?! Isn't this a $6,000 instrument (my deal was $1,400)?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-04-03 12:15
Same here - I was shocked to see a lot of badly fitted keys (especially the side keys and ring keys) on an early Opus, considering the cost of such an instrument you would have thought they'd have taken more pride. Also the silver plating is really thin on these.
I filed the side key feet where they were making contact with the spring saddles and then angled the feet so they made more contact with the body than only one edge making contact.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-04-03 16:48
While we are complaining, I recall that on the Concerto I had, if you tightened the throat "A" key rod untiil snug you actually preclude the "G#" key from pivoting.
Of course I'm not THAT picky about minor mechanical flaws as long as you can eventually get it to work correcty.
Speaking of expensive, my Wurlitzers have many adjustment points for key height all over the horn akin to the "A" key adjustment screw. Oddly, in the finishing process the techs placed the corks at these junctures OVER the screw itself (as opposed to the striking surface) .............. oh well.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-04-03 18:33
Cork stuck over adjusting screw tips must be a traditional German thing, and the Yamaha German/Oehler clarinets have copied this too!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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