 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2009-05-30 03:29
Bought an old bass clarinet on ebay and the low f spring isn't functioning because the post has rotated. I've taken it in for repair but I won't be talking to the repair guy. It looks to me that the spring has to be removed before the post can be secured as unscrewing the post would cause the spring to collide with other mechanism. Is there another way to secure the post?
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-05-30 03:54
Another way in addition to what (I don't see any method mentioned in your post)? Or did you mean a way without removing the post? If yes, then not really. That's assuming the posts are actually threaded on that instrument. I'm not sure why you "won't be talking to the repair guy", I mean, if you need to, you can just call them, no? I'm also not sure what you are worried about. If it is paying for a new spring when it might not really be necessary, then the spring might not have to be replaced to unscrew the post.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2009-05-30 04:41
The question is ... Do you have to remove the spring?....then take the post out....put it back with some glue to secure it. The question is out of curiosity nothing to do with money, worry or anything else. In this specific case I won't have direct contact with the repair guy.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-05-30 04:50
Generally yes, that's how you would secure a post on an instrument where it is threaded. Whether you remove the spring or not depends on the specific situation.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-05-30 11:06
Springs are usually fitted after the pillars are mounted, so you will usually have to take the spring out before removing the pillar.
Have you tried removing the spring? Is it easy to remove or stubborn? If it's easy to remove by pushing out with pliers, then you have no problem.
If you can't get the spring out at all (as it's held fast in the pillar), cut the spring down to around 1-2mm and then use pliers to push out the stub.
Check the condition of the pillar threads and the threads in the body. If it's a wooden bass and the tty good, add a drop of superglue to the very end of the pillar thread and screw it back in making sure it lines up with the opposing pillar and the face is flat (wherever possible, use the rod screw to secure it in its poper position. You can also use epoxy to bond the pillar in place, but this takes longer to go off - superglue will give an instant result.
On plastic basses, you will have to use epoxy to bond the pillar back in place if the internal threads are stripped, and you could also wind some thin brass wire around the pillar thread to increase the diameter if the internal thread on the body is stripped.
How strong is the spring, and does it push the pillar clockwise (to loosen it) when it's in place? You can also fit a locking screw if it does - drill into the body at the extreme edge of the pillar which will also take a segment out of the pillar base, then fit a screw (like a thumbrest screw) screwed in flush with the pillar base so it prevents the pillar from turning.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: William
Date: 2009-05-30 14:16
If your repair shoppe is like the one that I go to, just drop it off with the reception desk clerk, describe what you think needs to be done and they will write it down for the "repair guy" (or gal) to fix. Much like most of your auto repair facilities. No need for "direct talk" or worry. They usually know what they are doing--especially relative to the repair need you are describing. Pads, corks, springs, key adjustment, post realignment are as simple to the average instrument repair tech as changing a spark plug is to the auto mechanic. Be certain, however, to take your bass clarinet for a "test drive" when you come back to pick it up to make sure it is playing to your satisfaction.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2009-05-30 15:02
One often has to remove a few of the surrounding keys and one or two of their associated pillars (that are in the vicinity of the pillar with the broken spring) in order to do a proper job of replacing that spring, because of the 'interference from spring during pillar rotation' that you mention.
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