 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DrH2O
Date: 2009-09-16 23:49
I checked my clarinet for leaks today (wondering if some of my problems were me or the clarinet) and found that the pad on the upper joint C# key is leaking. I can hear the air going past the pad both when I apply suction and when I blow into the joint. If I push down on the pad cup it seals properly.
How troublesome is this particular leak likely to be? I'm having some voicing/note speaking difficulties, in particular getting stuck in the upper partial when I'm doing intervals. Could just be me of course (been playing for about 2.5 yrs), but if this is a particularly troublesome leak I'd rather not be fighting the clarinet too! Herr Baermann and Db major is kicking my butt enough.
Thanks,
Anne
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Author: pewd
Date: 2009-09-17 03:40
any leak can cause issues - have that pad replaced
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: mrn
Date: 2009-09-17 04:19
You will almost certainly be fighting the clarinet until you replace the pad. Have it replaced right away.
(Although I and others discussed some of the potential benefits of a slightly less than perfect seal in another thread, don't be misled--we were talking about minor variations in the way pads seal, not bonafide leaks like you have. If you can hear the air go by, it's definitely time to replace the pad!)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-09-17 13:00
Anne, its a considerable problem, any leak in the U J will make the lower notes hard to get , likely some not at all. Replace the pad and check the spring pressure for closing it. It is possible that the key may be bent, thus not completely covering the tone hole [by its spring] . A leaky pad affects tone-sounding, much like a misplaced finger over a tone hole, and may cause sqeeks [always on the bass cl] and several effects on a soprano cl. If repairing it is difficult [time , distance] you can temproarily tape it closed, and lose the C#/G#. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-17 14:01
Have the C#/G# pad replaced with a cork pad - this will last much longer than a skin or leather pad.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-09-17 16:03
"How much of a problem is this leak?"
Caption for a cartoon at Boulder Dam
Bob Draznik
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Author: mrn
Date: 2009-09-17 16:20
BobD wrote:
> "How much of a problem is this leak?"
>
> Caption for a cartoon at Boulder Dam
>
ROFL!
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-09-17 17:06
It will only get worse, take the advice given above and get it replaced. While your at the repair shop have the other pads checked because some of those may need replacing too. Any leak in the upper register can cause havoc for the whole range of the clarinet. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: DrH2O
Date: 2009-09-17 18:47
Thanks all,
I'll get it done asap. The pad looks like cork (or maybe synthetic cork) - I'll be sure to specify same when I take it in. Hopefully they can do it quickly since this one is an easy access pad.
I have another clarinet at home, I'll pull it out tonight to see if I have the same reponse/overblowing problems on that one.
Anne
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-17 19:11
"Hopefully they can do it quickly since this one is an easy access pad."
Not so fast! To access this key you will need to remove the LH2 ring and then remove the C#/G# key - and probably the side/trill keys as well.
You can't replace a pad with the key still in situ as you will need to remove the old pad first, then clean out all the old adhesive in the pad cup before installing a new pad and seating it using fresh adhesive (especially if another type of adhesive has been used previously). Even so, it can still be done within an hour.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-09-18 05:10
>> The pad looks like cork (or maybe synthetic cork)
>> I'll be sure to specify same when I take it in.
Not necessarily a good thing. How do you know what you have now is good? I suggest just ask your repairer what they recommend and if they have several options (possibly with different prices) then tell you pros & cons and you can decide.
>> Even so, it can still be done within an hour.
If necessary to change just that pad, if no mechanical problems (hinge, rod screw, etc.), no problems with the tone hole (chips, etc.), I don't see how it would take that long.
Post Edited (2009-09-18 08:06)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-18 10:35
I did say "within an hour" which doesn't mean it'll take a whole hour to do, though it could take anything up to an hour depending on how thorough they are.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: DrH2O
Date: 2009-09-18 14:11
Small adjustment of key/cup fixed the leak - the pad and tone hole were fine. Boy what a difference! The leak was acting like an extra register key and sending certain notes up a partial.
Lesson learned - maintain clarinet more carefully!
Anne
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-18 14:20
Did your clarinet get a knock? Also check there's nothing in the case that could bend the C#/G# key or press against the pad cup.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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