The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: blh654
Date: 2010-06-27 23:33
Hi, I just got a YCL-SEV, and I've been very happy with it. However, I've noticed that when I play low E (the lowest E) with just the "B" key (the right-most of the 3 middle keys), I've noticed that the bottom right of the four keys (when looking down at the clarinet) at the bottom doesn't go down all the way, unless pressed manually...is this an error in the SEV, or not?
I hope that my finger placements aren't confusing...basically I'm talking about going from E to F#, but when I play E, the key at the bottom doesn't go down all the way.
Help!
Post Edited (2010-06-27 23:50)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2010-06-28 03:12
"(the right-most of the 3 middle keys)"
This is extremely vague: do you mean the you are playing the low E with the Left Hand (LH) pinky only?
If so, you're worried about the RH pinky key depressing fully. You haven't said whether the low E comes out at all? This is what's important!
If you press the LH low E key, and the note comes out you have no problem. If you press the LH low E key and the note doesn't come out, based on what you described, you have a leak on the low F/C key...take it to the place you bought it and have it repaired.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2010-06-28 04:58
Your description isn't completely clear but it sounds like F/C and E/B on your clarinet are out of adjustment. It's not "an error in the SEV" as a model, but it's a very common adjustment problem on many new (or not new) clarinets. To really fix it, each of those pads should be adjusted by itself first. It's very common for new clarinets to have these pads hitting at the back (most common) or the front (less common) first on new clarinets. Best to go to a very good repairer to have it fixed. It sounds like where you bought it from didn't go over to make sure about its condition. Maybe they have a good repairer, they should do this under warrenty.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-06-28 10:12
The lowest pad (low E/B key pad) should close with less presure than the F/C key pad - not the other way round - so you can get E or B with either the LH or RH E/B key alone as this ensures the F/C pad closes fully. And less pressure still means the pad should seal against the tonehole instead of having to be forced to close.
You can check the pressure/closure with a feeler gauge cut from the finest weight cigarette paper, and also check around the circumference to be sure the pad is making contact all the way round - and there should be more pressure at the front than the back, but still seating against the tonehole at the back (nearest the hinge tube) when closed against the tonehole with light finger pressure.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: blh654
Date: 2010-06-28 11:18
Thanks for your help guys. Sorry for my vague descriptions - I should have bee more direct...
@ Tobin: "This is extremely vague: do you mean the you are playing the low E with the Left Hand (LH) pinky only?
If so, you're worried about the RH pinky key depressing fully. You haven't said whether the low E comes out at all? This is what's important!"
This is exctly what I meant! The E doesn't come out all the way because the pinky key doesn't go all the way down when I use the LH pinky key only. This IS an error, I assume, and I should have it fixed?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-06-28 11:34
As you've only just bought this clarinet it should be under warranty, so take it (or send it) back to where you bought it from to have them put it right for you - and at no charge.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2010-06-28 13:06
Hi blh654,
As clarnibass said above, this is not problem with your specific model. It is an amazingly common on most clarinets. Having this adjusted back into proper alignment is a little like having the oil changed on your car. If it happens too frequently you might check you case and see how much the lower joint can slide around in its' slot.
Since the instrument is new I would follow Chris P's advice. If sending it back in onerous, you should contact the store from which you purchased it and see if they will pay for a local store to repair it.
Good luck! Your instrument is just fine, just a little out of alignment!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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