 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: charlie clarinets
Date: 2010-09-13 21:59
Today when i was putting my clarinet away after practice, I noticesed that the lowest needle spring (closest to the bell) was covered in a layer of rust.
Is this a problem? could it turn into a problem?? and what should i do?
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2010-09-13 23:56
It's not uncommon if you live in a humid part of the country. This shouldn't happen over night, but perhap 5 years or even longer.
Springs are really inexpensive. I'd replace it for fear that the rusted spring may break. It should take a repairman about 5 minutes to change it.
It would be a good idea to have the repairman check out the other springs.
You can do this yourself, but you may need some special tools such as a spring remover and then you have to flatten the end of the new spring with a hammer and a hard piece of steel. Because of the needed tools, it's probably cheaper to have a repairman do the job for you.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2010-09-14 00:02)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2010-09-14 16:35
To prevent rust in future give the springs a light coating of oil.
Ordinary motor oil is fine and you can paint this on with a cotton bud ligthly moistened.
A spot of oil where the spring touches the key latch is always a good idea.
Wipe clean the surface of the damaged spring, is it pitted? if yes definately replace, if the surface rust just wipes away then treating with oil as above should be fine.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-09-14 18:03
I agree with Bob, get them replaced by a repair man so they can adjust the strength to your liking. You don't want them to easy or too hard. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2010-09-15 06:21
Depends on the brand, if it's under warranty. Buffets - yes. Sending it back to Buffet for repair most likely will cost triple, compared to having someone local replace it. (Postage cost)
This is pretty strange Charlie, it shouldn't be rusting if it's only 2 months old.
After you get the spring or springs replaced use a drop of oil every month or 2.
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Author: Loliver
Date: 2010-09-15 20:42
It happened to most of the keys on my E13, after only 4 years. It was worst on the LH Eb/Bb trill key, and to a lesser degree on the rest of the upper joint keys. It is probably purely aesthetic, but taking it to a repairer is recommended.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2010-09-16 08:32
It's not just a generally humid climate that can rust springs.
If you put the clarinet away in the case with moist items, and the case is relatively air-tight, then you have perfect conditions for the rusting of springs. And even both being steel, some springs rust a lot more easily than others, depending on the quality of the steel and the exact nature of the surface.
There are also many agents that can greatly encourage rust, including the perspiration of some people, including possibly people on the assembly line in a clarinet factory. It is also quite possible that the vapours given off my some materials in the case could encourage rust. The clarinet could also have been stored in a damp environment before you bought it.
So depending on the situation, one may well expect it to be covered under guarantee. and that should not need it to be sent back to the factory.
What are the other springs like?
All IMO
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