 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-05-20 23:15
I've been chasing a problem with the C sharp above the break on my B & H Emperor. The problem is that the note will not sound reliably, particularly when descending to it. It gets worse as the instrument warms up. I've checked the pads for damage, leaks and lift, spring tension, mechanical action, with no real improvement. Changing to a different mouthpiece and/or strength of reed changes the severity of the problem but does not eliminate it. When I play other clarinets I do not have the problem. Any suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks.
Tony F.
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Author: Leanne E.
Date: 2011-05-20 23:49
Two suggestions from someone in the same boat:
Sometimes, those pinky keys get out of alignment, and the pad isn't seated correctly. I'm wondering if that's what you're dealing with. Clarinet cases don't really protect the instrument as well as we all hope they do. I've spent much of my time as a repair tech straightening those keys and adjusting the height because the poor clarinets get jostled around in their cases.
Have it looked at by a professional. Now, you sound like you know what's up as far as repair goes, I don't doubt your skills. Especially because I have experience as a tech and I've been stumped by the same problem. But, it's amazing what a fresh pair of eyes can see.
It's kind of like opening a stubborn jar. I am capable of opening a pickle jar, but sometimes, it's easier to hand it off to someone else when it gets too frustrating. They can work with it, usually with more clarity and less profanity.
All of that said, I'm going to take mine down to the shop on Tuesday for an estimate. I'll let you know the outcome if you don't have it resolved by then...but of course, what works for my Yamaha might not work for your B&H.
Good luck!
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-05-21 00:04
It sounds like the crow's foot may be bent, causing it to rub against on of the keys below it, either E/B or F#/C#.
There could also be some binding between the left hand E/B and F#/C# keys, or possibly against the extensions of the right hand E/B and F#/C# keys where they jump over the left hand F/C rod.
Or the top or bottom post holding the F#/C# key may have loosened and turned to the left, making the mechanism bind.
Is the problem any different when you press the right vs. the left little finger key?
Ken Shaw
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-05-21 01:53
Some good suggestions, Leanne. Thanks.
Ken, the problem seems to be associated with the left pinky key, when I use the right pinky it works OK. I've looked around the crows foot for binding, and all seems to be clear, and I can see daylight between the l/h keys. I'll pursue that line a bit further. Many thanks.
Tony F.
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Author: DezzaG
Date: 2011-05-21 14:06
If right works but not the left fingering, it sounds like a problem a LOT of my students have. I reckon your left ring finger is slipping off it's hole. Try getting someone else to play your clarinet or do my trick which is I turn the mouthpiece around then get the student to blow while I do fingers
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-05-21 14:40
Tony F -
Since the problem is only with the left key, there are more possibilities.
Check the place where the nib on the end of the left hand key fits into the little hole on the right hand key. If the nib has become worn, it may bind. The nib is usually covered with a layer or two of goldbeater's skin to avoid clicking. If the goldbeater's skin is too thick or has become worn, it might be sticking beyond the hole and binding on the "flyover" extension of the right hand E/B key.
Several years ago, Buffet switched from a metal to a Delrin plastic nib. These can wear or break. If you're clarinet is a Buffet, check this.
Check whether the axle holding the left key needs lubrication, or whether the post is crooked.
Check both above and below the posts for whether the two left hand keys are binding.
The left hand key for F/C usually has a spring and goes up and down along with the other two keys. Check if it is binding or if the sliver of cork on the lower end is binding. If the cork is OK, a tiny bit of cork grease rubbed on it can help.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-05-25 00:26
Problem solved. It eventually turned out to be a tiny curl of cork and adhesive trapped between the bridging arms at the end of the left hand E/B and F#/C# keys. When the clarinet was dry it wasn't a problem, but with a bit of moisture present when the clarinet had been played for a while it appeared to swell just enough to cause a slight bind.
Tony F.
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Author: Leanne E.
Date: 2011-05-25 03:52
I guess you just had to tattle on it so it would shape up!
Good work! I'm very happy for you!
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