 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chrissie
Date: 2001-03-07 03:47
Hello again everyone...
Another question to put to all the gurus of knowledge out there. =)
I play on both a Rovner Eddie Daniels Ligature and a Harrison Gold-Plated. Quite a while back my harrison kind of began to die when the tread on the inside of the bottom screw-hole pretty much wore out. The ligature still works beautifully and in all reality I still prefer it to my Eddie Daniels, but I don't want to make things work. The bottom screw never entirely tightens.... it'll go round 'n round 'till kingdom come. Is there anyway to fix that? Do I just deal 'till it completely dies?
Any help would be great, as usual. It'd be extremely nice if someone knew of someone who had an extra harrison on hand that they wouldn't mind selling off.... =)
Thanks in advance-
Chrissie
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Author: beejay
Date: 2001-03-07 16:04
You might succeed with rethreading and using a larger attachment screw. A good technician would know how to do it.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-03-07 16:29
You've stripped the threads on either the screw or the screw hole. If it's the screw, just get a new screw. If it's the hole, a tech might be able to fix it but if he can't, it means a new ligature.
This type of thing tends to be a sign that you were overtightening the screw.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-03-07 19:55
Chrissie -
Most ligature screws are made of softer metal than the threads in the ligature body. That way, it's the screw that wears out instead of the ligature. Take the screw out of your Harrison and look at the threads. If they're worn, you're in luck.
Ligature screws are pretty much a single size. Try various ones from old ligatures until you get one that fits. Repair technicians have drawers full of old ligatures. You'll probably get a screw free if you ask nicely.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Francesca
Date: 2001-03-07 22:37
Remotely related to Chrissie's post: most of the time I use a Rovner lig with my Hite mp. (this is for bass clarinet) On oddball days, I just can't get a good tone and my instructor lets me borrow his Harrison if I agree to guard it with my life. The next day, the Harrison sounds horrible and I'm back to the Rovner for another 3-4 months or even longer. Any explanations for this, or am I just weird?
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Author: Chrissie
Date: 2001-03-08 04:59
Thanks for the help so far....
it's most definitely *not* the screw that is stripped, unfortunately enough, it's the inside. I wish it was that easy...
Dee, you're probably right. I've had my harrison for a long time-- I got it before I really had a clue about the intricate setup of the mouthpiece, 'n I would tighten the heck out of the poor thing. I hope my poor li'l ligature isn't done for....
Thanks again
Chrissie
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-03-08 12:00
It would be a small job, but if the Harrison is not replaceable, worthwhile.
A small machine shop, equipped with both Metric and "Standard" English taps should be able to cut a new (larger) thread in the lig, and fit a knurled nut to the new hole size.
It is also possible (not that I have done it) to use a "Heli-coil" insert to replace the existing thread size.
Lotsa players at Sneezy seem to love their Harrisons...I've never seen one, so what are the salient features?
(I use a Rovner EDII, it seems to be well built and I like the sound. Probably the fiddle factor appeal, too.)
anji
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Author: Chrissie
Date: 2001-03-08 13:53
Would a machine shop have any idea what I was asking for? Somehow I can envision some really strange looks when I take a li'l round gold thing in and ask them to rethread it.... =)
What exactly is "Heli-coil" and where would I get it?
I'm not sure what about the Harrison makes it so dear. =) I got my first one as a gift from my middle school band director who'd been given two from the company to try out. If only I'd known then just what it was I had... =P That one ended up dying, and my li'l dying threadless gold one is all I have left.
Thanks again
Chrissie
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Author: Roger
Date: 2001-03-10 09:55
Yes Chrissie a machine shop will know exactly what to do--(that's my line)--you might need to try a couple of places until you find a shop that will do it for you.I would do the job for you but I'm in Australia. Not sure if they make Heli coils that small and if they do the kit is expensive and would need the expertise of someone in a machine shop to insert it as drilling and tapping is required.
Hope this is of help---Roger R.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-03-10 14:40
I've had the pleasure of assisting a few small machine shops get "Wired" for Computer controlled (CNC) machines, and found them to be pragmatic and interested in odd projects.
This repair could also be done at a bicycle shop (you really only need a slightly larger tap + the right sized knurled nut replacement) but a machine shop will have most everything on hand.
I would recommend the local Community college or Vo-tec school.
Heli-coil is a wound-steel spring insert ment for automobile use. It comes in a staggering array or sizes, but requires a special tool for installation.
I DO NOT recommend auto shops, they will charge a minimum of 1 hour for the work and may not give polished results.
It will help if you draw a picture of what you want, or better still, bring a mouthpiece and reed along with a working ligature to demonstrate your needs.
You might also get good results from the people like J. Butler listed on the friends pages here at Sneezy. John is very careful and knows his stuff.
anji
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Author: Chrissie
Date: 2001-03-11 02:26
Thanks for all the advice
I had someone who works in a small machine shop look at my ligature... he said it may be pretty difficult for them to cut a larger thread in it, but he suggested just putting the knurled nut on the end. The screw itself is fine, so it works pretty well. Can anyone see any problems in this, or is my problem pretty well solved?
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