 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Maruja
Date: 2012-12-07 14:33
I am a rather inexperienced player and not very handy with tools! What should I be able to tackle on my clarinet re. small problems which crop up in between servicing - should I, for example, purchase a tiny screwdriver to deal with loose screws? Rizla papers to deal with excess wetness and so on? I'd be grateful if anyone could help with a list of things that could go wrong (especially, for instance, in an exam or performance situation) and quick ways that I can remedy them. I think part of my lack of confidence when playing is because, although everything is great when everything is working well, I am unsure about what to do when things go pear shaped ( and so feel out of control...)
Any advice welcome...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-12-07 15:02
To save embarrassment during an exam, it's best to get your clarinet serviced and ready around a month before the exam date so it's in top playing condition for the exam and so you'll also have enough time to get used to it in the run up if there were problems that you got accustomed to before servicing.
A small screwdriver with a 2mm wide tip is fine for the rod screws and adjusting screws, although you will probably also need a wider one for the point screws so it doesn't damage the heads - a 3mm wide screwdriver will be better for use on point screws.
If a spring breaks, you can as a temporary measure use elastic bands hitched round the affected key and anchored elswhere on the instrument, but don't leave them on for any longer than you have to as they will damage the plating - use them only in an emergency, then remove them when you pack your clarinet away and have a new spring fitted as soon as possible.
If a pad splits causing a leak, cover the pad with a piece of cling film and wrap it around and twist it on the back of the pad cup to keep it in place, then have the pad replaced as soon as you can.
If you're unsure about anything, then don't do anything just in case you do more harm than good.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-12-07 17:31
I would suggest obtaining a good oil (the heavy key oil) from Woodwind and Brasswind (for example) and discipline yourself to do a monthly oiling of the keys. Just oil the tips of the pivots and move out the rods enough to get some oil on them.
Regular oiling will prevent many of the simplest issues from even cropping up. Beyond that, as some things "happen" such as bumper corks falling off you can start learning how to glue them back on. Start off simple and see where it takes you.
The less you have to rely on techs for the easier stuff, the much easier this whole clarinet thing becomes.
....................Paul Aviles
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2012-12-07 18:34
Tom Ridenour has some excellent Youtube videos on clarinet maintenence and basic repairs on his channel: <http//www.youtube.com/billyboy647> .
Once you get there, look for some of the earlier videos in the series.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: knotty
Date: 2012-12-07 22:13
Careful: A screwdriver not properly used can cause unsightly and perhaps costly damage to screw heads.
~ Musical Progress: None ~
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-12-07 22:28
I'd suggest adding a roll of plumbers teflon tape to the list suggested by Chris P. In the event of damage to a joint cork it will keep you going until you can get it fixed properly. I also carry a disposable butane lighter and some strips of candy-wrapper foil to reseat and check pads, but don't try this unless you are sure about what you are doing. I carry a "Leatherman" tool in my case, and find I can fix most small problems with this. Any knife or sporting goods shop will sell you one, there are lots of similar tools available.
Tony F.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-12-07 23:20
As you are inclined to understand your instrument a bit better, have a meeting with your preferred repair person. Ask what can I do, what should I better don't try and things like that.
Many things are better explained on the living object, and the start to a successful problem solution is not "how do I fix it?" but rather "what has gone wrong?". Teach a man to fish....
Oh, here's my field repair kit, total cost about $30. Deals with most common issues except severe cases. (I successfully overhauled a clarinet with just these things)
--
Ben
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Steve L
Date: 2012-12-08 09:30
Also Stephen Howard has his Haynes Clarinet Manual coming out in March.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MSK
Date: 2012-12-09 13:40
The Tom Ridenour video link above is worth a look just for the off beat sense of humor. It probably isn't the first repair I'd tackle though. He is something of a legend as a clarinet expert, but never having met him personally I didn't know he's such a character.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Maruja
Date: 2012-12-09 14:00
Thanks for all your suggestions. I am going to post a new thread now about quick fixes for physiological things which go wrong in the middle of a performance/exam and would welcome any of you excellent people's advice!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
