 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Steve L
Date: 2013-02-08 16:29
A couple of questions regarding the rubber o-rings Yamaha use on their plastic bass clarinet.
What's the best method of lubrication to ease assembly, the bell on mine is a bit stiff to get on. Would Dr Slick that I use on the corks be okay.
Also how long do the o-rings last. Has anyone had to replace them yet and is it worth getting a couple of spares to keep in the case.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-02-08 17:33
What about silicone grease?
Depending what kind of rubber the O-rings are made from, some types of grease and oils can cause them to perish.
I presume Yamaha have done tests prior to using these O-rings and use a type of rubber that isn't affected by grease or oils.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Steve L
Date: 2013-02-08 19:00
Yes Chris, using some product that might accelerate their demise was my concern. I know from installing o-rings in automotive applications, that using vegetable oil or similar to assist getting them in position is usually advised.
Whatever I use it needs to be something that will not affect the rubber, plastic body or the plating on the bell.
I thought the Yamaha website might have some advise but I cannot find anything. I might just see if Dr Slick does the job initially because as far as I can gather its plant based.
At the moment I have to grip the lower joint tighter than I would like.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-02-08 19:42
ABS resin and nickel plate aren't affected by oil or grease, so you shouldn't have any worries there.
I presume the O-rings they use are of the same type of rubber used in domestic plumbing.
Considering how fragile bass clarinet keywork is in comparison to Bb/A clarinets due to the lengths of the keys and rods, I don't think O-rings used for tenons is ideal, as well as ABS resin being more fragile than grenadilla and the weakest parts of any clarinets are the tenons, so not a good move in my books.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Steve L
Date: 2013-02-08 20:00
Actually its the silver plated version (very nice), I got it from Thomann in Germany, the UK version is as you say nickel plated.
I've sent an email to Yamaha to see if they come up with a definitive answer on what to use.
I'll see if anyone answers the question re the longevity of the o-rings.
I think I might be worrying for no good reason really.
I'll get me coat.....
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Author: Steve L
Date: 2013-02-13 14:15
In case anyone else is interested I got a reply back from Yamaha regarding lubrication of the o-rings as follows:-
Thank you for your email regarding your Yamaha
Yamaha cork grease - latest version
This is fully synthetic so will not damage the o-rings
We hope this helps and thank you for contacting Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK).
Steve
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Author: kilo
Date: 2013-02-15 17:04
Quote:
Has anyone had to replace them yet and is it worth getting a couple of spares to keep in the case.
I think they'll last a long time but I inadvertently mashed one once and went to the local plumbing supply store to get a few more. I'd say it's definitely a good idea to have one or two spares on hand. They're not expensive and they won't take up any room in your case.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-02-15 23:57
Get a tube of plumbers waterproof grease from your local plumbing supply store. It's formulated to work on rubber O rings without damaging them. I've been using it on joint corks for years with no problems. A tube will probably outlast you.
Tony F.
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