 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tvomusic
Date: 2014-07-13 03:41
Hi all. Normally I would take my unsolvable problems to my local clarinet tech, but nobody's open or working today or tomorrow.
Whenever I play a low E, my Ab/Eb key blows open. It doesn't affect the twelfth above it, so it's only one note that fails to play, but it is a problem nonetheless. Does anyone know how to fix this or can link to a good self-repair resource? Thanks!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2014-07-13 16:54
....put teflon tape on the rubber band.......
Bob Draznik
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-07-13 17:27
Either the spring tension is weak but can be beefed up, or the spring is on its way out in which case it will need replacing.
If the spring is fine but has lost its tension, remove the F/C and Ab/Eb keys (both are usually mounted on the same rod screw) and bend the Ab/Eb spring to form an arc with the point resting in between the key rods of the E/B and F#/C# keys.
When refitting the Ab/Eb key, put the key in place and try to engage the spring into the cradle before you fit the screw so you don't lose the spring tension.
A spring hook will really help you here - you can fashion one from a small crochet hook with a notch cut into the tip of the hook end to push springs and the existing hook is used to pull springs with.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2014-07-13 20:56
That's normally a needle spring. Did you check to be sure the end of the spring hasn't just somehow jumped out of its holding bracket? If that's all it is, you just need to pull the spring back into place.
Karl
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-07-14 00:08
And don't stab yourself. Needle springs are evil.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-07-14 01:05
They are evil! I resprung an alto sax the other week and was stabbed and scratched every single time by the springs on the keyless body tube whenever I picked it up or moved it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-07-14 17:10
Ouch, I can't tell you how many holes I've made in myself over the years. Yes, you may need a new spring if that one can't we strengthened, It's a common problem. You don't want it to strong, but it needs to be strong enough.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-07-14 17:54
If the spring is still hooked it may have rotated. When it happens you either have to replace it with bigger diameter one, or push out, flatten end and seat it back.
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