 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Richie
Date: 2016-07-28 03:37
So I have discovered a very small problem with my R13, the pad on the lower bridge key leaks when I don't press the Bb/F key down hard enough. I know it's not my fingers leaking because I have checked. I noticed that the Bb/F key is a little bit lower than the others. Is this something I should just wait to get used to, or get a tech to lower it a bit? Or is there another way to fix this on my own? (like loosening/tightening a screw or something) Something else that is happening, is that it is completely fine sometimes and others it's not.
Post Edited (2016-07-29 03:40)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-07-28 05:57
There should NEVER be any "extra pressing" ever.
So it sounds to me as if the Top Joint 'bridge extension' is just a little too low.
Just to be sure, turn the clarinet so that the bridge doesn't line up and play the Bb or F. If that solves the issue then some light, careful bending will solve the problem. You can just wedge a micro screw driver under the 'top' bridge of the upper joint and lightly press upward. I usually check how things are going both visually sideways (looking at junction as I hold both the RH and LH rings down), and playing the 1 and 1 Bb while occasionally poking on the pad in between LH fingers to make sure it is coming down all the way.
So, if things go the OTHER way, where the 1 and 1 is not working properly because the pad between LH fingers is not coming down all the way, you reverse the bend. Wedge your thumb between the bridge and the sidekeys and simultaneously press on that key along with the pad between LH fingers 1 and 2.
The bridge occasionally goes out of adjustment and I've always advocated judicious bending for this and the crow's foot as well. it makes life simpler.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2016-07-30 22:19
It sound to me like you are saying that when you press your index finger on the right hand the pad immediately above it doesn't seal. Is that correct?
They key you are talking about, which forms the lower part of the bridge, is usually called the "3 ring key". The pad might just be leaking and need replacement. When they go bad or tear they will sometimes leak if you press extra hard. However, by what you say I suspect one of three things...
1. The ring that is under your right index finger is bent down, so that it's lower than the other two rings. In this case the pad should seal with all three fingers. It's only when you press your index finger alone that the Bb/F doesn't speak.
2. The pad cup is bent up, so that when you press any of the rings it doesn't seal properly. Or, conversely, all 3 rings are bent down. (unlikely)
3. Like Paul said, the bridge (or something else) is bent (or there is something else wrong) so that the top joint Bb/Eb "bis" key pad closes before the pad on the bottom joint 3 ring key. The 1-1 Bb fingering will work great, but the 123,1 F won't. If this is the case, the issue should resolve (provided it's not too bad) when you turn the bottom joint to the right a bit (clockwise looking from the top down). This brings the bridge slightly out of alignment so that the 3 ring key can close.
If it's number 3, you can bend the top bridge up. It works. I've done it. The only thing is that if the bridge looks straight to begin with, something else is the problem. The bridge should always be straight and aligned, parallel to the body.
I recommend taking it to the shop. It's probably a quick easy fix, but you have to be able to find the problem.
- Matthew Simington
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-07-31 09:57
I wrote about Buffet going down hill. You can read about the post. The pads often leak and the posts are out of adjustments.
Where are you located? I'm in Los Angeles. At the moment I'm pretty ticked off at Buffet for all sorts of issues, mainly they don't care and never call you back. The horns they send out leak and are out of adjustments.
If you sent this to me I'll adjust it at no charge. I'm actually trying to show Buffet that I care after playing their horns for 47 years, but the horns need some serious attention with quality control and I offered my time for free. What else can I do? Their new horns are pretty bad right now. Write to me at savagesax@aol.com if you want me to fix it. It's a one day service and I will check out other issues with the horn.
B
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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