Woodwind.OrgThe Clarinet BBoardThe C4 standard

 
  BBoard Equipment Study Resources Music General    
 
 New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Help/Rules  |  Smileys/Notes  |  Log In   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 
 Lower register issues
Author: Richie 
Date:   2016-09-14 04:25

So I recently had some work done on my R13 and when I got it back, the E1 and F1 played an octave higher to their Clarion counterparts. Sometimes I can get them to not do that, but that's usually about 20% of the time. Any ideas?

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Lower register issues
Author: kdk 
Date:   2016-09-14 05:07

Assuming the tech was competent, check to see if he or she changed the alignment on your bridge key. Then with the clarinet completely assembled check to see if the RH 1st finger ring goes down easily or feels high and then whether or not the pad that it controls right above it is closing all the way with normal pressure. It could be several other things, but it would be my first suspicion that the top bridge key is lower than before (too thick a cork, too aggressive an adjustment by the tech) and maybe keeping the RH key stack from going all the way down.

Karl

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Lower register issues
Author: tictactux 2017
Date:   2016-09-14 13:11

Also check if the throat Ab key is really shut; there should be a wee bit of play between A and Ab. An open Ab key works like the thumb register key.

--
Ben

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Lower register issues
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2016-09-14 14:33

You can check the free play between the throat A key and the adjusting screw on the G# key by slowly opening the throat A key and you should feel a slight delay before it makes contact with the adjusting screw, If you don't feel that point of contact, then back off the adjusting screw until there's a small gap between the two keys.

NEVER EVER check for free play between the two keys by pressing the throat G# key pad down firmly against its tonehole - you'll compress or even damage the pad by doing that. I saw someone do this once and I nearly went mental.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Lower register issues
Author: Richie 
Date:   2016-09-15 03:46

Ok, so an update, it turns out it was the G# key leaking, thanks for the help!

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Lower register issues
Author: Philip Caron 
Date:   2016-09-15 18:20

So it was about the screw in the G#/Ab key? If so, the next question would be, didn't the tech play-test the instrument before returning it? Especially if they adjusted that screw?

I've almost never had to adjust said screw. The two keys involved get used thousands of times, but the screw never seems to move out of adjustment.

Reply To Message
 
 Re: Lower register issues
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2016-09-15 19:01

While the screw shouldn't need adjusting once set up properly, there are some teachers over my way that feel the need to take a screwdriver to clarinets and wind down the adjusting screw completely to eliminate that crucial bit of safety double action as they seem to think the repairer hasn't done their job properly by leaving it like that. Then the next day it's usually followed by the call of woe - 'My clarinet's not playing and I've got an exam!'.

Absolutely unnecessary and a complete waste of everyone's time when they do that. I don't charge for resolving this common problem, but it's still time wasted that can be better spent by everyone involved. Teachers should just teach the thing and not get involved if they're mechanically inept. Know your limits.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

Reply To Message
 Avail. Forums  |  Threaded View   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 


 Avail. Forums  |  Need a Login? Register Here 
 User Login
 User Name:
 Password:
 Remember my login:
   
 Forgot Your Password?
Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.
Search Woodwind.Org

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

The Clarinet Pages
For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.

 
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org