 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: StevenWayne
Date: 2017-02-02 23:41
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Hello, glad I found this clarinet board.
I am refurbishing a 1904 Buffet Crampon, Albert system clarinet. I'm taking my time, wanting to do it right. It has been a pretty straightforward job so far, but there's a broken leaf spring on one of the keys and this is something I haven't encountered before this. Are those tiny screws holding it in place? I dread having them break off trying to loosen them but I'm sure that is a possibility. Anything I can do to lessen the chance of this happening? I have put oil on them and have let them soak. Thanks very much.
By the way, I believe it is a low pitch clarinet. It measures about 23 1/2 inches without the mouthpiece. That should be a low pitch according to what I've read.
Post Edited (2017-02-02 23:45)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2017-02-03 00:17
Go to your local Auto Zone and buy some PB blaster. Spray the screws and let it sit for a few hours. After this you should be able to take them out. The only problem I foresee is trying to find a replacement spring with two holes. Most modern flat springs only have one hole. You may just have to find a spring that is close enough and only use one of the two holes.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: MichaelW
Date: 2017-02-03 02:10
In any case use an exactly fitting screwdriver: The blade must not be narrower than the slot, and if necessary file it to an exact transverse diameter, but be careful to keep a sharp, not rounded edge. If the scew stays stubborn after oiling don't force it: heat it with a lighter while under oil, and tap the inserted screwdriver gently with a light hammer.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-02-03 06:59
You have some very good advice. A torch for heat is always a good option. Frankly it's my first option, because I hate waiting around for penetrating oils to maybe work. If you don't have one, a torch, go to a local machine shop and ask them to pop the screw out for you. They probably won't charge you, but give them a tip of course. Try not to strip the head of the screw. If this happens the best way to get it out is drill it out then tap a new thread. Again, have a machinist do this. The cost of buying a tap and dye kit will be way more than what the horn is worth and you probably won't ever use the kit again. Same with the torch. Save your money.
I'm just trying to make it easy on you. If needed, send it to me. I'll take care of it for you. It's a 2 minute process. I'm not kidding. It's that easy. No charge either! I just hate doing repairs, but I'm really good at it. Studied with the famous Hans Moennig so I know about this problem. You won't have to wait, I'll fix it the same day and ship it back the same day. It will take me longer to find my torch and heat up the screw, compared to removing the screw.
email savagesax@aol.com
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: StevenWayne
Date: 2017-02-03 21:33
Thank you everyone for the helpful information and thank you Bob Bernardo for your kind offer.
The PB Blaster and heat did the trick. I let it soak with the penetrating oil over night and gave it another shot and some light hammer taps this morning. Then some heat from a butane lighter. They backed out easily then and I am back on track with this rebuild.
Bob, I know it's probably not worth a lot of $$ being so old and being an Albert system, but I want to bring it back to life. I want to play it, or at least practice and get better on it. I am a novice clarinet player and don't mind that it's an Albert. I am hoping it has a great tone and plays easily. All of the keywork is in good shape, and so far, all the screws have backed out, none broke. I did have to soak the rollers on the lower section to get them to free up, but they all work now. So far, I'm working on the lower section only. Pads, corks, cleaning and it should be good to go. Yes, I will probably need to play with adjusting the pads to eliminate leaks afterward, but I think I can do it.
The horn has no cracks and has the original wooden Buffet Crampon mouthpiece, for what that is worth. What I don't have is a good case for it. It came with an old junky CG Conn long case, probably originally for a metal clarinet. This case would have worked if it was in decent shape.
Post Edited (2017-02-03 21:38)
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