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Re: Alternative key materials

Author: clarnibass
Date: 2017-03-08 09:26

>> Metal is chosen over the alternatives because of its strength. <<

Not exactly. Different metals vary a lot in strength. Some materials are as strong or stronger than some metals. It is mostly other reasons that the specific metal was chosen.

Some metals would be terrible, mercury or lead, to give extreme examples. Aluminium could be lighter and cheaper but has other issues, for example it can't really be soldered.

Some materials would be too rigid and/or brittle like was mentioned. For example ceramic tools usually cost much more than equivalent steel tools, I imagine because they require more specialized process and tools to make. They would also need to be made far more accurately in advance (since there's no adjustment by bending), which would make it a lot more expensive too and another disadvantage for players who want key positioned slightly different.

Some plastics could easily support the force described in the post above, that's really not a major issue. They could mold it over steel wire, or use glass fibers, etc. The heat is an issue and maybe flex in feel. It is also not as good as a bearing. Actually brass and nickel silver are pretty good bearing materials, another advantage.

Of all the instruments I've seen with non-heat melting glues, or the few glueless systems for pads, I'd say zero were as good as using heat melting glue.

Copper alloys really have a lot of great properties for woodwind instrument keys. As much as companies try to lower cost, nickel silver is a pretty expensive material and this is one aspect where clarinet makers don't really save money (in comparison with brass).

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