 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: StevenWayne
Date: 2017-05-04 07:02
I'm learning how to regulate a clarinet and doing fair but the throat G# and A keys might be giving me some problems. I understand the screw adjustment, where the A key has a tiny bit of free travel before lifting the G# key. What I have a question about is the amount of drag pressure when you're testing the keys with the cigarette paper. The pressure is supposed to be equal for both keys, but I'm having trouble achieving this. And the pressure on the pads doesn't seem to be enough. This seems to be the case on several I've rebuilt.
Do I need more spring tension? The pads are new and seated. Tone holes are clean.
Thanks a lot.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-05-04 19:01
Closed keys do need sufficient spring tension to hold the pads closed and sealing well - the amount of spring tension will differ depending on the type of pads used. Broadly speaking, skin and leather pads will need more spring tension compared to cork and synthetic pads which don't need heavy spring tension to keep them closed, but still feel positive in their action and return.
If you can feel drag all around, then your job is done. The throat A key may have less spring tension compared to the G# key, but should still close. This won't make the A key feel overly heavy than if both keys were heavily sprung. The G# key can be sprung heavier as it's operated by part of the finger nearer the palm and being effectively a side key, it can be knocked accidentally, so slightly stronger springing will make it safe.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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