 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CaptForce
Date: 2017-06-05 17:46
My new R 13 Greenline was delivered with a black plastic cap on the upper end of the lower joint. This cap has an extension that is formed to depress the left hand little finger middle C key. I'm assuming that this is present for shipping, but it might be a preferred manner to regularly store the clarinet within it's case. What is the purpose of this black plastic cap?
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-06-05 18:30
Capt...I think most never use it after the initial shipping. Some feel it could do more harm than good. I still use mine (for over 15 years) on my Buffet without incident.
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2017-06-05 18:38
I kept using mine for about a year and kept having issues with my left pinkie B key. I finally took it off and haven't had any problems since.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-06-05 18:45
BIN IT NOW! It'll only break the nylon pin in the end of the LH E/B lever.
Forget it ever existed.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: RAKing
Date: 2017-06-05 19:30
My little black caps are safely stored in the "junk" box. :-) If I ever sell one of my Buffets, I'll send it along with the horn and let the new owner decide what to do with it.
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2017-06-05 19:41
As I understand, the purpose of this cap is to keep the pads of the f/c and e/b pressed against their tone holes while the instrument is stored. Thus it isn't aimed just for the left hand c lever, but the e/b-lever. That way it contributes to a better sealing of those pads. If the force is strong enough to break the nylon pin I don't know.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-06-05 19:59
The last thing you want to be doing is forcing pads to close. It's only supplied to stop the keys rattling during transport - they used to put a rubber band around the E/B pad cup before, then they invented this abhorrent device to further stress the already weak nylon pins - maybe they have an ulterior motive to keep up the demand of replacement nylon pins.
It was only intended for shipping use and brand new Buffets often arrived with the E/B nylon pin broken as a result.
So don't give it a second thought and just bin the thing - that's the best thing you can do if you value your clarinet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: CaptForce
Date: 2017-06-05 20:45
Thanks for all these responses. I do appreciate these comments and I feel fortunate to have found this forum.
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2017-06-05 21:15
I can't actually see why anyone would be bothered about a possible rattling of keywork during transport from factory to customer, neither making an effort counteracting it.
On the other hand, pressing the f/c and e/b pads against their tone holes would make a depression in the pads and that way sealing them better compared to even pads - similarly as most other pads on a clarinet are under constant pressure by the springs in the keywork itself. Precisely adjusted open pads would of course seal well anyway, but perhaps this device is saving some of Buffet's customers from some extra adjustments? While perhaps keeping up the sales of spare nylon pins :-)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-06-05 22:25
Buffet's pad seating has a lot to be desired anyway, so maybe this is one last ditch attempt to make them seat instead of doing the job properly to begin with. Probably as they install them with hot glue, it ensures they will be forced to seat when shipped or stored in hot climates.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2017-06-06 09:05
If it's to help with sealing, it can help if sealing or adjustment is not good, but won't help if adjustment is good. It can make pads not last as long.
For shipping, the only way keys can move is the same as they do when playing anyway. If the case gets a hit hard enough to bend a key then holding these keys closed definitely wouldn't help at all.
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