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Leaks-even minor- are trouble

Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-09-07 19:29

Lots of previous posts on this topic, but I just learned a few new (to me) useful things.

The suction test, separately done on upper and lower joints, is necessary but not sufficient. That is, if the test fails (shows a leak), you've got a problem. Through the years I have found and fixed leaks that way. But as Morrie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEisku4KQ3E and others point out, we don't suck when we play (right), so you can still have a minor leak even if suction is good. Alternatively, you can apply positive, not negative, pressure- or use a pricey machine. But no reason not to try the suction test IMHO.

My Lyrique 576BC arrived last week in very nice playing condition even though it needed cosmetic attention. First thing I tried (after some wiping down with a damp cloth and Sterisol on the tenon ends) was suction tests on upper and lower joints- it passed with flying colors.

After a few days I began having minor trouble with stability on C5 through Eb5. Initially I blamed reeds (were my Legere Europeans finally wearing out?). But I traced it to the hole covered by the lowest trill key (still not sure of designation)- even though it seemed to seal well enough. I removed the key, cleaned the pad and hole with alcohol, reassembled- stability problem gone. The suction test would never reveal this issue, I don't know about the fancy machines. Lesson 1 for me, is that any new problem might be a leak, worth investigation even if easy tests seem OK. Lesson 2 perhaps is- clean my pads and tone holes- powder paper on order.

Morrie also demonstrated that leaks can happen at the cork tenon joints. My 576 middle cork is a bit loose, I hadn't considered the possibility that could cause playing problems. I assembled the top/bottom, stoppered the bottom, and sucked on the top. Not bad. I added the barrel and sucked again, also pretty tight. Still, I'm suspicious of that middle cork. I'll replace it soon. Meanwhile I rubbed it with some beeswax I still have from my reed treatment experimentation days (bad memories)- Morrie suggested paraffin- close enough? Also I could test with Teflon tape added any time. Lesson 3 is to also watch for cork leaks. Thanks, Morrie!

It is a great advantage to understand these issues, even better if you are able to correct problems as they arise.

Stan in Orlando

EWI 4000S with modifications

Post Edited (2017-09-08 01:30)

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