 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nomenclature
Date: 2019-09-21 00:20
I have a Buffet RC clarinet which I've never been 100% happy with, but that's another story...
The A (throat tone A) is sounding very unclear, weak and 'fluffy' and I think it's getting worse. The Bb isn't sounding too strong either.
Can I do anything myself to rectify this, or does it need a trip to the instrument repairer? What's causing this?
Thanks.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2019-09-21 00:26
If you have the right screwdriver (a small jeweler's size) and are comfortable taking the A key off, you can at least check to see it the ton hole is clogged with dirt or if it has a skin pad that's torn (with the skin hanging into the open hole). You'll have to take the G# key off, too, since it bridges over the A key.
Notice how the springs are set so you can put the whole thing back correctly.
The Bb using the A key and the register key will be affected by whatever is fogging up A.
Karl
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2019-09-21 00:26
Of course, another consideration is that a reed that's too hard will cause A and Bb to sound stuffy and airy.
Karl
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-09-21 01:58
Some dirt may not be obvious. Pass a Q-tip through the tone hole......might even use a dab of bore oil on it for a second pass.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2019-09-21 17:00
Besides checking for dirt and the pad condition if the pad does not open enough file-sand down the cork under the key to make it open a little more. All else fails find a very knowledgeable repair tech and ask him about undercutting the hole a little more but they better be experienced in doing that.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2019-09-21 17:48
>> Some dirt may not be obvious. Pass a Q-tip through the tone hole......might even use a dab of bore oil on it for a second pass. <<
FWIW I've seen many cases where upper tone holes (throat and trills) had a lot of dirt that a Q-tip wouldn't even begin to remove, with or without anything on it. Quite a bit more serious cleaning was necessary.
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2019-09-21 20:45
If you mess with the tone hole or hight of the pad when the key's open, do it with a tuner. A little fuzzy would probably be better than noticeably sharp. RCs just tend to be less resonant than the models with R-13 type bores.
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