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Re: problem notes on bass clarinet?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-11-11 10:02

Either that or the keys are loose on their pivots which will compromise reliability. Check how much wiggle the keys have - it could be a number of things from overbroached key barrels, overbroached pillars where the rod screws pass through or ill-fitting point screws depending on how the keys are mounted.

Years ago I hired an old Malerne cor anglais and the top joint main action pillars were either excessively worn out or were overbroached, so I couldn't use the side G# key on that as it took the rest of the LH main action with it causing the pads to leak. And with cork pads, that was a disaster.

I use a leak light to check bass clarinet pads as they have a relatively thin wall to the bore size and tonehole depth and diameter ratio (compared to soprano clarinets which have relatively long toneholes) which makes using a leak light possible, so check things with a leak light using just enough finger pressure to close the pads against their toneholes as opposed to forcing them closed.

Opening and lowering keys slowly will show you where the pads make contact with their toneholes - you don't want them hitting the back too early as that will make the action feel spongy.

Either go for an even seat where the pads make full contact with their toneholes or only very slightly heavier at the fronts for a more solid and reliable feel. But if the keywork is a sloppy fit, excessive finger pressure can cause the pads to leak at the backs when the keywork flexes. It could be opening a real can of worms, so prepare yourself for that.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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