 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Trondeh
Date: 2022-06-25 01:12
Hi
I just purchased an old Marigaux King Marigaux 355 Bb. I got it really cheap and purchased it without even seeing or trying it out so I was quite excited when it arrived.
Luckily it seems to be in really good shape. It was maintained many ago but have hardly been played after that . The wood is simply fantastic, so dense and highly polished in perfect condition . The keys also seem to be in great shape, no wear to be seen with the natural tarnish on the sliver that was easily removed. Very little play so the keys have absolutely not been worn down.
Noe to to the play test. Wow, so easy to play and amazing altisimo. I then measured the intonation and was blown away, simply amazing compared to other instruments I have access to including Buffet RC and also Ridenour Lyrique 576.
I have thee issues I would like to ask for help with.
1 the ring on the bell is rather loose as it rotates. It is not as loose that it might fall off or anything.
2 one of the rings on the barel is also loose. It is soo lose that it fall of so this is a real issue.
3 I mentioned wonderful intonation, but it is one exception. The clarion f# using then chromatic grip using two trill keys are very flat, about 20 cent. I can compensate wirh my embouchure, but I would like to know if it can be fixed. I have tried to remove the keys to check for any debris in the tone hole without success. I have also tried to play the f# without the keys and it is still rather flat.
Thanks.
Trond
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Author: m1964
Date: 2022-06-25 02:04
Trondeh wrote:
> Hi
>
> I just purchased an old Marigaux King Marigaux 355 Bb....
> I have thee issues I would like to ask for help with.
>
> 1 the ring on the bell is rather loose as it rotates. It is not
> as loose that it might fall off or anything.
>
> 2 one of the rings on the barel is also loose. It is soo lose
> that it fall of so this is a real issue.
>
> 3 I mentioned wonderful intonation, but it is one exception.
> The clarion f# using then chromatic grip using two trill keys
> are very flat, about 20 cent. I can compensate wirh my
> embouchure, but I would like to know if it can be fixed. I have
> tried to remove the keys to check for any debris in the tone
> hole without success. I have also tried to play the f# without
> the keys and it is still rather flat.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Trond
Hi Trond,
#1: The bell ring probably will become tight when you start playing the clarinet every day.
By saying 'every day' I do not mean to start playing it 2-3 hours/day right away.
When I get a new clarinet (or an old one that has not been played for a while so it is dry), I start playing 15-20 min. 1-2x/day for at 1-2 weeks, and start increasing playing time by 5 mi./day after that. Have not had one crack on me (yet)
#2. I would possibly reinforce the ring - some people here suggested thin plastic film (from a grocery bag, etc). I use gauze like the one used for wounds and stretch it over the barrel then place the ring over and slide it down 3/4 way. Cut off excess material using a razor blade and then slide the ring all the way in.
#3. Since the instrument is very dry, it's tuning is likely to change somewhat when it absorbs moisture. I would leave the issue alone for at least six months. A very knowledgeable repair tech told me he does not adjust tuning on new clarinets until they are at least- guess- six months old.
If it does not improve after six months, then the F# tone hole can be rimmed using a special tool.
The good thing is that the F# tone hole does not affect any other notes so it can be rimmed easily.
It is also possible that the F# pad does not lift high enough causing the flatness.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-06-25 03:52
Do be aware that the F# issues directly from the thumb tube and not from any of the top joint toneholes on the top (fingers) side of the instrument when played with the LH index finger only and the left thumb off. If that F# fingering is flat even after the thumb tube has been thoroughly cleaned, then the thumb tube can always be opened up to bring the F# up to pitch.
Opening up the thumb tube may in turn have a slight sharpening effect on open G, in which case the open G tonehole (the sunken one above the LH1 ring key tucked under the throat A touch) can always be filled in to bring it down to pitch.
Likewise with the side key/chromatic F# fingering with the left thumb on and both the lower side keys held open, the side F# tonehole should be checked for any build-up, then cleaned out if there is and then enlarged to bring the F# up to pitch if it's still flat even after a thorough cleaning.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Trondeh
Date: 2022-06-27 00:38
Thank you for replying!
Chris P: The F# is perfect in tune with the left thumb, it is the F# with side key/chromatic that is out of tune. I guess it's a good advice as m1964 writes to wait a while before doing anything drastic. The clarinet has not been played for many years and is likely, very dry.
There are no signs of cracks or anything. The wood of this instrument is simply the most beautiful I have ever seen on a clarinet. As it is manufactured by SML and as understand it, is their top-of-the-line model it really shows that skilled craftsmen manufactured it with great care.
Does anyone know what this model costed in the days compared to other "pro" clarinets of the time, 70-80s?
Trond
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