 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jackson
Date: 2023-06-15 07:54
I’ve been having an issue with a horrible fuzziness in my sound when playing a chalumeau C and also clarion G, I’ve tracked the issue down to a paper-like thing attached to the underside of the padded key above the key for the right hand pointer finger. I’m not sure how I would be able to fix this (if this is even what’s causing the problem), is this something I can fix on my own or should I send the instrument in for repair?
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Author: Jackson
Date: 2023-06-15 08:09
Also I should specify that the actual issue is that this paper thing (not the pad) detached from the pad slightly and now when I play the notes mentioned above it flutters loudly.
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Author: WoodsyBloom
Date: 2023-06-15 09:51
Is it possible that the pad has torn and the skin is hanging in there, partially detached? If that's the case, I would just get a new pad. Some music shops don't even charge for a single pad replacement, so it probably wouldn't hurt to go in.
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Author: Jackson
Date: 2023-06-15 10:52
This sounds like what’s going on, thank you for the confirmation. I also suspect that this issue is the culprit of a weird clicky sound I get when I’m playing a trill from clarion F to G.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-06-15 12:08
It does sound the "skin" of the pad tearing and flapping. It is common that this also creates the "click" when playing the Bb to C transition (or F to G in the clarion register).
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Author: donald
Date: 2023-06-15 15:55
I'm curious, was it not OBVIOUS to you when looking at this that the "paper-like thing" was part of the pad that had come off?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-06-15 19:49
I think it is a good thing when someone explores their instrument mechanically and unearths an issue. It's not only a good feeling to be able to "self-diagnose" but if you develop some repair chops it can save you some money along the way.
There are some fairly specific "tools" and techniques used to replace a pad (which is necessary in this case) so I'd say to have a repair tech fix this for you. If you're interested in getting more adept at repair yourself maybe you could have your tech show you what he does as he goes along.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2023-06-15 20:07
> Some music shops don't even charge for a single pad
> replacement, so it probably wouldn't hurt to go in.
An experienced tech can certainly replace a pad quickly, but properly floating a pad to get a good seal, making any adjustments to bring involved key work back into proper regulation, and checking the instrument by play testing is a valuable service that requires significant knowledge and experience. I would not suggest to anyone that this is a service that might be obtained at no charge. A good tech is an invaluable resource deserving of proper compensation.
John (Who is NOT a tech, but is grateful to have access to a great one, and also appreciates the contributions to this board made by several fine, experienced techs.)
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Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2023-06-15 20:12
If you have one pad like this, it is likely there are more that are in need of replacement too, they just haven't failed yet.
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Author: WoodsyBloom
Date: 2023-06-15 21:05
Smokindok,
I would like to clarify. A good repair tech is absolutely valuable. In my experience, I have had multiple techs not require payment, even after my offer, on minor repairs. Maybe this is not universally true, but it has been my experience. That was not meant in any way to belittle the skills of repair techs.
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2023-06-17 18:26
WoodsyBloom wrote:
> Smokindok,
>
> I would like to clarify. A good repair tech is absolutely
> valuable. In my experience, I have had multiple techs not
> require payment, even after my offer, on minor repairs. Maybe
> this is not universally true, but it has been my experience.
> That was not meant in any way to belittle the skills of repair
> techs.
Understood, WoodsyBloom, I have experienced this, too. Many fine techs are very generous with their time and knowledge, but this is a personal decision on their part. My point is only that, suggesting this repair might be had for free, to someone who is clearly inexperienced, MAY set up an unreal expectation that this sort of thing is so trivial as to be routinely done for free. Seems a bit unfair to the OP and the tech.
That said, the OP received many helpful responses regarding his issue. Periodic maintenance is part of playing a woodwind instrument; to be expected, due to all the parts that must work together to make an instrument that can create music rather than frustration. I think Paul, above, makes an excellent point when he commends the OP on exploring the instrument to diagnose the problem. Good job, Jackson!
John
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-06-17 19:44
And I think that Hunters comment that other pads may well be due for replacement is worth noting .
All skin pads want to become used teabags when they grow up .
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-06-17 20:36
A clarification to a clarification?
Some folks want to invest the time and money into repair. If you are inclined this way to learn the technique of changing pads it can involve several different techniques. Today there are more folks using a hot glue method while traditionally there was the lacquer stick method. Either way you still wind up using an alcohol lamp (another investment). Then the new pad must be "floated in" properly so that the pad comes down flat upon the tone hole. This usually involves a feeler gauge. Most pads function better if they seated after installation using a spring like devices (more stuff to buy) on each pad replaced for about 24 hours. This imposes the ring shaped crease in the pad ensuring the best seal. Of course some folks do not believe seating is necessary.
All to say that anyone CAN do this themselves if they want to impose more craftiness into their clarinet regimen and don't mind more things to occupy their time and wallet initially.
............Paul Aviles
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