The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Cork regulation on low clarinets

Author: Debashis
Date: 2026-11-13 22:21

Hi all, I'm a freelance repair tech and have been doing repair for a few years now. I'm comfortable with most repairs on soprano clarinets and have recently been getting more low clarinet repair work.

I've always followed that you should use thin cork (or other thin materials) between keys, as using thicker cork for regulation will cause the mechanism to go out of adjustment as soon as the cork compresses.

That said, I'm currently working on a Yamaha 631II alto clarinet and am replacing the cork on the low Eb key. This instrument is in good condition and I don't think the mechanism is bent, but the distance between the lever and the key is wide and it seems like it's designed to regulate with a thick cork between the keys. I even confirmed this with the stock picture: if you zoom into the bell key, you'll see a thicker cork on there: https://usa.yamaha.com/musical-instruments/brass-woodwinds/products/clarinets/ycl-631-03/

Is using thicker cork for this regulation common in low clarinets? If so, would you prefer a synthetic cork to mitigate the issue of the cork compressing?

Post Edited (2026-11-13 22:22)

Reply To Message

Re: Cork regulation on low clarinets

Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-11-13 23:19

I never use natural cork for keywork as it's what all the dinosaurs use.

You want to use the right materials with the right properties in the right locations and natural cork isn't that material for anything of any significance.

For sliding linkages, use tech cork for durability laminated with thin teflon sheet for low friction. Glue the teflon sheet on with contact adhesive instead of relying on pre-glued peel'n'stick self adhesive teflon sheet. You can always clean off the glue with acetone and use contact adhesive on the chemically etched side.

For stopper corks on most closed-standing keys (side keys, trill keys, throat G# key, speaker key, Ab/Eb key, etc.), use tech cork.

For open standing keys (main action keywork, LH thumbplate, LH F/C lever, low Eb key, etc.) use felt or ultrasuede for silence.

For pin and fork linkages or adjustable sliding linkages, cover them with thin teflon tubing for low friction.

You're also better off fitting nylon tips to adjusting screws instead of using anything under the tips as that eventually wears out or compresses.

If any linkage cork is thicker than 1mm, then the key needs to be bent back.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes

NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.

The opinions I express are my own.

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.