The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Emms
Date: 2001-11-26 09:30
In an older thread, someone suggested that tuning rings could be used to fill the gap between barrel and upper joint when pulling the barrel out to tune. What are they, and how do they work? Are they worth getting?
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-11-26 10:10
'Rings' is really a misnomer. They are a set of metal or plastic WASHERS of varying thickness. The outside diameter of the washers is ideally the same as the inside diameter of the tenon socket, and the inside diameter of the washers is ideally the same as the clarinet bore diameter.
One or more washers is inserted into the socket, usually with some cork grease so they stay put. Now when the tenon (the part of the joint with the cork on) is inserted into the socket it does not go all the way in, and the instrument is flattened.
If the washers are not used and the tenon is pulled out this far then there is a gap where the washers would have been. Some players claim that this gap interferes with the tuning/response/tone of certain notes on the instrument, and this is why they use washers when they pull out a tenon joint for tuning purposes. There is acoustic theory to back up their claims, especially if the gap is large.
These washers are most commonly used between the barrel and the body of the instrument, but could be used in any tenon joint that is 'pulled out' for tuning purposes.
Note that it is very common for clarinets to be made with a gap of say 1 mm here even with tenons pushed all the way into their sockets.
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Author: Alyson
Date: 2001-11-26 20:33
In the past I have used these and only found a small difference. I actually had a friend make some for me out of an ice-cream lid! Little cost if you don't feel they are worth the trouble & the added benefit of having to eat at least 1 litre of ice-cream!!!!
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-11-27 12:22
A good choice of material! It would have very little tendency to vibrate and make a buzzy sound as could be possible with metal or rigid plastics.
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