The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: James
Date: 2002-07-06 22:24
As you all know I just got a new R13. Well the barrel is stuck. How do i get it off with out destroying it and having to bring it to a repairman (its sunday tomorrow everythings closed). I would appreciate some advice. I'm kind of just sitting here not knowing what to do. If you could help me i would really appreciate it. (to get ahold of me even quicker, AOL IM: LeOpus1190s)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: AL
Date: 2002-07-06 22:45
James:
Be very careful when you try this, but be forceful and decisive too.
Get a good grip on the upper joint with your second best hand and grab the barrel with the other, the stronger one.
At the precise calculated moment, twist the barrel one way and the upper joint, (and this is important), the other at the same time you're snapping the barrel with a breaking motion as if you were trying to snap a stick. Remember, turn one hand in one direction and the other in the opposite direction AT THE SAME TIME THAT YOUR'E SNAPPING THAT STICK. Be sure your hands have good traction.
Best wishes and let me know how you make out.
AL
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: AL
Date: 2002-07-06 22:56
I just wanted to mention that this is not a cork problem. New clarinets soak up water and humidity and this is the season.
When you finally get it apart, go to a good repairperson and have him/her take care of it.
They usually ream the barrel.
AL
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2002-07-06 23:47
Let us know when you've got it apart.
P.S. - AL may know exactly what he is doing . . . but the analogy of snapping a stick sent shivers up my back when I thought about your clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-07-06 23:50
James,
Set the clarinet where it can get some good air circulation going around it. Find a place where you can set it safely without risk of being knocked off and damaged. It needs to <i>dry out</i>. Be patient, and after the moisture level content in the wood stabilizes, you should be able to take it apart. This is not an uncommon problem with new Buffet clarinets. Also, please read your warranty and <i>breaking in information</i>. You don't want to play it too much. Follow the procedures outlined in the information that came with your new clarinet.
<a href="http://www.cork-and-pad.woodwind.org">jbutler</a>
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: marcia
Date: 2002-07-07 01:06
I had exactly that problem with my new Buffet a couple of years ago. It was much more pronounced when I had played outside in very warm weather. I found that by letting it sit and cool off, and/or dry out, it was possible to separate the two pieces without the snapping motion mentioned earlier. I eventually took it to a repair man who reamed out the barrel and it has been fine since. I have owned two other Buffets, bought 33 and 15 years ago, and did not have that problem. It would appear to be a characteristic of newer instruments. A reason I have been given is that Buffet does not let the wood season as long as it once did.
I would highly recommend you see a repair person ASAP, prefferably before you play it again.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Wes
Date: 2002-07-07 03:05
That problem has been seen by me several times. I believe that the tenon has slightly enlarged or the barrel has gotten slightly smaller. It is the wood of one section binding on the wood of another section, not a too large cork. New wood instruments may change dimensions slightly. An experienced repairman(woman) is possibly the best solution. If one is extremely careful, one can insert a very thin razor blade in the joint and, by slight sideways movement of one joint against the other, pry the joints apart, moving it around the joint. A larger blade from a knife can then be used to pry it further. One must be careful not to damage anything with the razor blade. One must also be very careful not to push too hard on the tenon. I've always a sanded or filed a tiny bit from the tenon near it's end and near the body rather than from the inside of the barrel. Good luck!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: James
Date: 2002-07-07 03:31
Well I took everyones advice and i got it out! Thank you so much everyone. I am in your debt!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jenna
Date: 2002-07-07 03:47
Sounds like the rough time one of the firsts from my community band had...
except her 3 y/o son actually glued the barrel to the upper joint.
Ouch!
btw.. I happened to be running through some old topics from when I was away and happened to find a post that may have been mistakenly identified as me. I apologize for whomever referred to Bob Arney as sexist, and stirred up some reactions. That wasn't me, as far as I know.
Sorry for the misunderstanding, just catching the problem now, and going way off topic. I just wanted to remedy the situation.
-Jenna
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob
Date: 2002-07-07 14:07
Glad to hear you unstuck your joint,James. I had a similar experience AT that store and was told it was not uncommon. Having put together and taken apart clarinets more times than I care to remember I couldn't "buy" the excuse. Any time you have to use "excessive" force with clarinet joints you are overstressing the wood and may pay for it later if not sooner.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2002-07-08 03:30
OK . . . now that you got it apart safely (no breaks, no despair, etc.)
Now I can tell you what caused your problem.
He who watches over Buffet was displeased with your AOL IM name (AOL IM: LeOpus1190s). Can you really afford to take chances like that?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|