 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ruby
Date: 2002-08-18 01:49
My daughter dropped her clarinet on our ceramic tile floor and now she cannot play notes lower than a middle C, or maybe the high B on the bass clef. When she tries the fingering for those low notes it throws her up to the high D,E, and F on the treble clef. She is not pressing the key on the bottom of the upper section which would normally take her up to the higher notes. (Sorry, I'm not good at clarinet terminology. I'm not a clarinet player - just the mother of a second-year student. But I'm learning some along with her. I played the trumpet and piano as a kid.)
I realize I'm probably going to have to take the instrument in to have it checked, but I'm one of those "tinkerers" who like to know how things work. What do you guys think probably happened? (She was sitting in a chair, with the instrument standing on the bell between her feet. The instrument accidentally fell forward onto the top keys.) I imagine it bent a key or knocked one out of alignment, but I cannot figure out which one.
I'm curious about how the register key (I hope that's what it's called) throws the clarinet into the high notes. Would a leak in one of the keys on the upper section cause a similar action? If any of you have the time and inclination to tell me the dynamics of how that works, I'd love it. I have a scientific background, so don't be afraid to lay it on. I might not understand everything you say, but I'll try real hard!
Thanks,
Ruby
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-08-18 02:07
Could be one of many things. From the simple (bent key, alignment, spring problem, etc...) to the more serious (cracked tenon, etc...)
Best advice - see your local tech on Monday.
However, what disturbs me more is the folowing:
"...She was sitting in a chair, with the instrument standing on the bell between her feet..."
oooh...A definite no - no. Clarinets are <b>not</b> meant to be stood on end. Lay it flat across something soft (a pillow, a soft chair, your lap, etc...)
Christmas is approaching - a good gift might be a clarinet stand. A twofold benefit would be that the clarinet will be secure, and if it is on the stand during the day, your daughter will see it more and may be more apt to practice (even in short abbreviated sessions).
It's always a better choice than going over to the tv and turning it on...GBK
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-08-18 02:33
1. '....now she cannot play notes lower than a middle C"
Most likely reason (of many possibilities) is a bent linkage ('bridge key') between the lower and upper sections of the instrument. (Upper section pad closes before lower section pad does) Symptom is that lower notes all resist being played.
2. "When she tries the fingering for those low notes it throws her up to the high D,E, and F on the treble clef". Not realy in keeping with No. 1, so it could be a second fault.
3. "I'm curious about how the register key throws the clarinet into the high notes." It creates a node by partially equalizing the air pressure to that outside the instrument. It works much the same as puttting a finger lightly on a violin/guitar string to get an ovdertone.
4. "Would a leak in one of the keys on the upper section cause a similar action?" It could easily do that.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-08-18 04:04
Wellll, Ruby... most of us have been there once or twice in our 'careers' and empathize with you.
FIRST OF ALL, and MOST IMPORTANT, give your daughter big hug and assure her it's not an uncommon occurance. She won't 'go directly to jail...etc. That's why they have repair shops (An extra cookie or whatever sometimes helps
If you like to tinker, it shouldn't be too hard for you to figure out what's wrong. Your description is fine, no need for 'proper terminology'. Just take a deep breath, exhale slowly and proceed...
DIAGNOSTIC: Place your right palm over the lower end of the upper joint to seal it, close the finger holes and blow, into the top (barrel) end (not too hard - you don't want to be whooshed off balance)) Any major leak will be immediately obvious.
Do the same with the lower joint using your left palm to seal the bottom bore opening, cover the finger holes and depress the low E key (that'll close the open pad holes).
You may need a helper to assist in identifying exactly where the leak is coming from. After identifying the source of the leak the question becomes, 'how far go should I go trying to tinker with it?'
PROGNOSTIC: If it seems that a simple adjustment will fix the problem and you have a few little tinker tools around, try it. If it might involve bending a key back, or a post or something is loose it's best to take it to the shop.
Repair folks see these sorts of things every day. They're ready with all the tools and know-how to take care of you. Remember, however, they may be up to their ears in school instrument repairs this time of year.
I too, sincerely hope it's not too serious. Most of the time it turns out to be a fairly minor fix and a part of the learning experience.
Happy Tootin'
- ron b -
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Author: Mike Harrelson
Date: 2002-08-18 05:44
I would advise against trying to fix it yourself. You might get it to play better but you probably will never get it to play as well as it did before the drop. And you could make the repair more difficult (and expensive) by breaking a key or post. This is an easy fix for an experienced repair person, it will end up playing even better that it did before (if it hasn't had an adjustment in a while) but as was mentioned earlier, this is back to school time and the repair shops are busy. Be first in line monday morning.
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Author: Ruby
Date: 2002-08-18 10:41
Thanks for the input. No, I don't plan to try to make the problem worse, i.e. "fix it." (I've "fixed" enough things before in life where when I put the item back together, there are spare parts left over!) I'm just trying to learn about what makes the clarinet do what it does.
and Ron b., you are absolutely right about kids and instruments. Kathy loves her clarinet and it was just an accident. She already feels bad enough w/o chastisement.
Thanks again.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-08-18 12:38
Check the adjustment of the G# key that goes over the A key. It was more than likely bent and needs to be set back in original position BUT you can back the screw off and at least it will let the key go all the way down again.
jbutler
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Author: Spence
Date: 2002-08-18 15:49
Speaking as a repairman, I like to see a band director or a parent try to fix a musical instrument. Nine times out of ten they do alot more damage than there was to start out with. Costing a whole lot more in the long run. My sugestion would be to run not walk to your local repairman Monday and get it fixed RIGHT.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-08-18 18:13
Don't we see that already, Spence? I just charge for what the job entails. There is no use getting upset over it or getting crossways with a parent or director. All you is drive them to another repair shop. I just tell them what needs to be fixed and why. I don't judge anymore. There will always be those who try to fix instruments themselves first to try and save a buck or two. There is nothing wrong with that. Hey, I just got through changing the oil in my truck.....don't need a mechanic for that BUT if I'd screwed something up I'd take it to a pro.
jbutler
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-08-18 20:46
My local tech charges an additional 7% for clarinets that appear on his bench with marks from household pliers or screwdrivers.
It happens.
Don't fiddle with it (it could get worse).
Get your kid a strap and a stand.
Keep beginning players out of the kitchen, its bad for digestion.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-08-18 21:14
I agree, John. Most repair folks in my neck 'o the woods don't mind people trying to fix/adjust their instruments. Some do okay and some don't. If they don't, they bring it in and the repair person helps 'em out I've never seen or heard of a repair tech scolding anyone, especially young folks. Accidents happen - frequently. They need encouragement and reassurance, not a lecture. Most techs, like you, just explain what's wrong and ask if the customer wants it corrected. It usually costs the same whether the customer tried to fix it or not. Everyone is entitled to try to save a buck and to seek a second opinion.
My auto mechanic also has never gotten upset that I change the oil and filters myself. He changes timing belts and water pumps an' stuff like that :]
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-08-18 23:30
I would not now be a technician if I hadn't started doing things myself. I did not get here by going to a training school.
There were two embarrassing times when I had to go to a 'techician' to save my skin. I have now left that technician way behind.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-08-19 00:14
There are signs posted in some shops (not just music shops):
If the item is this or that, 5% extra
If something else happened, 20% extra
If you already worked on it, 50% extra
They're usually on a wall near the legitimate price list.
[[[ It's supposed to be FUNNY, Synonymous :]]]
Like... put your customer in a better humor, bring a smile, ease the tension, lighten up, it's not the end of everything.
I'm glad I don't need to go to Your repairman. 7% additional because of its appearance??? Maybe if a pivot is messed up or somethin', charge for the replacement part - but 7% extra because he 'thinks' it looks like.... are you kidding???
This is getting wierd....... :|
***********************************************
Gordon, there just aren't enough tech training schools to go around. Most techs I know learned (and continue learning:) from other techs or, like you, figured things out pretty much on their own.
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Author: Martin
Date: 2002-08-19 02:12
There are four long keys mounted inline on the bottom of the top joint. If the lowest key is bent (as in dropping) it will not let the pad back down to cover the hole, and would cause the problems you describe. C a r e f u l l y bend it back in line whiole supporting the pad side of the key with your other hand, so the key will close when you let up. If this is not the problem, take it to a repairman. This is a simple problem for a competent repairman to diagnose and fix, so don't risk breaking anything.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-08-19 02:39
Hint: if you "self repair" your clarinet and break it or damage it further: don't come and whinge about it here - you've been told. That's why god put people like Mark Pinner on the planet.
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