 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ALOMARvelous12
Date: 2003-01-05 01:05
There's two problems with my clarinet.
The first one is that the small left hand pinky key (which is used to play low C# or high G# above the register) does not work too good. When playing the C# in the lower register, it makes a very flat sound as well as a lot of air. When playing the G#, it is only flat, although only somewhat noticable.
The second problem is about the left hand thumb ring. After pressing it down, it doesn't spring back up when released. This causes a problem because this ring is also attatched to another pad and ring on the front side of the clarinet. Because of this, some phrases (such as first space F to second line open G) can not be played in tune. My temporary solution is to stick a small piece of paper below the ring (but not over the hole, so it wouldn't affect any tones) and this has worked fine. However, I would still like to know what is going on and how I could fix it. I assume there is something wrong with the springs or that the screw is too tight.
Thanks.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-05 01:19
ALOMARvelous,
If I were someone who is not relatively well versed in instrument repair, which I pretty much of am not (a good self repairman, that is,) I would take it to my (reputable) local tech to service.
I do very small things myself, like putting a minute drop of oil on a sticking mechanism, but when it concerns something that may affect the proper adjustment of the instrument or something that may require "the right touch" to ensure it comes out right, I am a great believer in the (reputable) local tech.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-01-05 02:45
The G#/C# problem could be partially blocked tone hole, a split membrane on the pad, or insufficient venting (pad opening) with about 1/2 dozen possible causes.
Likewise the thumb key problem could have at least 1/2 dozen causes. When you go to a good, experienced technician he is able to determine the cause in only a few seconds. This type of problem is minor in the scheme of things for a technician, and both could probably be corrected in a few minutes.
Unless you have the excellent mechanical analysis skills (as a very small percentage of players indeed do) then you are more likely to do harm than good by tackling it yourself.
It is almost always the case, that when a technician eventually works on a do-it-yourselfer's instrument, there is far more work to do than there would otherwise be.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-01-05 06:04
Have you seen those humorous signs in some shops? :
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$XX.00 for this or that,
$XXX.00 if you watch.
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$XX.00 for something else,
$XXXX.00 if you already worked on it yourself
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Techs are not being cranky or vindictive if/when they actually do charge you double after you've worked it over yourself. Often someone with little or no experience or instruction will compound a problem, making it twice the work to undo, then re-do correctly (stripped threads, bent or lost screws, keys, springs, etc.).
Most of the time though, as Peter and Gordon point out, a tech will quickly spot the problem and correct it quicker that it takes to explain it to you. (And, actually, they're pretty good about sticking to their regular fees).
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-01-05 14:19
I am quite happy to have customers watch. Then they get to appreciate the complexity of the job done well, learn what to leave well alone, discover that they are getting excellent value for money, and likely pass this on to others.
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Author: clari
Date: 2003-01-05 15:27
Hi!
While reading your problems, I realized that you must know your stuff about clarinets. I have been playing for three years and our school band is now starting the chairing process( 1st chair the best)
I realized that I have been trying so hard to memorize note names, fingerings and much more that I need to know to become first chair, I believe that I can achieve this, but do you have any advice for me?
For your problem, I would try to see if you can go to a repair shop and get an estimate of what the costs would be to get that fixed. If the price is too high there, go to another repair shop, compare prices and find the best one.
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Author: ALOMARvelous12
Date: 2003-01-05 21:37
yep, I'll be taking my instrument to the shop sometime. i do realize these are relative easy problems that can be fixed quickly.
and i never did have the thought of trying to repair it myself. actually i was just wondering what was going on with the instrument.
and clari, if you came here to look for advice on technique, theory, and encouragement, you've definately come to the right place. there are a lot of very accomplished and experienced people right here and if you create a new thread with some details, i assure you there will be lots of responses coming. best of luck to you.
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