 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: na1965
Date: 2014-01-27 02:29
I apologize for the multiple posts: each time I tried to add an attachment I received a message stating that I had exceeded the number of allowed attachments or did not have authority to add attachments, and the message got posted without the photos. Please let me know if it is possible to delete the duplicate posts.
I have a 5 year old Selmer Signature that despite using an in-case humidifier (for what it's worth), has developed a hairline crack in the upper joint, extending from the barrel tenon towards the register key. The crack looks more like a deep scratch, but when viewed from the tenon, appears to be about 1mm deep. It is not effecting the register key's seal. Since I do not have a technician in my immediate area, should I just watch this closely, or should I seek a technician ASAP. Since the crack does not appear to have opened much at the surface, or extended to the bore, what sort of repair options might the technician offer?
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-01-27 02:42
I fix cracks of that nature with super glue. Properly done, you'll hardly be able to see it after the repair is completed.
If it doesn't open up, you can probably wait a few weeks before having it dealt with.
You'll also want a tech. to check to make sure the barrel / top joint tenon isn't binding, this can cause cracks in this area.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
Post Edited (2014-01-26 21:43)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-01-26 23:48
I would strongly suggest for long term security that you find a tech who can do carbon fibre banding.
To put a small band around the top of the upper joint, say 1/4" down from the tenon shoulder would be a relatively simple process and could be made virtually invisible.
A band would fully stabilise the bore around it's 360 degree circumference and have zero impact on tone or response.
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2014-01-27 00:40
The problem with the newer instruments is that they were rushed through the harvesting and curing process which leads to cracks no matter what you do to prevent it.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2014-01-27 16:29
Keep an eye on the crack. It may be stable. you can mark where it appears to end with a pencil and see if it longer or wider. Eventually it should be fixed. Some techs just glue these days. Be advised that the super glue we use is not available at Home Depot or your local hardware store!
In this area I wood probably glue and pin it rather than use a carbon fiber band. Faster for me and less expensive for the customer, and the crack and pinholes are not visible on casual inspection.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-01-27 15:25
Always mark the line of the crack with a pencil as that will show where it runs if it closes up and becomes invisible which can happen. It's always best to know where a crack is even if it has closed up.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2014-01-27 18:35
THis thread scares me! I'm outta here!
(Like the guy who said, "I'm not superstitious - I'm afraid it would bring me bad luck.)
B>
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Author: xarkon
Date: 2014-01-27 19:36
I have a Selmer Signature Bb that developed a similar hairline crack starting from the register key spring channel. My tech glued it and put in three small pins. Unless you were specifically looking for dark spots where the pin holes were filled, you wouldn't know they were there. There has been no change in the playability or sound of the instrument.
Get it pinned by a competent tech and don't worry about it.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2014-01-28 00:48
If you can't hack a crack
don't play clarinet, Jack!
And forget oboe too
'cause they crack through and through.
It's just part of the deal
when you're dealing with wood.
For a tech, what the heck!
It's no sweat (if he's good).
Have no fear, Mr. Bruno
and don't get outrageous
'cause clarinet cracking
is not too contagious.
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Author: RAB
Date: 2014-01-28 16:23
Some of the options:
A. Watch the crack and see if it closes or expands,
If it expands then that needs attention to prevent it opening.
Sometimes it is the grain of the wood opening and closing.
If the crack is not running across the natural grain then it is a crack.
B. Have it pinned or carbon banded depending on the exact placement
and size of the crack. If done properly it will not be an issue and the
instrument will be fine.
C. If it is giving you a lot of worry and concern then have it pinned or
carbon fiber banded just for your "Peace of Mind"
I know there are many thoughts on this issue, these are just a few of my thoughts! I have seen instruments treated like a baby and crack and I have seen instruments mistreated and never crack. You just never know with a piece of wood !
Rod
Rodney Berry
Repair Dept
Muncy Winds Music Company
Boone, N.C.
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