 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ms.ace
Date: 2015-06-30 04:20
Hello! I recently acquired a very beat up plastic Bundy clarinet cerca 1970 for free. It's completely unplayable as it stands, but has good bones so with nothing to lose I figured I'd try my hand at repairs for the first time. I've done a decent amount of research and I feel pretty good about the project in general, but I was wondering if anyone has advice for a newbie.
Perhaps common mistakes, tips and tricks, general advice or anything like that. I only have a few specific questions, what type of solution should I put in a sonic cleaner for key cleaning? And what kind of metal are these keys?
I'll post some pictures below for input. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-06-30 07:34
Yes, first - Find a good-to-great repair person. Become their intern for 6 months or so, until you understand. If not, at least get a copy (Feree's Tools sells this) "The Erik Brand Instrument Repair Manual." This covers all the tools, equipment and procedures.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: knotty
Date: 2015-06-30 17:25
Get some good screwdrivers if you don't already have them. And know how to use them without rounding the screw slot. One rounded screw and it'll cause a lot of frustration.
~ Musical Progress: None ~
Post Edited (2015-06-30 17:26)
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2015-06-30 19:14
Others have talked about screwdrivers- there was a whole thread (no pun intended) about high priced high utility drivers. Apparently it is easy to do harm with the garden toolbox variety.
Now I understand why the Ridenours included screwdrivers with my clarinets. Not just convenience- perhaps self defense on their part.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2015-06-30 19:58
It is generally good practice to put pivot screws back in the same position when you are putting it back together since they wear in to fit a particular key. There are even some pivot rods that are close enough in length to get confused. I would suggest making (or buying) a screw board that will allow you to keep track where each of these items came from. An alternative is, when you take a key off, put the screws or pivot rod back where they/it came from so there is no doubt where they/it belong(s). An ultrasonic cleaner should be fine to help get general crud off the keys so long as you make sure they are COMPLETELY dried when they come out (especially pivot sockets and tubes). I know a shop that has an ultrasonic cleaner big enough to hold an intact tuba. They use a special solution but, for a home unit, a little dish soap should be adequate. Be sure to give the keys a clear water rinse before drying them. The ultrasonic cleaner is unlikely to remove tarnish, so you will probably still need to polish the keys. As mentioned above, a good reference book can be one of your most valuable tools.
At one point, I challenged myself with an instrument that looked like someone had rolled both joints under a foot. There was not a key or rod on that instrument that was not bent. Putting that back into good playing condition was one of the best learning experiences I have had. Don't try to rush anything and if you start feeling frustrated, put it down and come back to it later. Enjoy.
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2015-06-30 22:38
Amen re. the Erik Brand manual and keeping track of those screws. Since the tiny screws are experts at leaping onto the floor and then camouflaging themselves, I keep a magnet on a stick handy for finding the little devils.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2015-07-01 10:47
The Haynes Clarinet Manual is an excellent and practical guide to repairs and maintenance.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2015-07-01 23:27
The repair manual produced by Reg Thorp is very comprehensive if you want to get really serious about level of work undertaken.
I think NAPBIRT stock this in the USA.
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The Clarinet Pages
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