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Squeaky rt. hand B key

Author: Painterspoon
Date: 2006-01-10 15:14

Hello,

I'm a high school music teacher (and clarinet player) hoping to save money on instrument repairs. I was just handed a problem I've never encountered before.

The clarinet plays fine in the left hand, but once the left hand B/C# keys (or rt. hand) are pressed, the instrument stops speaking and becomes unstable and unable to play anything. There is a squeaky/rubbing sound when those keys are depressed. No rubbing is visible, and the instrument doesn't look like it's been twisted.

The student has an exam coming up very quickly, so I'm hoping to solve this one soon!

Help! (?)

Melissa

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Re: Squeaky rt. hand B key

Author: Tom Piercy
Date: 2006-01-10 15:21

It may be that when you depress the B key (R.H. or L.H.), the pad that would be covering the C is not sealing.

Check to see that the C pad is sealing by only depressing the C key. If it sealing when only depressing the C key, but not when you are only depressing the B key, then it may be a matter of adjusting the B and C keys so that the C seals properly when the B key is depressed.

Tom Piercy

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Re: Squeaky rt. hand B key

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-01-10 21:52

Melissa - Your info needs more [clarification] for helping you. From what you say, it sounds to me like some bent long keys [or pads, for low F and E]. You need to find a friendly tech or a better cl'ist for quick help. Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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Re: Squeaky rt. hand B key

Author: Painterspoon
Date: 2006-01-11 13:56

Thanks.

When you depress the keys, they physically make a chirping sound (rubbing together of metal on metal). The keys don't appear bent at all.

You're right - when played, it's as though the pads aren't depressing properly. I'll check that out further. In the meantime, I'd love to hear any other suggestions.

Best,
Melissa

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Re: Squeaky rt. hand B key

Author: Painterspoon
Date: 2006-01-11 14:53

Yep - it's bent keys. Does anyone know of a resource (preferably online) for fixing this problem?

Thanks,
Melissa

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