 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CWH
Date: 2008-07-26 17:32
Hi All,
I recently discovered an issue with my Leblanc Concerto II, in that the middle tenon joint does not completely come together leaving a 1/32-1/16 of an inch gap. This issue only shows its ugly face when trying to align the bridge key, if the stacks are 90 degrees from final alignment the stacks close completely (with no gap). Further, I’m now finding the joint is very snug even using Dr.’s Slick cork grease.
Now I have been practicing several hours a day, now that summer is here trying to learn several new pieces. Not to mention it has been very humid and damp here in the North East. I don’t recall seeing this ever, not to mention never ever seeing it in this horn.
I did fancy a call to the tradesman who does my overhauls and he did not think it was an issue, and in fact has seen this with other Leblanc’s. He went on to say that Leblanc’s are known for very close tolerances within there tenon joints and a little moisture could cause them to swell, hence causing the issue I see. He suggested I leave the case open and allow the horn to breath, and in turn reduce the moisture content and swelling.
I would like to hear if any one else has had this problem and what was done successfully to correct it.
Thank you in advance
Chuck
Study, Practice, Play and Enjoy.
Post Edited (2008-07-26 17:38)
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Author: CWH
Date: 2008-07-27 13:19
Attachment: Tennon Joint 1.jpg (48k)
Attachment: Tennon Joint 2.jpg (53k)
Good Mornig All,
I let the horn air out overnight and of course it rained, but
I have attached a few pictures here to help show the issue.
Thank you again and I'm looking foward to reading your posts.
Chuck
Study, Practice, Play and Enjoy.
Post Edited (2008-07-27 13:26)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2008-07-27 21:43
If joint closes completely in one position but not when rotated to the other I suspect problem is combination of very close tolerance combined with tenon and/or socket warping very slightly oval. (As wood expands and contracts with ageing and changes in humidity it does not remain perfectly circular - fact of life. The tolerances chosen must allow for this.)
Any competent repairer should be able to quickly determine and fix this problem. Not fixing it could eventually result in jammed and possibly cracked joints.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2008-07-28 07:09
I agree with Norman.
In some (more humid ?) climates pretty well every new wooden clarinet needs its joints adjusted at least once to stop the timber jamming. (The manufacturers don't ask you about your climate when they make the thing!)
I'm surprised that your technician does not know about this, and do something about it.
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Author: CWH
Date: 2008-07-28 10:52
Good Morning,
Let me back up. The repair tradesman did say that if drying it out and letting it breath did not work to send it to him. He explained he'll use a micrometer and measure the tolerances and if needed make any adjustments. From the way he explained it, it’s a very simple fix. I just hate to part with her for the number of days it will take to ship it to TX and back to NY. I guess I could try to find a local person here without driving into the city. Does anyone know a good and respectable tradesman in upstate NY or PA/NJ boarder (Tri-state Area)?
Thank you
Chuck
Study, Practice, Play and Enjoy.
Post Edited (2008-07-28 10:53)
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Author: CWH
Date: 2008-07-28 11:48
Good Morning,
Just for my own edification I got out my digital veneer, and boy was I surprised with my measurements. First, the lower stack (receiver) of the tenon joint was very consistent 22.00 mm. However the upper stack tenon is slightly out of round or “oval”. This is what I found, measuring front to back (tone holes to thumb rest) is 22.45 mm and 180 degrees from there is 22.20mm. This was measured at the top of the tenon joint, right at the shelf.
Now, much lower and closer to the end or the tenon joint it was 21.97mm.
A typical round hole-square peg scenario, what to do? Do I strip off the cork and take some 400 grit paper and carefully adjust the shoulder and then replace the cork or send it out?
Has anyone else performed this adjustment?
Thank you
Chuck
Study, Practice, Play and Enjoy.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2008-07-28 11:58
If it gets tighter and looser as you rotate the joint, then you MUST have an oval somewhere in the receiver as well. Perhaps it is at the deep inside end of the receiver where for access to measure, you need a telescoping gauge...
http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/graphics/00000004/600-POW205020.jpg
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Author: Avie
Date: 2008-07-28 12:22
Being very careful I would sand down the cork high sides. This should also take care of the snugness you talked about. Be cautious not to take off too much. If this doesnt cure the problem it could be the length of the tenon is bottoming out before it seats. Good luck.
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Author: CWH
Date: 2008-07-28 12:45
Hi Gordon,
My veneer has an ID (inside diameter) side and when I checked the socket to my eye I nearly perfect. So, I very very carefully took the upper stack down stairs and using a bench peg made a few gentle passes over the problem area on the tenon. Checking several times with the veneer I proceed, and it now fits like a glove. This is not for the faint of hearts or without proper tools....for sure.
Oh, yes I resealed exposed wood with bore oil.
Thank you
Chuck
Study, Practice, Play and Enjoy.
Post Edited (2008-07-28 16:38)
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