 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: musicizlyfe
Date: 2009-07-22 15:15
I'm looking at a used R13. It has all the right stamps and the serial numbers match on the upper and lower joints. It looks like you can not remove the bell from the lower joint. Is this normal? Should it be removable?
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2009-07-22 16:12
<< Is this normal?>> No
<< Should it be removable?>> Yes.
A good tech should be able to remove the bell if it is really stuck on. Don't try to just manhandle it off. You'll wind up bending the keys on the lower joint.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
Buffet Clarinets
CXZ_K11* mouthpiece
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-07-22 16:58
The bell is always supposd to be removable on these clarinets. If it's stuck, take it to a competent technician. Just like Walter said above.
If it's just that you are examining photos, certain cases store the clarinet with the bell attached to the lower joint (not the best way to store it, btw). If that's the case here 9no pun intended) you can aleways get a case where the bell is stored detached.
Jeff
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-07-22 17:39
Chances are if the bell is frozen to the lower joint tenon (usually caused by leaving the bell on at all times and not drying out any condensation that accumulates in the socket), the cork will have stuck to the inside of the socket and once the bell is removed (and they can be removed), it'll be loose on the tenon so you'll need to have the tenon cork replaced.
Single Bb cases can be found everywhere and don't have to cost the earth - you can get a pretty decent hard case where all the joints are seperated for a reasonable price, or look around for an unwanted Buffet case from a dealer as these usually go for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-07-22 21:51
"looks like"??? Don't understand. How can you tell from looking??
Bob Draznik
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2009-07-23 07:32
But in some rare cases the bell tenon has been partly broken and somebody has glued the bell to the body.
If that is a good glue, it won't come off. 
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-07-23 09:27
""looks like"??? Don't understand. How can you tell from looking??"
What?? You mean don't have telekinetic joints on your clarinet, Bob?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-07-23 11:15
Chris, I did learn long ago to carry the clarinet upright and holding it by the bell when one I was holding by the top section dropped the bottom with the bell.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-07-23 11:46
Likewise with bas clarinets, especially low C models - carry them by holding both lower and top joints, not just the top joint.
It always scares me whenever I see people carrying both alto and tenor saxes by the crook.
But with Buffet clarinets in a double case and other cases that allow the bell to remain on while in the case, I've seen too many of them with the bells frozen to the tenon and once the bell has been removed (which is a task and a half), the joint is loose.
So it's important with these kind of cases that the whole instrument is taken apart and dried out after playing to ensure no water is left in the sockets (and this applies to all clarinets in all cases), then the lower joint tenon cork should be lightly greased before putting the bell back on and then put away in the case. Usually there's enough room in the case for the bells to be placed back on part way, so this will allow the upper half of the tenon cork to recover.
My old Selmer full Boehm single case has the barrel remain on the top joint while in there, but after playing I make sure the socket and tenon have been dried well (using kitchen towel to do this) and then grease the tenon cork before replacing the barrel and putting it away. The tenon cork is still supple so there's still a good fit, and the barrel hasn't frozen to the top joint.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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