Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2014-12-19 06:19
Edit: I see that while I was writing my post, Jim C. said (far more economically than I) most of what I say below but perhaps some of my detail may help.
Since the flat spring needs to be under some tension to work, it works against you when you try to put the rod in. In order to get the rod into the second (threaded) post hole, you need to compensate for the spring tension by pressing down on the key at the point of attack (i.e., where the tube is). Unless things are lined up perfectly, the rod can jam. Here are some steps for you to try, if you haven't already (but you need a good screwdriver first):
1. To find out if you've actually done any damage, take the key off. Then put the rod through the key tube. Does it slide fairly easily? If so, you probably haven't bent the rod. If not, you may have a bent rod. If you have a bent rod, go to a repair tech. Next, if the rod is straight, without the key, try to put the rod through the key's outer post and screw it into the inner post. Can you screw it all the way in without the key present? If so, the threads are OK, if not, you probably have some damaged threads. If either the rod is bent or some threads are damaged, your best and most economical solution is to take your clarinet to a repair tech. Techs keep an assortment of rod stock in different diameters on hand. They also have the appropriate tools to thread and slot the ends. They can make a new rod fairly quickly at relatively little cost.
If you can perform both the above steps, you probably haven't damaged anything (yet) and you can proceed to step 2. (BTW, if the rod is too short to screw in, you've mixed up your rods.)
2. Set the key in place (actually, you will probably have to remove the top three trill keys and align and reinstall them all together so that's what I will describe). With all three top trill keys held in place by your left hand, use your right hand to put the top rod through the outer post and the tube that connects the two keys to the clarinet. Jiggle the keys until the rod slides far enough through the tube that you can feel it hitting the inner post. Now try to screw the rod in. If it doesn't "catch," GENTLY jiggle the keys against the spring tension while GENTLY pressing and turning the screw driver until it does. If you are patient and nothing is damaged, it should catch eventually. Screw the rod in far enough to hold it but not all the way.
3. Do the same thing with the lower rod that you just did with the upper one. You may have to be very patient when you start trying to screw the rod in. If you can get this rod to "catch," you can screw it all the say in. Then screw the top rod in the rest of the way.
4. It sounds like the spring on the throat G# key is pushing the key out of alignment, which it should. Simply line up the rod with the upper post hole by pressing the key against the spring tension with your hand, then while holding the key in place with one hand, use your other hand to work the rod with your screwdriver until it catches.
If you can't understand my instructions or get these steps to work, or you can't get a decent screwdriver, take your clarinet to a repair shop. It shouldn't be very expensive at this point. And before you take any other keys off, it would be a good idea to get a spring hook or a small crochet hook to help put some of the needle springs in place. It would also probably be a good idea to put a little key oil on the rods as you are reassembling your clarinet.
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2014-12-19 06:24)
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