 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Puffing Mummy
Date: 2015-01-23 23:30
I have a 17 month old Buffet E11 Eb (Soprano). The D, E, F above C using the speaker key are "off. Almost two notes as an echo playing at once, especially the F."Other 2 notes very flat.
I had the regulation checked, one leak found, and the speaker key changed to cork. I asked for the ring keys to be checked.
It is as bad as ever, and it seems to be with the lower set of ring keys.
I could not play it at the technicians as I had a severe ear infection last week.
Any idea of any other possible problems?
Will be seeing her soon, but ideas welcome.
Post Edited (2015-01-25 17:27)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2015-01-24 02:14
The problem is probably a misadjusted bridge key that's keeping the pad at the top of the right-hand stack slightly open.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Puffing Mummy
Date: 2015-01-25 14:08
Should have said it was a Soprano Eb anyway, but will get ring keys and associated pads looked at.
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-01-25 21:47
Ken, I like your answer. It's certainly something to, at the very least, rule out as the problem, and your understanding of all things clarinet is noted.
My question is: and it really is a question as opposed to an accusation masked as a question, wouldn't the problem get worse as one descends the clarion from F down to full fingered C? The O.P. finds clarion F to be the worst offender.
Perhaps the answer is "not necessarily," or "no, it would get worse with ascending the clarion."
Your excellent suggestion came before Marilynn disclosed the Eb instrument she's working with, where such bridge key issues are different, if not less likely I'd guess because of the one piece nature of the instrument finds the mechnism to connect the right hand 3 finger ring with the left hand mechanisms "permanent." As if I need to tell anyone, this mechanism joins upon clarinet assembly for 2 piece clarinets (Bb and larger) of larger overall size.
(I've never seen a 2 piece Eb clarinet. I'm assuming you don't have one Marilynn.)
Marilynn: how well does the L1/R1 Clarion Bb play?
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Marilynn: you claim hearing what you believe are two tones. Is it possible that the speaker/register key, especially after it was switched to cork, is not allowing enough space between the cork and speaker tube when the speaker/register key is actuated?
The speaker/register key works, as you may know, by not allowing the fundamental tone to be expressed when depressed, such that the third above an octave (a [perfect] 12th) can become the primary note. Maybe in the speaker/register key's inability to provide enough clearance when depressed, you're getting multiple tones?
Maybe the cork needs shaving. And if so, it would likely involve temporary removal of the key, at which time, when accessible, running a pipe cleaner through the register pipe might also be a good idea.
Good luck.
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Author: Puffing Mummy
Date: 2015-01-25 21:59
Thanks for a helpful reply.
"Marilynn: how well does the L1/R1 Clarion Bb play?"
Plays fine.
Only D E F above register key are duff.
I have a regular Eb in 3 pieces before mouthpiece.
I am going to take it to a Technician who is also a good Clarinet Player, who lives a lot further away who may be able to spot the problem.
Such a helpful Forum.
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-01-26 00:43
Marilynn: if the L1/R1 Clarion Bb plays just fine, this would lend support to the idea that the padded tone holes in both the left and right hand sections, that
close under such a scenario, are doing so properly and in reasonable sync.
What happens when you play "partials" like Burt Hara does here?
http://youtu.be/RMMxi5jvgQI?t=4m5s
To spell this out, how successfully are you at going from the chalumeau (lower) register to the clarion (middle) register, and with what notes (e.g. both left and right hand or just left hand) without actuating the register key?
Can you do some? At what point to you fail?
The ability to do this is very player, reed, mouthpiece, instrument specific. But if you can do some, none, or all, and where you fail might speak again to the register key (or not.)
How much distance would you say (inches (imperial) or metric, I don't care) lies between the register pipe and the "new" cork pad when the key is actuated?
How much stuffier, if at all is your throat Bb since the pad change on the register key? How much better does it improve if you add L2 and L3? Sometimes a throat Bb can improve with additional, even small register key opening increases.
Did this problem manifest before the introduction of the cork pad on the register key?
(Don't go bending keys. If this is the issue, step one is to shave down the cork pad on the register key a hair, and check for improvement.)
If you are, and ONLY if you are, comfortable in removing and reinstalling the register key yourself, what happens to the clarion D, E, and F when you do so?
(Never do this accept with the right screw driver, in a well lit area, over a cleared table. Don't bend the key's internal rod, especially upon reinstallation. Don't torque the screw such that you strip its head. Don't do this if you're not familiar with basic clarinet mechanics, or this is your first time doing it.)
Did this happen only after you had this key's pad replaced with cork?
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Author: Puffing Mummy
Date: 2015-01-27 18:45
Well, thank you everyone. I got my baby Clari. back from the new Technician today. It was worth it to make two train trips in two days.
Four pads have been replaced, the (new) cork removed from the register key, as it was not a good quality and was crumbling, and a fresh leather one replaced. Ring keys adjusted.
One post was repaired. So, leaks all round then!
I never, ever, even after 40 years of playing a Bb, ( now a Buffet RC Prestige) touch my Clarinet. I made the transition to Eb pretty easily, experimenting with reeds, mouthpieces etc.
I have learnt a valuable lesson from this.
There are generous spirited people on here, who are only too keen to share their knowledge.
White Plains Dave, you have given me a lot of pointers. Thank you.
If you know where there is a good technician, even a long trip away, go there! No short cuts for me in future!
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-01-28 17:43
Our board's Chris P., on "your side of the pond," is IMHO, one of the best there is in repair, bar none. If he's too far away from you, there's a good chance he knows of fellow quality repair techs closer to your locale.
Good luck.
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