The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Bass Clarinet Throat Bb Issues

Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-02-26 20:37

You'll end up going round in circles adjusting the speaker mechanism on a bass, but at least Selmers (and the current Buffets) have simplified the mechanism.

With just the top joint, when you press the speaker key the shift lever at the top should move. Then when you open the throat A key, the shift lever will return to its resting position and the lower vent pad should open.

Check there's a small gap between the shift lever and the crook key when you put the crook on, then check it with the speaker key held down and opening and releasing the throat A key to switch both vents. If that all works fine, then fit the lower joint and check the speaker mechanism - hold the speaker key down and only the crook key should open. Then close RH finger 3 on the lower joint and that should make the lower vent open.

Without seeing the instrument I can't really make a diagnosis of what is wrong, but I can only tell you how it should work. So check all the linkages - especially the one at the middle joint as these are the most vulnerable ones to being bent through careless handling or lack of knowledge on assembling them.

When you assemble a bass with the double speaker mechanism such as pro Selmers, Buffets and Yamahas (and others), then you have to make sure you close all the top joint fingerplates and also hold the throat A key down to raise both the linkages so they don't get mangled.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics