 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetplayer21
Date: 2015-09-14 02:49
So I'm going to try explain this as best and quick as possible. So for example if I play a Bb major scale it works just fine. But if I play say a C major scale it just doesn't work. If I play a D then put down the left hand B key there is a delay for the note to come put them it will come out. This does not happen with the right hand key. I thought it was a pad problem but it couldn't be as I just had my instrument in the shop to fix some pads (thanks marching band) like 3 days ago. If I just start on a B it's almost a guaranteed squeak. You guys got any solutions for such a problem? Sending in my instrument isn't really an option with a bunch of upcoming performances and lessons and the schools instrument is just...bad. while I think in bad this problem before I sent it in it wasn't as bad and I thought it was because the pads needed fixing.
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Author: Exiawolf
Date: 2015-09-14 03:04
It definitely is a pad problem. What probably happened was it got slightly bent during either assembly or from the terrors that marching can wreak upon a clarinet.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-09-14 04:57
Could you try explaining it a bit slower.......I don't understand the problem.
Are you referring to the left hand pinky key for the low E and middle line B? If you are and you can achieve the note while you have the right hand F/C pinky key engaged, then the problem is with the crow's foot. What's at issue in my example is the cup of the F/C key is not going down all the way just using the left side.
Easy fix. Wedge your thumb under the crow's foot thingy and then exert some pressure on the F/C cup (to bend it down more). Just do a little at a time until the both pads that you see on that side come down together using the left hand lever. Of course if that's not the problem. Then you need a different solution.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: clarinetplayer21
Date: 2015-09-14 14:26
I guess I should have explained it better. Yes it is the left pinky E/B key. When it works is very inconsistent. If I play a Bb major scale its fine. But say I play a C major going down. It refuses to work. But the right pinky works pretty much perfect.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-09-14 14:39
What make is your clarinet? Some Buffets (from the E13 upwards) have problems with the linkage end of the E/B key catching the inside edge of the LH F#/C# lever which is remedied by filing a shallow slot on the inside edge of the LH F#/C# lever right next to the pin to make just enough clearance for them not to bind.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarinetplayer21
Date: 2015-09-14 14:46
Unfortunately as it turns out the fix does NOT work. But the right hand C key does NOT go down all the way with the left hand B. Any other solution?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-09-14 14:52
Well......you don't have a B natural in the key of Bb so that's what is confusing me.
Also, the traditional approach to playing the C major scale is that you keep the right pinky down (the C) when you play the B natural (no sense in moving fingers when you don't have to).
So I guess I need you to describe the problem more mechanically rather than in a musical context. Is there scraping, a delay, a pad popping up late (stickiness)?
Might help to know what clarinet you have. Many horns (intermediate and up) have a tenon joint there (paddle key inserts INTO an extension of the right hand key). This can possibly get jammed up if the key work was badly bent up. Other clarinets have more of a lap joint there (the extension part sits on top of the end of the paddle). A problem can arise if there is some "gumminess" with the silencing material (usually cork) or the glue used to hold it on.
Help us, help you.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-09-14 14:56
Oh sorry just saw your last post.
The fix should work. You are actually "bending the key." So there is some force. The good news is that if you go to far with the "thumb under the crow's foot" thing," then the reverse is just to apply force directly upon the Right Hand pinky C key to bend it back.
Note: the "crow's foot" it basically the very middle and bottom of the stack of keys for the right hand pinky.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-09-14 15:52
Dominic,
Call Eric Satterlee at Meridian Winds in Okemos, MI. He is on Jolly Rd. right across from the HS. The phone number is 517-339-7333.
Ask him if you can bring the clarinet up on a non-school day for him to look at it. My guess is he will be able to fix it quickly. I live in Toledo and he does all my woodwind repairs; but I never just drop into the shop unannounced. Eric is a good man to get to know and he has several other very fine repair techs in his shop.
I think you have a bent key and/or the crow's foot is out of adjustment.
Good luck,
HRL
PS Or try Dr. Dave at Dr. Dave's Band Aide in Toledo at 419-693-3900; call him first
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-09-14 16:51
If the RH F/C key isn't closing along with the E/B key, then either the cork or felt on the crow's foot has dropped off or the most likely problem there is the F/C key touchpiece has been bent down as this is very common due to the design of the touchpiece which isn't particularly strong.
This is why you should never place anything on top of the clarinet inside the case or if you have a soft sided case, don't put too much stuff in the lid pocket or place anything on top of the case or lie the case upside down as the pressure can bend keys.
For a repairer it's an easy thing to sort out, but I wouldn't suggest a player attempt to bend things themselves as they could do more harm than good.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarinetplayer21
Date: 2015-09-15 03:59
Well after a little more messing around with the crows foot everything seems to be working fine now. Thank you guys for your suggestions:-).
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