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Bass clarinet register key

Author: mmatisoff
Date: 2020-09-09 01:13

I just received my used Vito-Reso bass clarinet. New pads, excellent shape. I ran through the chromatic scales, played a few jazz licks, ran through major and minor keys.

One problem. The register key is below the thumb key so it's difficult to cross the bridge. Is there a way to adjust the height? Or, should I have a tech fix it?

Thanks

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Re: Bass clarinet register key

Author: alanporter
Date: 2020-09-09 04:39

I have a Vito-Resotone bass, built in 1972. The register key is above the thumb key, and I have no problem crossing the break. Could you show a photo of your instrument ? It sounds very weird. You definitely need to take it to a competent tech.

tiaroa@shaw.ca

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Re: Bass clarinet register key

Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2020-09-09 04:48

I believe the poster is talking about level in the horizontal plane. Bend the end of the register key touchpiece upwards, very carefully, just a tiny bit, with some smooth-jawed pliers (so as not to mar the plating). If you're not comfortable doing that yourself, then ANY tech can do it.

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Re: Bass clarinet register key

Author: Chris P
Date: 2020-09-09 11:22
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I see this a lot on basses where the speaker touch is below the level of the thumbplate - it's not comfortable as you're going over the sharp edge of the thumbplate. The speaker key can be raised by (carefully) bending it and a much thicker key cork can be fitted to make it more comfortable and allow the speaker mechanism to function correctly.

See attachments (it's a Jupiter bass) - when the thumbplate is held down, the speaker touch is sitting above it to make it easier to use, rather than having the thin key cork it had before which made it uncomfortable for the player.

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

Post Edited (2020-09-09 11:29)

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