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Re: B not always speaking properly

Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-12-27 17:10

Either the con bar spring is too weak, or the Bb and C springs are too heavy, or there could be a lot of friction between the upper end of the con bar and the adjusting screw tip - all these would cause things to be sluggish.

As it's only recently been serviced, the key barrels and screws would've all been cleaned up and oiled - check the Bb and C keys on their own (by closing them slowly and then releasing them) to see if they open and close normally (without any resistance or sluggishness).

If there's enough room between the adjusting screw when the Bb key is held closed (by holding it or LH3 closed) and the upper end of the con bar is held down (by the thumbplate when its left at rest), see if you can coat the surface of the small key cork on the top side of the upper end of the con bar with graphite by rubbing it with a soft lead pencil. That should reduce the friction between the con bar and the adjusting screw. Be careful you don't tear the key cork off while doing this.

If that doesn't work, it sounds like it could be the spring tensions being out of balance with each other - unless you know how to balance the springs (which could involve removing three keys) then I'd strongly recommend you take it back to have it sorted out.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes

NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.

The opinions I express are my own.

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