 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-11-19 08:24
I was play testing some reeds just now, and noticed that when I slur from LH D# to C# (esp bottom octave) , the C# either takes awhile to speak or doesn't at all. When I hold down the C# key, there is play in the D# key (I can lift it up a little).
I am guessing there shouldn't be any play there? I just adjusted the screw down so that I can play the C# and hit the D# without any interruption to the note, did I do the right thing?
Also, I am having trouble sliding from C# to low C, due to the C# remaining stuck upwards. I have eliminated most causes except for the rod, which I am too scared to take out myself. If it is indeed the rod (the one which holds the RH C#/D# keys) would it be something a general woodwind repairer could look at, or is it complicated? I only ask as we have no dedicated double reed repairers here, so someone with flute/clari/sax knowledge is my only short-term option.
Sorry for my non-technical descriptions of keys/rods/screws. I hope you can follow what I am describing!
Thanks!
Rachel
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-11-19 11:53
Remind me of the make and model of your oboe as the C# mechanism is variable depending on the model.
When you use the RH Eb or C# key, do both of them move at the same time instead of independently?
If the RH C#/Eb cluster rod is bent, then it's best taking it to a flute/piccolo specialist repairer as it has a pinned steel which they should be familiar with so they should be more careful when straightening it out without the risk of breaking it at the points where the pinning screws go though it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-11-19 12:20
Hi Chris,
It's a Marigaux 901.
Just re-read what I wrote...don't think I made any sense at all!
When I was slurring from LH Eb to RH C#, there was a delay in C# speaking, and additionally, when RH C# was depressed, there was free play in the actual Eb key, despite the link mechanism appearing to be engaged. I turned the screw above the mechanism which eliminated the free play of the Eb key. Now, I can sustain the RH C# and hit the LH Eb key without it interrupting the C# note at all - does this mean I have adjusted it correctly?
The RH Eb spatula is moving slightly with the RH C# spatula - not the whole way, but not staying still either. I am assuming that isn't a good thing?
Re: the rod, thanks for confirming exactly why I should not be the one to remove the rod! As a flute player I do know a fabulous flute repairer here, and I will ask him if he can take a look. Good tip!
Thanks, Chris, as always with your words of repairer's wisdom!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-11-19 12:43
While holding the LH Eb key down, check the closure of the Eb pad cup along with the closure of the low C key (by opening and closing the C key) using a feeler gauge cut from the thinnest gauge cigarette papers you can get and adjust it with the screw on the end of the Eb pad cup arm so both the low C key pad and the Eb pad close with equal pressure.
The LH Eb key should always have a tiny bit of play in it and the flat spring the adjusting screw engages with - adjust this screw (on the end of the lever that sits above the flat spring) to set the amount of free play so it's just right. You'll also feel some delay when you operate the LH Eb key without any of the RH fingers held down as it engages with the split D#-E trill mechanism which is normal.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-11-19 13:00
That's exactly the adjustment I had got to, albeit using the C# key, not the C, but I tested it with the C as well, and the adjustment seems sound.
Thanks Chris! Now to convince my flute techie that he can repair an oboe...
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2013-11-24 01:28
I have found more frequently than the rod being bent that a bump on the RH Eb key (from your chair for instance) has kinked the tube at the join with the Eb key, causing it to bind on the rod. This will manifest itself if, while holding down the C key, you depress and release the C# and it doesn't return to closed.
If the kink is not too bad it can sometimes be fixed by pulling the Eb key away from the key cluster in the opposite direction, unbending the kink. Be firm but not too aggressive.
If this doesn't work, take it to your mechanic...
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-11-24 02:04
Thanks for the tip! As it turned out, I was lucky enough to have Richard Craig have a look a couple of days ago, as he was in town with ADRS and the Royal Concertgebouw masterclass, and he was able to fix it on the spot, so the damage must not have been too bad. He also adjusted a couple of other spots (forked F vent is a repeat offender on my oboe) and said that the adjustment on the Eb-C# link was solid, so I now know I got that right! I will remember that tip for next time, though.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-11-24 11:01
I only met Richard Craig a couple of times when he was an outworker for Howarth, so he is probably the best person to check over your oboe as he knows the instruments inside out.
So often the closed standing F vent gets overlooked by general woodwind repairers who specialise on flutes, clarinets or saxes as they can see it is closed, but they don't realise it also has to close while both RH fingers 2 and 3 are held down (opened by RH3 and then held closed by RH2, not just by the spring tension of RH3 only).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-11-25 08:48
He brought along a couple of the new Howarth XM oboes for us to try...what a stunning oboe. Rossana Calvi of the Royal Concertgebouw now plays on one, and her performance at the masterclass was just amazing.
Now that I have made contact with Richard, and knowing he is heavily involved with ADRS, I will certainly be sending my oboe to him in the future.
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