My first ergonomic adjustment

[kurth83]

For you tinkerers out there.

I am coming up to speed on tinkering.  My new R13 created a new ergonomic problem (in exchange for solving many others), and I fixed it.

The C#/Ab key was too close to the third finger, I kept hitting every time I tried to play a C# with the left pinky fingering.  It was driving me crazy.

I bought the right tools (so I can bend things without scratching my beautiful new keywork), and bent that little key 2mm down.  I experimented with fingers first to make sure I would not hit the F/C (pinky) key with a 2mm change and it seemed good.

I had to take off the bridge key before removing it, so only two keys had to be removed.

Worked perfect the first time, I knew how exactly much I wanted to bend it and I did.

Ok, I am a officially a tinkerer now. :-)  We'll see how deep this rabbit hole goes over the next few years. :-)

I am guessing R13 silver keywork is very commonly available in case I mess something up, haven't checked yet though.

[LarryS]

You play the C# key with your left pinky? I use my right ring finger or pinky

[kurth83]

I can use either fingering, but the left pinky fingering wasn't working well.  My left (4th) finger just barely fit in there, touching the fork key on one side and the C# key on the other, so the slightest bit out of position and the C# key would get nudged, and the note wouldn't sound.  Now with just a few mm of wiggle room everything is fine.

[Windsong]

Excellent.  That may be one of the most important keys to personalize, and one that is most often disliked. 

I have some dandy clarinets with miserable C# keys.

Glad you dove in and got it sorted.

[kurth83]

I also realized that the seller of this instrument regulated the spring tensions very low.  This exacerbates problems if your fingers aren't in exactly the right place and nudge other keys.  I'm still a student and suspect slightly higher spring tensions would help me.

I don't think I am going to re-regulate the entire horn myself, but for keys that give me trouble I can increase spring tension on those keys easily enough.

[Windsong]

Larry,
The C# you reference is an octave above this one, which may only be activated with the LH pinky finger. 

[Windsong]

That is a good plan. Higher spring tensions--especially on the sliver keys prevent whoopsies at speed.  With my arthritis, I have not grown out of firm spring tension in critical areas.  I do however like my ring keys with minimal tension.

[windydankoff]

I agree that the C#/Ab key often needs custom adjustment. Hand size, structure, and muscle action vary a lot between individuals. I often set the key height too, so the player has a natural synchronous motion between L fingers 3 and 4. Congrats on doing this yourself, first time!