Maybe I knew, but I don't!

[kewald]

  I'm test playing a clarinet that I refurbished.  I'm sure it played ok several months ago.  Now, it plays the entire chalumeau, and everything in the clarion and altissimo, except for the third line B!  Cannot figure out why!  It will not make a sound with all holes closed except for the register!


Ideas?


Thanks

[andrew]

Does the F1/C2 key pad seal over the tone hole completely? If this is not an issue, perhaps the Eb1 key pad or a side trill key pad doesn't seal properly?

[kewald]

I’m still working on it, and have discovered several minor leaks in both joints.  Probably due to having not been played since last winter when humidity was higher.  We’ve had record high temps since late May, with low humidity even in our air conditioned home.  I think the pads have shrunken slightly.  Now attempting the 1st remedy of clamping the pads to improve their seating. Where that doesn’t work, I’ll reinstall those pads.  Last resort - replace pads.

Thanks

[windydankoff]

I would whip out my trusty cut-off stethoscope ...
https://clarinetpages.info/smf/index.php/topic,1673.msg12447.html#msg12447

[kewald]

I would whip out my trusty cut-off stethoscope ...
https://clarinetpages.info/smf/index.php/topic,1673.msg12447.html#msg12447

That's a neat idea!  I've done pressure testing, underwater testing, leak light, and feeler gauges.  Never thought about listening for the leak.  Gotta try it.  Still having problems with this clarinet.

[windydankoff]

Ace Hardware has a variety of rubber plugs that give a reliable seal. I use one to plug the bottom of the lower joint. Got another that fits bass cl. Also I have drilled rubber plugs to insert a tube, so I don't have to mouth the instrument directly.

[kewald]

We don't have an Ace nearby.  Besides, J.L. Smith Co. sells an assortment sized for clarinets that I've often used to test bare joints underwater for cracks.


Thanks again for the stethoscope idea.  I found an elusive leak with it yesterday.