Help !! Video Links For Repadding or Playtesting.Adjusting Altos ??

[Abraxas]

Greetings folks. As is the case with my collection of sub $100 trumpets, I have accumulated some instruments that I attempted my own pad job on (a Bundy) or another high end alto a Selmer that simply won't play especially into the upper octaves. I do not wat to spend a pile of money on these or take it to a tech who will then take me to the cleaners. I am such a novice, with no mentor available, that I do not know how to trouble shoot the problem. I'm sure my problem is solvable via adjustments that would be simple for a pro or a tech but I know nothing about. Are there any links out there for doing these diagnostics and repairs ? People keep telling me go look on Youtube but I haven't found any videos at all.

[Abraxas]

What I need is a good video or manual that goes through all the keys and/or notes and what needs to be closed and what needs to be open and by how much. I'm currently working on a Bundy Selmer and the thing won't play in the upper range on account of a Dysfunctional register mechanism and I have no idea what is wrong with it.

[Airflyte]

I've learned much about clarinet mechanics from William Ridenour.

I think his videos are excellent and always on point. https://www.youtube.com/user/billyboy647/videos

There are many clarinet repair videos on youtube. I'm surprised that you're unable to find a video to help.

Additionally, Stephen Howard's Haynes Clarinet Manual is an invaluable source of info.

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Haynes/clarinet/Haynes_clarinet_manual.htm

[Abraxas]

Thanks. Looks like a lot of great material I have bookmarked for later reference.

I should have made it clearer that I am working on Alto clarinets, not sopranos. At least not yet. That book looks interesting but again, it appears from the link, to cover only sopranos.

Cheers.

[windydankoff]

Abraxas - The alto clarinet has fallen away from common use since the 1970s. Reasons are discussed here: https://clarinetpages.info/smf/index.php/topic,1387.0.html

Some of us do love our altos, myself included. But this relative obsolescence would explain the lack of publications including videos on the internet.

But there is hope because the alto has much in common with the bass clarinet, including the dual-action register/Bb key and (in most cases) plateau (padded) keys rather than ring keys. Look for bass clarinet repair info and I think you'll find better advice.

[Abraxas]

Thanks. Someone has also put together a good video that basically blames band directors and conductors for not putting the Alto in a proper slot in the line up as the reason for it's unpopularity.                                               
         
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG12hRnUMkg&list=PLG3I-v99IISmNVNKY93AcMkkEnAqwZZ5m&index=2