 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2024-05-08 19:15
Has anyone had the left E/B key modified with the pin instead of the step on a Selmer bass clarinet?
I don't like at all that the left lever is loose and not connected to the right key....
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-05-09 01:37
I haven't made that modification, but it can always be modified to use a pin should you want the LH Ab/Eb lever fully engaged with the Ab/Eb key should you want that as it is on some other basses. Do bear in mind you are adding a dead weight to the Ab/Eb key and the spring tension may need to be increased as a result.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2024-05-20 10:33
Thanks Chris
I don't like this at all...
I am also thinking whether it is possible to apply a spiral spring in some point of the lever, weak but enough to just keep the lever down while operating the right key.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-05-20 15:59
A flat spring can be fitted to the LH lever to keep it down so it doesn't rebound under its own weight, but you will still need some lost motion between the LH lever and the linkage to make sure the F#/C# pad won't be held open.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2024-05-20 19:11
>> I don't like this at all... <<
What is it you don't like? If you mean the added weight and/or spring tension, keep in mind that there is no issue with how this key feels on a lot of basses with a pin... so it shouldn't really be a problem. The added weight is almost minuscule.
>> I am also thinking whether it is possible to apply a spiral spring in some point of the lever, weak but enough to just keep the lever down while operating the right key. <<
Which side of it? Do you mean the touchpiece side i.e. in the pressed position, moving along with the key when you press it, or the opposite i.e. have the lever remain the way it is when you press the key?
Based on this I'm guessing that what's bothering you is a delay in the lever moving after the key and you feel it? If not, what is the issue?
On soprano clarinets this is sometimes designed so in most playing positions the lever wouldn't move (at least on models where the design is thoughtful enough to consider it, which isn't always the case), but on a bass it's trickier because of the vertical angle.
An additional spring would be in two opposite directions depending on which way you want that to be.
If it's the former, the spring would counter the key spring, so you'd likely need to make it stronger, but wouldn't really affect the feel since the combination of the two spring would be about the same as the one spring is now.
If it's the latter, it would add resistance when pressing the left hand lever, but you would still want more or less the same feel for the key itself. You'd have to try it on that particular instrument, find the best "compromise", and then decide if it's acceptable for you or not.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-05-20 19:23
Try introducing a shim into the gap between the E/B lever and an adjacent lever blade, about two inches below the pivot point. A little drag here will prevent the lever from flopping but should otherwise have no impact on the mechanics. A permanent shim should be glued to one lever and be of a material likely to hold the desired drag coefficient.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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