Common Problems
Clarinet
TIGHT JOINTS — If you have recently purchased a new wooden clarinet you many find that over the first few months of playing the joints become increasingly stiffer and more difficult to assemble. This is due to the wood swelling and expanding slightly. There is no need to panic, this is extremely common and very easy to remedy.
Contact the workshop and make an appointment and we can refit the joints for you. This is usually Free of Charge.
CROWS FOOT — This is the linkage that regulates the bottom two keys on the instrument and is one of the one of the most delicate mechanism on the clarinet. If you are struggling to get a B over the break then this is most likely where the problem is.
LONG Bb LINKAGE — This is the linkage between the top and bottom joints of the instrument, and it can often get bent due to incorrect assembly of the instrument.
This can be common among younger players and with cheaper instruments that have softer mechanism.
‘A’ LINKAGE SCREW — Do not be tempted to over tighten this screw as it will cause the G# key to be held open and render the instrument unplayable.
Do not be tempted to try to bend or adjust anything yourself – always call a professional!!
Flute
TIGHT SCRATCHY JOINTS —Tenon joints on the flute should be kept extremely clean. no grease should be applied.
If a small peace of grit or dirt gets into the tenon it can score the metal leading ti the joint becoming extremely stiff and sometimes getting totally stuck.
If your foot joint or head joint gets stick do no try to force it out. you may end up causing more damage.
please call the workshop on 020738764576 and we will be able to solve the problem for you.
G# KEY — As the touch piece of the G# key protrudes from the body it can be the most easily damaged key on the flute. on cheaper instruments the key can be particularly soft which adds to the danger.
if the G# key gets bent and the pd become inserted then nothing below the A will sound.
ADJUSTMENT SCREWS — Flutes are very delicate instruments and many of the keys are regulated with very small adjustment screws. it is very important not to try to adjust these screws yourself, as even the smallest turn in the wrong direction can render the instrument unplayable.