Ok, I was at orchestra rehersals, having a great time, completely unaware of what was about to happen..... when for no apparent reason one of the keys on my clarinet randomly came unscrewed and pretty much fell off!!!!

It's the LH F/C, and the screw was definately screwed in properly before the rehersal. All the other notes still work. (Thank god...)

I play a Buffet E11 and it's 2 years old and get it serviced every year, if that makes any difference.

My problem is that is just isn't possible for me to get it serviced for another two weeks. When I went home this weekend my Dad put a small metal rod where the screw should go just for the time being, but I was wondering, is that safe to do??? The last thing I want to do is dammage my clarinet further!!

What's worse is Christmass concert season is fast approaching, so I will be needing it!!!

All replies and advice very welcome!

Thanks, Eve.

You could post this over at www.woodwind.org

There are a lot of extremely helpful and generous people there.

Also try calling:

http://www.kavanaghmusic.co.uk/clarinetAccessories.html

http://www.dawkes.co.uk/repair.asp

In theory, there should be loads of spare screws around.

...in theory!

Good luck,

Steve

Thanks, will do.

Just an update to this thread.

Does anyone happen to know the size of thIs screw? (LH F/C) As in what to ask for if I was to buy it? After asking my teacher, she said the only problem was actualy the missing screw, so I figured it would save me a lot of time (which I don't have any of with exams coming...) and possibly some money if I could just buy it and put it in myself.

Thanks again

Eve

Eve,

Although I've repaired clarinets, the size of screws is something I have never been asked about, but the Buffet E11 is a very well known clarinet - it's the wooden version of the B12 - so if you phone any clarinet repairer, I'm sure they'll have this information.

Apart from the other links I gave you, try here:

https://www.windcraft.co.uk/index.html

Search for Buffet screws etc. They do have them!

Steve