Hi
I play a Buffet E-11 wooden Bb clarinet. Anyway, I`ve been having problems w/ corks falling out continuously. Is there anything i can do to stop that? I`ve only had for almost 2 years, maybe a little more.
Also, I noticed yesterday that the silver ring at the end of the bell was kinda loose at one part. There hasn`t been a major weather change here, and I can`t figure out why it did that. Any advice? Thanks.

well the loose ring happenes because of a weater change OR that the wood is expanding-contracting quickly

I suspect your problem regards the place where you are storing your instrument. It seems that you are keeping your clarinet in a very dry place. But dont worry about the loose ring as it doesn`t effect you while playing. Pay attention to the pads so as to dedect any falling one at the beginning so as to re attach not more than one at the same time.

Thanks...sorry i didn`t reply back, but i was busy. anyway, my friend said she has the exact same problem w/ the corks on her E-11, so i think it might just be poor manufacturing because i don`t think 3 3/4 hours per week is causing them to fall out. The ring still hasn`t gone back to normal...still a little loose, but whatever.
Jen*Jen