Pieces on clarinet aren't fitting together easily

[clarinetlover]

Just got a new clarinet, an E11 to be exact, and I'm thrilled.



But, the corks seem to be rather fickle, I've got plenty of grease on, and I of course don't want to force it, but the instrument doesn't seem to want to go together without a fight.

Is this normal? Should I just put more grease on? Should I just try to force it?

I don't know what to do!

[altoclarinets]

If it is brand new or has fresh corks this is completely normal. I have a contra mouthpiece that I got brand new... it was IMPOSSIBLE to get all the way into the neck the first several tries. But now it pops right in like it was meant to be there. After being put together 10- 15 times it should be just fine. Make sure you let the grease soak in, and be patient.
If the problem continues, consult a professional. Good ones can recork with a set of thinner corks for about $12.