Klarinet Archive - Posting 000058.txt from 1996/07

From: Steve Fowler <sfowler@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Stiff Corks
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 18:40:39 -0400

> I would like to ask Steve Folwer a question. I just noticed that you also do
> plating in silver and gold on clarinet keys. How much do they usually cost and
> how long do I have to wait? I only have one B-flat so it would cause a
problem
> if the job took more than a week or so. Thanks.
>
> Chinhee Kim
> senior=UofMemphis
> ukim@-----.edu
>
>

Chinhee,

This time of the year is _very_ bad for me. I do a lot of work for
other stores and county school systems and devote my entire Summer to
making as much money as I can. I need to do this because during the
Spring months, things slow down... a lot!

The cost of silverplating a clarinet is $100.00. However, the
instrument needs to be overhauled because all of the pads and corks
must be removed in order for the keys to be plated. After plating,
the keys and post and screws all need to be refit because of the
amount of metal I put on the instrument. This is not a flash plating
So the total cost is $325.00 US plus shipping and insurance.

Now for the time problem; I could not possibly accept the job
without having a 4 or 5 week window right now. I might be able to
get it back sooner, but I wouldn't plan a recital on it.

I just finished an instrument for Clyde West who is also on this
list, and everything that could possibly go wrong, did. I was trying
to get the instrument back to him before my summer work started, and
just missed.Everything came into the shop and had to be estimated or
picked up from schools or whatever. I did all that I could, and
Clyde was very understanding. I think he is pleased with his instrument
now.

Later in the year, I would be able to turn your instrument around in
about 10 days. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Best wishes,

Steve

Steve Fowler (sfowler@-----.com)