Klarinet Archive - Posting 000409.txt from 2003/05

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Quick survey on "Clarinet Overhaul"
Date: Mon, 19 May 2003 19:37:10 -0400

At 03:54 PM 5/19/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>I get approached frequently with requests from clarinetists to have their
>clarinets "overhauled". When I get into a discussion with them, I find
>that each person has a slightly different definition of what an overhaul is.
>
>I thought I'd do a quick survey of what we on the list think an overhaul
>should be. Maybe some questions with yes or no answers would help clarify.
>For this discussion, let's assume a pro quality R-13, separately we can do
>student model horns.
>
>An overhaul should consist of:
>
>Thorough cleaning of bore?
>Thorough cleaning of tone holes?
>Thorough cleaning or all hinge rods and hinge rod tubing?
>Thorough cleaning of all pivot screws?
>Oiling or oil immersion of the wood portions?
>All new tenon corks?
>All new key corks?
>All new pads?
>What quality Pads?
>All new springs?
>Re-surfacing tone holes?
>Swedging loose keys?
>Easing tight keys?
>Fixing loose key posts?
>Adjusting spring tension?
>Tuning work?
>Play test?
>
>Any other services?

In the shop of the music store where I work, the definition of a woodwind
"Overhaul" is:
"A high quality major rebuilding, including: complete tightening of the
key action, complete cleaning of the instrument and mouthpiece, and
polishing of all metal. All pads, corks, and tenon corks are
replaced. Necessary springs are replaced and wood is treated. Saxophones
are undented, buffed to a high luster, and spray lacquered. All
instruments are finely adjusted and tested. Note: There is an extra
charge for replacement parts, cracks in wood, severe body damage, and
special pads and finishes."

This is as compared to a "Repad" which
"...includes replacement of all pads. Key corks, tenon corks, and springs
replaced as necessary. The instrument is cleaned, adjusted, and returned
to top playing condition."

"Playing Condition" repairs are "fix what ails it" jobs. Nothing is
replaced except what NEEDS replacing, and prices are according to the work
performed (eg., 1 clarinet tenon cork = $6.12, tax included.)

>For the things that you said yes to, what would you expect to pay?

A clarinet (Bb or A) overhaul in our shop is $173.96, a repad $104.72 (or
more if extra work is needed to insure a quality result). Our guys do work
pretty cheap.

>What should the turn around time be, in a less than emergency repair?

Turnaround for typical playing condition repairs is a week, maybe 10 days
if they are backed up. Overhauls usually take a couple of weeks, longer
for saxophones due to the buffing/lacquering stuff. It is a small shop (3
men).

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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