Klarinet Archive - Posting 000444.txt from 2003/05

From: Dan Sutherland <dan.sutherland@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Quick survey on "Clarinet Overhaul"
Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 02:20:52 -0400

Well, that is quite a list.

>An overhaul should consist of:
>
>Thorough cleaning of bore?

I'd get rid of "thorough". One would hope that an owner of a good
instrument would swab it.

>Thorough cleaning of tone holes?

Yes.

>Thorough cleaning or all hinge rods and hinge rod tubing?
>Thorough cleaning of all pivot screws?

Yes.

>
>Oiling or oil immersion of the wood portions?

I have yet to find an oil that performs the function that I desire. That
is, seal the porous end grain of the tenon joints for long term
purposes. What is the wood going to do? Rust?

>All new tenon corks?
>All new key corks?
>All new pads?

Yes.

>What quality Pads?

I have fulfilled requests for "all cork" "all bladder" etc. A cork pad
takes about four times the time, to create and level correctly, than a
traditional pad. That ought to be tallied in the bill.

>All new springs?

This screams out. No.

>Re-surfacing tone holes?

Yes. You will have created your own set of resurfacing tools. This will
have taken many hours [cylindrical corks, contact cement and 400 and 600
grit sand paper with much attention to the correct dimensions of the crown
of the tone holes]. Not to mention the porous or chipped nature of the
wood itself which will require an infusion of a "Super Glue" or epoxy type
coating to render the surface re-surfaceable. Cost should be acknowledged.

>Swedging loose keys?

Yes. Maybe pre-warn the client that this procedure may mark the keys up a
bit. Any swedging pliers with experience will leave marks.

>Easing tight keys?

Yes. Usually not a problem. If you have taken the instrument apart you
will have noted which keys are tight. Most will be pivot screw
adjustable. On occasion you will cut a key tube.

>Fixing loose key posts?

Yes. Many playability problems are the result of incorrect key post
alignment.

>Adjusting spring tension?

Yes.

>Tuning work?

No. Unless the problem can be fixed by pad heights the tuning is a huge
other issue.

>Play test?

Yes.

>Any other services?

Dab the pivot screws with something like clear fingernail enamel on the
threads so they stay in place.

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

Not much.

If you work fast you may be able to knock over 1.5 overhauls per day.

>What should the turn around time be, in a less than emergency repair?
>
>Thanks in advance, I for one can profit from any and all answers shared. I
>also think as a community, we can collectively learn something here.
>
>Walter Grabner
>www.clarinetXpress.com
>clarinet mouthpieces and repairs
>
>
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