Klarinet Archive - Posting 000176.txt from 2004/05

From: "Lelia Loban" <lelialoban@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] sheet cork
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 07:53:09 -0400

C. C. Lin wrote,
>Does anybody know where I can get sheet corks
>and pads? And what type of thickness of cork
>should I get?

I order sheet cork, pads and many other repair supplies from:

Ferree's Tools, Inc..
1477 E. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone 269-965-0511 or 800-253-2261

For information about getting a catalogue, e-mail:

ferreestools@-----.com

I think Ferree's is a Klarinet advertiser. It's a reputable family-owned
company that's been in business since 1946. I've been completely satisfied
with my transactions. (Obligatory disclaimer: I have no relationship with
Ferree's except as a mail order customer.)

Ferree's sells several thicknesses of corks and pads. To determine what
you need, measure what's already on the instrument. The fact that you ask
this question indicates that you're new to repairing instruments. It might
be a good idea to get some lessons in repair work, or at least buy a manual
on how to do repairs. It may be cheaper to get the work done
professionally than to experiment and have to re-do (or hire the
professional to re-do) things that don't work out. Also, attempted amateur
repairs can damage a clarinet.

I'm an amateur myself, and a compulsive tinkerer, though I'm convinced that
professional repair people earn every cent they charge. I take my favorite
instruments to a professional for any serious work. However, a few years
ago, I realized I couldn't keep my hands off any more. Since I was afraid
of ruining a clarinet I wanted to play, I learned to re-pad and re-cork on
very cheap, student-quality instruments I bought used (and abused) at flea
markets and yard sales. I started with plastic and metal clarinets, since
these are less susceptible to damage than wood. When I finished monkeying,
I earned back my self-training costs by taking the instruments I didn't
want to keep to a local buyer-beware auction. (I wouldn't have re-sold
something if I thought I'd ruined it, btw. Not ethical. But no doubt a
pro could improve on my work.)

Lelia Loban
E-mail: lelialoban@-----.net
Web site (original music scores as audio or print-out):
http://members.sibeliusmusic.com/LeliaLoban

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