 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janet
Date: 2003-07-19 03:07
I just bought a Boosey & Hawkes Bb "Edgeware" model clarinet for a song. The reason I got such a good deal is that one key has been broken off. It could use pads, and some of the keys seem to be slightly bent. I am NOT a professional clarinet player by ANY means. I played clarinet as a student in public school - that was 30 years ago. I used to dig my old clarinet out once in a while to simply enjoy it for a bit, but then it disappeared during a move from one town to another. I have been without one for about 20 years now, and decided I miss the simple enjoyment I got out of playing (even if the playing was really poor). My question is where can I get replacement parts for my "new" clarinet? Should I send it off for repairs, or should I try to repair it myself? I know that I can repad and/or recork it myself, but where do I find pads and cork? What can I do about the bent keys? Can they be repositioned? Should I try to buy another clarinet to use for parts? I have never done any of this before, but I am really good at repairing things - even cameras - so I believe that if I had the parts and some instructions, I could do the job well enough so that I could once again enjoy playing my clarinet. Any advice out there?
Janet
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2003-07-19 03:19
Suggestion #1: repair tech... go to a good music store and get it repaired, or send to someone recommended right here on the bboard...money well spent.
#2: try doing pads and corks, check out the web site of Ferree's and send for a catalogue... then go to the repair shop and get a key off of an old clarinet... pay the guy for it. You may have to file, bend, drill or even cut it apart and re-solder. Then maybe send it out to re-plate the key. Carefully straighten out bent keys. When you are done then send it to the tech and have it all redone to get it right... at same price.... but hey you had a learning experience
#3: drop in on a nice repair man with the horn and set up an appointment to get the horn fixed... you pay full price, but watch. Bring along some sodas or something and keep quiet and learn. It is unlikely you will be able to find a tech who will do this, but if you can that would be really cool.
TH
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-07-19 03:43
Anyone who would set forth to do this is at least somewhat nuts. Of course, I've done it, as have many others.
First: parts, tools, and instruction books are available from Ferree's Tools, http://www.ferreestools.com/. The opening page tells how you can request a catalog.
Second: I suspect B&H would have no replacement parts for "The Edgware," so replacing a broken key will be a difficult task unless you can locate a dead Clarinet similar to your own. Otherwise, a key would have to be fabricated (costly) or hard-soldered from what you have plus a salvaged piece from some different defunct instrument. Most professional repair technicians have old cadavers on hand for such purposes.
Third: bent keys are generally not an irreversible problem.
Good luck on your project. And enter it knowing that every day will be an adventure.
Regards,
John
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-07-19 14:21
IMO the only reason for making this a "do-it-yourself" project is a budget constraint, since there is no substitute for the experience of a good technician. For example: I just got my clarinet back from its annual checkup and the technician found problems that I was completely unaware of - which you will probably encounter as well. It now plays as well, or maybe better, than when it was new.
Good luck with it.
Hans
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Author: janet
Date: 2003-07-19 16:04
There really IS a budget constraint. We are in the process of remodeling our house, and every available penny is going in that direction. My husband threw a fit that I even bought the clarinet, but it was such a good deal that I simply couldn't pass it up - it only cost me $50.00. Maybe the solution is to simply wait until the house is complete. After all, I've waited this long already, what's a few more months?
Thanks so much to all of you who have replied. I have ordered the free Ferree's catalogue, and have printed out the advice on how to work on my clarinet. Now I just need to decide whether or not to attempt the project myself or to let a pro handle it. Would anyone know if this is a valuable clarinet? If it is, then there's no choice - the pros will have to get the job. If it is a piece of junk, then I won't feel badly about messing it up.
If nothing else, I have at least learned that there is a great board out there with some really wonderful people to go to if I run into trouble with my new clarinet.
Thanks.
Janet
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Author: msroboto
Date: 2003-07-19 16:39
I think the edgeware is in the intermediate range. It might be worth $300.00-$400.00 if totally restored. Perhaps a bit more but not much.
This instrument sounds like it needs quite a bit of work like MORE than a standard 150.00 - 250.00 overhaul.
I would guess that with the broken key you are looking at around 300.00 to put this clarinet to 100%.
I think that the 50.00 doesn't seem like such a song to me. If you have it fixed up you will have paid a fair price for a good instrument.
Right now you are out $50.00 you might consider looking at some new intermediate instruments. You will then not struggle with the instrument so much as you try to get back into playing.
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Author: janet
Date: 2003-07-19 20:40
Good advice. Thanks. I'll let you all know what direction I decide to take.
Meantime, I appreciate the help so much.
Janet
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-07-20 00:39
I can identify with your situation, Janet.
I also allowed thirty years to drift by before I took up the horn, and repairing them, again. I'm always happy to share thoughts, ideas, advice and/or experience with folks interested in maintaining and/or fixing their own instruments. I also don't mind at all someone looking over my shoulder.
So many Techs I've met have been willing and ready to help me, I'm willing to 'return the favor' to other interested folks. I'm sure there are others like me in your neighborhood who'd be glad to help you and share any way they can.
The B&Hs that have come 'round my way seem like okay instruments. Broken or lost Boehm system keys are generally a minor inconvenience.
I'm pleased when people contact me 'off-line' once in a while. I'm sure others would be just as helpful to you as well. Just click on the (blue) "Author" and e-Mail 'em.
Happy Fixin' and Happy Tootin' 
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
Post Edited (2003-07-20 00:40)
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Author: janet
Date: 2003-07-20 04:30
Thanks Ron, everybody on this list seems like such nice people. I won't be afraid to ask for advice later on down the line when (and if) I decide to rebuild my horn.
Janet
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-07-20 22:43
You have to hope that the keys are not pot metal. Broken and bent keys are a job for a professional.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-07-21 03:30
Just because I've never seen, or even heard of, B&H pot metal keys doesn't mean they don't exist. Sure hope not - what an ugly thought :(
- rn b -
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