The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MikeA ★2017
Date: 2017-03-12 23:37
The discussion on Howarth clarinets and the disappearing manufacturers in the UK reminded me to post something about the Cambridge Woodwind Makers project. (A quick search suggests it hasn't been mentioned on the board).
This is a charity project based at Stapleford Granary just outside Cambridge (UK) to preserve and teach woodwind making and repair skills. They run courses ranging from one-day 'care and repair' instruction through to 5-day courses where you can make a period instrument from scratch.
I was there last weekend for what I'd booked as a care and repair course, but in the end I was the only person booked on that particular course so it turned into half a day of one-to-one tuition with Daniel Bangham who runs the place (and also runs Wood, Wind and Reed in Cambridge and Reeds Direct).
My clarinet got a very thorough strip down and rebuild under Daniel's guidance and is noticeably much more responsive. I now know enough to have a go at fixing up an old Boosey Regent I picked up on eBay, but having spent some time fiddling to get pads seated I expect I'll prefer to leave it to experts whenever possible!
Mike
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Author: Dibbs
Date: 2017-03-13 14:46
I made a classical clarinet wit Daniel. Highly recommended.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-03-13 15:02
He was featured on a BBC programme where they made orchestral instruments from junk. I think it was called 'Scrapyard Orchestra' or similar.
Only I'm baffled in that why the violin maker insisted in using large diameter PVC pipe to make violins when there are much better choices for resonance.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Dibbs
Date: 2017-03-14 17:38
And the brass makers cheated by using valves from old instruments.
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