 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2011-11-02 16:34
Hi everyone,
I've been doing minor adjusments and repairs for a while (reseating pads, replacing bits of cork, etc) and I'm comfortable stripping a clarinet to thoroughly clean it and then put it back together so it plays the same as it did before. I really want to be able to do bigger repairs, and I've decided the most fun way will be to just jump right into it by buying a junked clarinet and see what I can do. (That way, there's no risk involved!)
I expect I won't have a problem finding a junker, but I'm not sure where to start for repair supplies. I know I'll need a set of pads, probably some springs, sheets of cork, and some tools like screwdrivers and pliers, but where can I get these and what else do I need? I'll be ordering them online, because I live in a small town and there's definitely nowhere to buy those sorts of things anywhere near here.
Also if there are any common beginner's mistakes when it comes to this sort of thing, I'd love to hear about them!
Anna
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-11-02 16:37
MusicMedic is a good start as they deal with the general public.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: klook
Date: 2011-11-02 17:10
MusicMedic is pretty good for some things but Ferrees is where I buy most things. They have zero web presence but you can order the catalog with price list.
You should really get a book or two and read up. The Reg Thorpe manual is good but there's still alot to learn from the original, the one and only Erick Brande book.
mark
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2011-11-02 18:01
I am interested in knowing more about taking care and the repair of a clarinet myself, but I have a question first...when one takes the parts off of the wood or plastic joints, does one have to put on new wires for all the pieces, or does that stay together with the parts as whole units?
This will tell me a lot right off if I am willing to do basics even. The reason for my question is that this will be a general guide to me on how many parts are needed in replacement---if wires have to be restrung and all that, but if not, I would be overjoyed to do some basics.
And to Anna, one thing I can tell you from the very little I know about clarinet repair thus far, is that online, regarding pad orders...a lot of the information does not really tell you what they are made of. Having my ear to the ground on this forum, I see that there are single, double, and triple pad skin layers that could be purchased, yet, a lot of pads don't seem to have details about the materials that are involved in them. I say that, so you can be more informed about what you are buying. Cheap stuff might be really cheap stuff or not.
Another thing, it seems that some things are very difficult to buy, like clarinet screws...apparently, these items are so "custom made" it might be hard to replace, and that probably accounts for some of the improvisations that I have seen...LOL
I just want to say again, I applaud the clarinet engineer/technician...I really see what they are dealing with...a clarinet is a very touchy precision instrument, and there is a lot involved in making it look presentable (dealing with the old adhesives and new and heat applications) and leak proof and all that. Can you hear my applause? Amazing.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-11-02 18:42
Needle springs.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2011-11-02 20:47
Thanks, MusicMedic looks to be exactly what I need. If parts such as tenon rings or thumbrests are missing, though, is there somewhere I could purchase those? I think I remember seeing a website posted on here a while ago where you could buy individual parts like that, but I can't find it again.
Thanks,
Anna
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-11-03 01:35
I have only rarely run into any issues with springs (needle OR flat for that matter) needing to be replaced - they are sturdy buggers. You just normally disengage the spring from the key FIRST (you'll see a raised 'bump' along the bottom of a key rod to which the business end of the spring is hooked) before you take the key off the clarinet. Springs do occasionally need to be bent a little to bring back the most comfortable tension (for you that is). This is AN ART much more than a science and the part that makes or brakes a well adjusted clarinet (in my opinion).
So, be mindful of 'the wires !!!'
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-11-03 02:04
Rust weakens blued steel springs and is the most common cause for breakage (both needle and flat - a very light wipe over with key oil will help prevent them from rusting), whereas stainless steel springs don't suffer from that problem - they break on account of being bent too sharply (as do blued steel flat springs).
Avoid using phosphor bronze needle springs as they usually break flush with the pillar and phosphor bronze flat springs will also break if bent too sharply, but phosphor bronze flat springs are fairly widely used, they last a long time and are much easier to replace if they break compared to needle springs.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-11-03 08:03
I recommend the Reg Thorp book, but there are two, the one to get is "The Complete Woodwind Repair Manual". Eventhough it's very thick it is really just tbe beginning. IMO (having both) it is far better than the Brand book. It's also better than the Saska book which is decent but old.
You can learn a lot by experimenting and reading online too. Some things almost no one can tell you. For example, one of my most useful tools is not mentioned in any book I know of (at least no any book about woodwind repairs).
There are many places you can buy tools and suppliers from. Boehm Tools, Ferree's Tools, Votaw Tool, Allied Supply, Music Medic are all places you can try. Only one place I've ever bought from was selling to registered repairers only. The others never asked me anything.
Ferree's actually has online presents. They have a not-so-great website but you can ask them for their catalogue (contact details on their website) and the price list is online too.
You can do a lot with very basic tools, but if you are like almost every other repairer you'll quickly want more... and more... and more...
You might consider buying tools that you can use to make your own tools. Another is to look for tools from other industries, which can also be great for woodwind repairs.
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