 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Timothy
Date: 2003-01-20 01:07
I recently had a chance to buy a very forgotten ebony clarinet. I stop short because this instrument would need a complete and I mean a complete overhaul.There didn´t seem to be any cracks in the wood but I am sure it needs all new joint corks and a complete new set of keys. If any one can advise me on a general cost for this operation. Thanks tim
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-01-20 01:43
Timothy, there is a big problem with buying such an instrument, unless you know the make and model to be really good. This is because if it's in such bad shape, you have no opportunity to check the playability and intonation before buying. I have bought such instruments in the past, but only for *very* little money. Unless you want to learn how to overhaul a Clarinet, you probably should not buy one that requires overhaul..
And when you speak of a Clarinet that needs new keys, I presume you mean new pads. If it really needs new keys (the metal parts), forget it. The repair expense is almost certain to be more than it is worth.
Regards,
Joh
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2003-01-20 03:48
John Butler is a sponsor here and his web site which links from the sponsors page has his price list. That should give you an idea.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-01-20 12:06
$150 for a complete overhaul in my neighborhood.
Any decent players ready for you to try, around $250?
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-01-20 21:47
What some people charge for a complete overhaul at $150 dollars generally means re-padding and other necessary things. This is not a complete overhaul! That process involves stripping the clarinet back to basics including removing the posts, washing and oiling the body, replacing all springs, all bumper corks, pads, tenon corks and swedging the keywork. New rods need to be made if necessary and dodgy screws replaced. The instrument must then be voiced to eliminate hiss and to correct intonation as much as possible. I very much doubt that for $150 you are going to get a "complete" overhaul. The process should also take around a month because of the washing and oiling stages which cannot be hurried. Having done hundreds of complete overhauls on clarinets, saxophones, bassoons and oboes I can tell you that most clarinets I come across are not worth it, likewise saxophones. It would want to have been a good instrument to start with. I have just completed two full overhauls on saxophones, Selmer's, and each cost AUD$1000. I am just about to complete one on a Selmer N series A clarinet which will end up costing about AUD$650 because it needs some new rods. Beware the cheap overhaul!
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-01-20 22:54
I recently had a "complete overhaul" done, and it involved what Mark described. That cost me around $300. The horn looks and plays like new, though! :-D
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