 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-03-09 20:04
What are the typical "singns" that a clarinet needs an overhaul? My horn is 3 years old and needs a good cleaning, new pads, corks, some new springs ,and some keys tightened to their post, a tune-up, etc. An overhaul costs $145 at my local shop. I have the money so I am thinking of going for it. But what do you think? is it time for a an overhaul?........thanks--Corey
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-03-09 20:23
Hi Corey,
Who told you that you needed all those things? I have played on instruments for much, much longer without having to have an overhaul. An occasional pad replacement here and there but what you are going to have done seems excessive after such a short period of time. I tend to think of repads as a once in a decade or even longer event.
Has your clarinet been mis-treated in some way? Have you taken the instrument to a tech and had that person make a few adjustments? What do you mean by "cleaning?"
This sounds like doing an engine overhaul when all you need is an oil change and a new filter or two.
HRL
Post Edited (2003-03-09 21:24)
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-03-09 20:47
Hi Hank,
I havent been told I need this done, but I can sense my clarinet has changed from when I first got it. The response is sluggish, and some of the keywork is sluggish as well. What I mean by "cleaning" is that it has dust in spots that I cant get to without taking off the mechanism (which I wouldn't dare do- I wouldn't know how to put it back on correctly). No, this instrument hasn't been abused, but I feel it needs some work. Some of the needle springs have rust as well. I have palyed this instrument almost everday since purchase. If i were to get a complete overhaul, how much change would I notice right off? thanks again --Corey
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-03-09 22:46
Hi Corey,
For the dust, get yourself a small paint brush and clean those spots. I still think you need to see a tech and have that person look over your clarinet.
I have a clarinet that I play everyday and have been for the last 3 years and I am many years away from an overhaul. You have some rpoblems that a tech can help diagnose and repair. I'd not rush into an overhaul.
HRL
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-03-09 22:48
Hi Corey,
For the dust, get yourself a small paint brush and clean those spots. I still think you need to see a tech and have that person look over your clarinet. Springs do not rust without moisture present; find that problem. I can't ever remember changing a rusty needle spring on one of my horns.
I have a clarinet that I play everyday and have been for the last 3 years and I am many years away from an overhaul. You have some problems that a tech can help diagnose and repair. I'd not rush into an overhaul.
HRL
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-03-09 22:53
I have two clarinetsn(Bb & A) that I've played almost everyday for the last ten years and the only thing I've had done is cork pads put on the upper joints and tenon cork replaced on the upper joint of the Bb. Proper maintenence will keep your horn in check for many many years. I agree with Hank, have a tech. check the horn out to see if something is wrong. It is way too soon for an overhaul.
Good Luck!
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-03-10 00:27
No one here can tell you, by remote control, what you should do. However....
Knowing a little more today than I did a few years ago, Corey, I'd ask for an estimate for Play Condition servicing (PCservice). For that procedure only pads and corks needing replacement will be done when the instrument is taken apart, cleaned, oiled, springs inspected(may charge for if necessary to replace), keys swedged(tightened) as needed and the instrument re-assembled and adjusted, to your specifications, to as-new playing condition. Play Condition service, in my area anyway, usually costs less than half the complete overhaul fee and, from the above posts and replies, seems to be all that's really necessary for your instrument at this time.
I think most techs in my neighborhood would be happy to do a complete overhaul for you IF you insist, but only After they've advised you to go for a P/C only.
It may be, too, that after inspection you may only need (some) pad replacement and cleaning. Or(horrors!), maybe you Do need a complete overhaul. Let 'them' tell you what they find. Most techs I know are quite honest. At least now when you go to the shop you'll have the above information in mind when you make your decision.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-03-10 01:12
Ron B et al say it very well. I'd just add that applying a very-small bit of oil to the pivot points, screws etc might solve the "sluggish response problem" you referred to. Playing condition service? yes. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-03-10 01:12
After a good technician has done what is required - NOT a complete overhaul - then it should go BETTER than when it was new, and for longer before the next attention. A good technician does a better job of tweaking than the seemingly cursory glance most factories seem to be giving recently.
The work required is probably a lot less than you think. On the other hand, some top makers are using pretty rubbishy pads at present! Are they splitting around where they contact the tone holes?
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-03-10 01:36
Thanks everyone, I'll talk to my local tech. tomorrow when I go in to buy reeds and see what he says. I have a concert this week so I wont be able to get it in till next week for whatever he thinks should be done. Thanks again
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