Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-09-01 06:28
This is how I'd class (and put the correct terms to) the four levels of work I outlined in my opening topic:
1 - A PLAY-TEST or ASSESSMENT is checking the clarinet to see if everything is working properly and adjusting anything that needs adjusting, and only takes around 30 minutes.
Usually done on new instruments or used ones that have been serviced or overhauled, but haven't been played for a while.
2 - A CHECKOVER is checking the clarinet and replacing a few bits of cork and a couple of pads by removing a few keys that need new corks or pads, and takes between 1 and 2 hours maximum.
Usually done on instruments that have come in due to them not playing right, but the customer doesn't want to spend too much (if anything at all!) - this is the minimum amount of work needed doing to get the clarinet playing.
3 - A SERVICE is taking the clarinet apart, cleaning it all, oiling the bore, replacing anything that needs replacing (pads, corks and springs where needed), oiling the keywork and assembling, and takes around 4-5 hours.
Usually done between 1-2 years depending on the amount of use, though recommended it should be done every year to make sure everything is well oiled and regulated. Instrument should look and play like new unless it has nickel plate or unplated nickel keys that have tarnished.
4 - An OVERHAUL is taking the clarinet apart, removing all the corks and pads, cleaning all the keys and body, oiling the bore, replacing all the corks and pads with new ones, swaging keywork where needed, oiling and assembling, and takes betwen 8-12 hours.
Usually done much later in the instrument's life when more than 8 or so pads need changing, tenon corks are worn out and the mechanism sounds like a typewriter. Instrument should come back looking and playing like new, if not better than it was when it was new.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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