 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2009-03-23 21:06
Hi all,
Can anyone recommend a good repairer in London? I'm after high quality work at a good price, looking to get a cork/leather combination overhaul.
Thanks everyone.
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Author: Mark Cookson
Date: 2009-03-23 21:54
I can recommend David Fingerhut, who is in Edgware. He's a lovely guy, who does excellent work at very reasonable prices.
He is usually very busy, so for anything major you might have to book a few months in advance. I'll drop you an email with his phone number.
Mark
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2009-03-23 23:00
John Coppen has been around a long time and has a good reputation. Don't know how busy these days.
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2009-03-24 09:09
Personnally, I've been going to David Fingerhut for years and never been unhappy. I have also heard good things about John Coppen who is more centrally based. I suppose it depends on how long you can leave your instrument(s) for and what they're doing at the time.
Vanessa.
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Author: clancy
Date: 2009-03-24 13:58
Jon Steward at Howarth is a legendary repairman, his knowledge of clarinet design and repair is extremely vast, hes also a very nice fellow. Also Paul and Richard at Howarth are excellent.
The prices at Howarth can be high, but you cant beat the quality of repair and attention your clarinet will receive. I have tried many repairers in the London area, some are good, some bad - Howarth are the real experts, IMHO, you get the real pro service.
For someone wanting a cheaper alternative try Michael White woodwinds, Bill Rothall and the other fellow (whose name escapes me) are very reliable.
I honestly cant recommend Jon Coppen - he broke a clarinet of mine once, snapped three keys off my beautiful Boosey 1010 in front of my very eyes (by accident of course) - although he is a fine repairer and nice fellow I just cant forgive that.
Post Edited (2009-03-24 14:04)
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2009-03-24 14:42
I've just booked with John Coppen! Did he eventually fix your instrument and not charge for the broken keys he snapped? Personally I wouldn't care what he did as long as he fixed it! His price was more in my range... Anyway at the end of the day, if he does a bad job, I'll just never send my instrument there again, that simple. He was really nice on the phone and booked my right in.
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Author: clancy
Date: 2009-03-24 15:12
Morrigan - John did fix the broken keys and did a lot of extra work to the instrument, think he felt very bad about it.
I then took it to Howarth, Jon Steward fixed the clarinet and overhauled it to perfection - completely convinced me to stay with Howarth. It cost me an arm and a leg (which I wasnt too happy about) but my 1010 is now in tip top shape, hasnt had any problems in the 2 years since; tells me the work is good as the clarinet is 75 years old!
Post Edited (2009-03-24 15:31)
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2009-03-24 16:09
Well this is for my 2 1/2 year old R13, so I don't think it requires any special treatment - I'm sure John is going to do a great job.
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