 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MSK
Date: 2011-06-20 01:59
My son starts 5th grade band in September & has been saying he wants to play clarinet (like his Mom) for several months now. I dug out my old Artley student clarinet that was last overhauled for the 1984 marching band season, and has sat unused since. I am still an active clarinet player, and played several pieces of music, and the chromatic scale. I've also visually inspected the pads (but am no tech). I couldn't find an obvious problems and it seemed to play as well as could be expected for a plastic clarinet. Is there any reason to get it overhauled? The local shop asks $140 and needs a month lead time if I wait till near the start of school.
Update: I did take the clarinet in for overhaul based on the posted comments. It turns out it only needed 2 new pads and some readjustments for a total of just $20. It definitely plays better. All that is left is to order a Fobes mouthpiece and we're good to go!
Post Edited (2011-07-14 02:21)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-06-20 02:04
Ask them to check it for leaks and give you an estimate. It could be that it only needs a few pads replaced that are about to go or have slight leaks. If they are honest you might not have to have more than just a few adjustments to get him through the school season. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-06-20 13:16
If the pads aren't torn and appear to be in good condition and you can create a vacuum that holds in both joints, then it shouldn't need an overhaul, but it could do with a service which is doing anything that needs doing (and oiling the mechanism) as opposed to an overhaul which is a complete strip down and rebuild with all new pads and key corks/felts throughout.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2011-06-20 14:00
$140 seems a little light for an overhaul.......of course the description of what an overhaul actuall is varies from shop to shop.
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Author: MSK
Date: 2011-06-20 16:26
The $140 quote was for replacing all pads, corks & springs & general cleaning. Obviously, it doesn't require oiling since it's plastic. The instrument was in good repair when it was put into storage & the corks & springs are fine. I'm more concerned that the pads might go on me suddenly since they are so old. They work now & are not even discolored.
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2011-06-20 16:51
A lot of times old dry pads will start popping out awhile after putting the clarinet back into use, so watch out for that. Also, visually inspect each pad for small holes or grooves. Very often moths get in the pads, they just love to eat that felt.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
World Class Hand-crafted mouthpieces
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Author: davyd
Date: 2011-06-20 19:26
I'm no teacher, but I'm of the opinion that even a beginner needs an instrument that's in the best condition it can be. He's going to have enough challenges getting started as it is. If the experience isn't a positive one, you don't want fixable problems like leaky pads or broken springs to be the reason.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-06-20 19:34
Keep in mind if the child doesn't stick with it, you'll have a recently overhauled, good condition Bundy you can sell. You'd get at least half that money back. If he does stick with it, bundys a great choice for the first couple years. I used one through high school and its great to hang onto for marching band, outdoor stuff.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2011-06-20 19:52
I agree completely with davyd, it's vital that a child has a sound well working instrument at the very start.
However from your description I think that this may entail no more than a thorough check over with inspection of all pads and their seating, corks, regulation plus lubrication of the mechanism. It may need more but not neccessarily so.
Over here I would probably price that basic work without added frills starting at say $80 (not London prices but at least equivalent or better standard).
$140 for the quoted work does seem very cheap, one wonders what they really planned to do, for instance it's rarely needed to replace springs unless there is significant rust (and on many student horns the springs are often stainless anyway) and old pads can still seal quite adequately if the little beasties haven't got to them as Walter notes.
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Author: Franklin Liao
Date: 2011-06-20 21:03
What has been voiced above support Thomas Ridenour's argument that the state of instrument is vital if an individual is to enjoy playing on it and... subsequently stay with the instrument. The price for that work is quite fair. I will add to the choir in having that work done on the ARTLEY.
*noted. what was I thinking*
Post Edited (2011-06-20 22:38)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-06-20 22:28
THey could do it to a Bundy, but the OP said it was an ARTLEY. ![[hot]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/hot.gif)
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: MSK
Date: 2011-06-21 01:10
Thanks to all for your input. I'll go ahead and get the work done. I'd hate for my little beginner to get frustrated & give up just because of a poor instrument. Now lets just hope he doesn't change his mind and choose something different at the last minute.... (My husband is a brass player -- LOL)
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Author: MSK
Date: 2011-06-25 01:59
David Blumberg thanks for your "last mention". I was unaware that being an experienced player makes a difference with small leaks. I dropped the clarinet off at the shop earlier today based on other posters' comment, and your comment is final reassurance that I'm not wasting my money. Now I'm wondering if an overhaul of my good clarinet would transform me from community orchestra member to Robert Marcellus?... LOL
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