 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Jan
Date: 2001-04-02 18:47
i would like to learn how to repair & or restore clarinets back to playing condition. is this something i can learn from books (which ones?) or do i need to take some kind of a class (where would i find such a class?)
thanks
jan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mike Irish
Date: 2001-04-02 22:48
I would say that if I was learning ( and I may soon ) I think I would start with junk clarinet ( cheapies ) so as to not mess up a good one, repair kits are avail thru ww / bw ..... the full kit for ww and bw is a bit of cash to put out... a pad set is not too
bad....
I think I will be starting on the alberts I have.... it needs it any ways... and if I mess it up, I have very little into it....
as far as classes... I know of none.... there may be some some where, I dont know.
Mike
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-04-02 23:05
Mike -
Alberts are no less 'tricky' than Boehms - just tricky in different places :
If you can find a friendly repair tech to get you started (bribe 'em with a 'free lunch'[?]  You'll save yourself hours of frustration and wasted material
... been there, done that :]
There are repair schools, just don't have the info at hand at the moment.
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: nick
Date: 2001-04-03 16:49
Hi Folks, there is a good book to guide you in the repair of woodwind instruments called (funnilly enough) 'A Guide to Repairing Woodwinds' by Ronald Saska. This comes up for sale once in a while on eBay. A good place to purchase the relevant tools/pads/cork etc is Ferress Tools (they have a website....). I've been repairing/restoring clarinets for about two years now and I've been lucky in the fact that I know a great repairman in Santa Ana who is a very valuable source of info, The advice from Mike to start with some cheap instruments is a good one!! Best of Luck.
Nick
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-04-03 18:28
Got to <a href="http://www.napbirt.org">NAPBIRT</a> and click on the repair tech school link for a listing.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-04-03 19:57
Nick, I don't mean to be too negative, just cautiously negative re: Saska's repair books. I do appreciate your willingness to be helpful. However, and remember - this is just my own opinion, I think anyone'd be much further ahead to save the money they'd spend on Saska's 'book' and pay a friendly tech for a hands-on lesson or two. Books, even good ones (Saska's, IMO, *ain't*), can't bridge the gap between head knowledge and touch and go experience :]
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: nick
Date: 2001-04-04 21:29
Ron, I agree with your statement. The book is helpful but it's more helpful if you already have a little knowledge in how to actually 'use' the tools you need. You're quite right in saying that 'touch an go' experience is far more useful! If you don't think Saska's book is good do you have any more recommendations as I'd like to have a look.
Thanks Ron
Nick
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-04-05 05:55
As you can tell, I really am not too impressed with repair manuals, Nick. They're handy references - I'm not saying they aren't. Erick Brand's (Ferree's) book is 'okay', not too different (in fact almost a direct copy), from one put out by Conn (I don't know whether it's still in print or not). Manuals give you some clues and reminders if, as you say, you already have some hands on working knowledge of repair techniques. It's nearly impossible to cram all the necessary info into one little manual and do in-depth justice to all band instruments. Unfortunately, that's what they attempt to do. Each group of instruments is a complete study and some people specialize in certain instrument groups or in specific instruments. I haven't seen any books that are clarinet specific other than Saska's and most of it is poorly plagerized. I wish I could be more positive. Maybe, hopefully, someone has better information than I and will post it to us.
I haven't seen Mr. Birdie's video but I've read somewhere, I think here, that it's pretty good. At the moment I don't have the spare 'mad money' to find out. I think anything would be better th... well, I'd better stop here - before I end up in court - LOL - :o)
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2001-04-05 17:16
Here's the Larry Frank repair book that I mentioned above.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1421886549
I have this book, and Mr.Birdie's overhaul video. The book has pictures, and steps for clarinet repair. It helps keep you organized and methodical. The video shows the full, and I do mean full, overhaul of a clarinet. It's been a while since I watched it, but I recall finding it generally worthwhile to see an actual overhaul, and in particular how pads are replaced. Since it shows an actual overhaul, it does get repetitious, e.g., showing each pad replaced (fast forward helps).
Here's what I said about it in an earlier post:
"The video shows the overhaul of a Selmer Signet clarinet. Paul makes the overhaul look easy. It's just what I needed to compliment the book. I didn't realize that a clarinet had so many parts. It is the complete overhaul, e.g., you see Paul buff and pad each key. He gives a short explanation before each operation, and I fast forwarded though some of the repetition. Unfortunately for me, none of the keys needed swedging, no spring replacement, and no crack repair, but I think everything else was shown. All in all, I thing it is worthwhile for someone that is interested in seeing an overhaul, and can't see in person."
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jan
Date: 2001-04-05 18:01
wow...thanks for all the replies. im going to try for the video and the repair manuel on ebay.
jan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
