 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: maxnorman1
Date: 2019-03-01 15:09
Hello all,
Does anyone know of a good clarinet repairperson near Oxford, UK? I need some work done on my Buffets (pretty routine maintenance: cleaning, recorking, etc.) but, as a recent transplant, don't know whom I should seek out.
If there is no one in Oxford, I can go to London.
Any advice would be appreciated.
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Author: vintschevski
Date: 2019-03-01 15:42
Hi!
I don't know where you have been transplanted from, which may have some bearing on your preferences for gettting such work done, but I would at least put forward the suggestion that you could post your clarinet to Eddie Ashton in Manchester - his work is as good as anybody's. If you suspect that a few pads might need replacing, you could not do better than request that Eddie repad your clarinet with his superpads. His charges are very reasonable.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2019-03-02 03:51
The website of The National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers (NAMIR) has a list of repairers by region.
An old NAMIR colleague of mine, Ian White, lives in/near Oxford and will be on that list.
He is now semi retired and concentrating only on Bassoons (his first love), but I am sure he could suggest the most suitable clarinet repairer for you in that area.
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2019-03-04 21:13
How about Graham deVere White in Hitchin? He is terrific...
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-03-05 16:04
While NAMIR may list a lot of repairers, not all of them are competent. Hence why I prefer not to be a member of an association with a list of people who I'd never want to even look at my instruments. You can only go on strong recommendations from people who trust the few repairers than playing a lottery by picking someone you don't know and who may trash your instrument which I've seen it done by many NAMIR members. From what I can see, NAMIR is open to anyone who can pick up a screwdriver, but not necessarily know which end is which.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2019-03-05 16:25)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2019-03-06 05:43
I have to say Chris that what you have written is a gross misrepresentation of NAMIR, if not even slanderous.
All professional members have to demonstrate their ability to achieve that position. The more long established members also do a great job in inspiring and supporting their members to advance in the craft.
The fact that you have chosen not to participate I think says more about you than them.
You will also note that I gave the name of a long established and experienced member as a source point for recommending the most suitable other member for this job.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-03-07 04:05
I am proud of my work and I respect my customers and their instruments far more than is the case with some NAMIR members whose work I've had to redo and the players who have come to me after being recommended by other customers who have also been through the mangle and are disappointed with the work done by paid up NAMIR members in my area.
There's clearly no vetting process as why are some butchers still operating and being listed in NAMIR's directory? Maybe NAMIR is more interested in collecting the subs than interested in the welfare of the instruments being buggered up by some of their paid up members. I know some paid up members with no former experience who have set themselves up as repairers and churning out poor quality work but charging more than London prices and are giving the whole industry a bad name, both to NAMIR and those of us who prefer to remain independent instead of hiding behind an association
NAMIR needs to get their act together and assess ALL their subscribing members and separate the wheat from the chaff if they are to be taken seriously and provide a service instead of a disservice should anyone pick the wrong person from the list and hand over their cherished instrument for it to be rendered unplayable. I have enough evidence of the butchery going on if you or anyone else wants to take this further.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2019-03-07 20:37
Let's not get into a fight over this. I would just like to add my endorsement of Ian White. But last time I saw him he said he was only working with bassoons.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2019-03-08 03:46
Chris - I am sure the chairman of NAMIR might be interested in your comments.
I will pass a copy of them on to him.
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Author: maxnorman1
Date: 2019-03-08 17:56
I'm sorry that this thread has become a referendum on the NAMIR, but I appreciate the recommendations that have been made. Thank you very much!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-03-08 19:08
Red Adair - "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
Never a truer word said.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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