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Thoughts on the following repair tech quote?

Author: Shostakovich
Date: 2020-01-12 17:22

I'm looking to get my fairly old YCL-62 overhauled. I won't be buying a professional instrument any time soon, so I think it is worth having the instrument repaired thoroughly.

> Prices are in $AUD - seems about right to you?
>I'll go with the complete repad. Which optional extras would be worthwhile. Should I just polish the keys myself? How about oil?
> Would you suggest using kangaroo leather throughout? Or should I opt for cork on the upper joint?

I've been given the following quote.

I've had a closer look at your lovely Nippon Gakki and here are my recommendations:

(1) Complete Repad $380
All pads (except the low F and E) will be replaced with good quality kangaroo leather pads which will last a very long time. The feel of the clarinet will be "tighter" as it provides a better seal then the current bladder pads, which are a little more "fluid" when it comes to performance. I will also re-tension the spring action as I see fit to make the keys feel new again. Most key corks will be replaced. I will also likely lower the key heights on all "ringed keys" to make them flush with the tip of the tone holes so it's more ergonomic. After this is done, I will sometimes bring it to a rehearsal to test play it in a real environment and then make further adjustments to iron out all the nitty gritties. All your tenon corks are in good shape and fit very well so no need to do anything here. Choosing this option will require at least three weeks. Earliest completion date is first week of February.

(2) MINOR SERVICE $150
TOP JOINT
G4 fuzzy new cork pad + adjustment
D4 key wobbly insert spacer
C#4 fuzzy new kangaroo leather pad + key cork + adjustment
LH Eb4 new kangaroo leather pad + adjustment
BOTTOM JOINT
Fork B3 fuzzy new kangaroo leather pad + key adjustment
G#3 new kangaroo leather pad
LH F3 new key cork
3-ring key wobbly insert spacer

Optional Extras:
(A) Bore Oil Treatment $25
While all the keys are off the clarinet, I will "baptise" top and bottom joints, barrel and bell and tone holes. This will go well with option (1). Depending on the condition of the wood, this process can take days or even weeks. One cannot rush the wood to absorb the oil. I will continue to apply oil until such time the wood is saturated. A good bore oil treatment will definitely prolong the lifespan of a wooden clarinet. I will use pure macadamia oil. Ditto option (B) below.
(B) Bore Oil Treatment $15
Oil internal bore top and bottom joints, and internal and external of barrel and bell. This will go well with option (2).
(C) Key Polish $80
Purely cosmetic in nature, I will hand polish the keys to bring back the shine in the nickel plated keys.
(D) Cork Pads for Upper Joint $TBA
Options (1) and (2) above will come with kangaroo leather pads for the top joint. I recall you saying that you prefer to have cork pads instead. Cork pads will "brighten" the sound quite significantly compared to leather pads which will "darken" the sound. This is a personal preference so it is your choice. Cork pads and will require slightly more time and effort to install because it is a harder material to work with and needs more "fiddling" to get it right. Because of this, for option (1) +$50, option (2) +$10.

Please let me know how to proceed.

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