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Clarinet Restoration

Author: Morrigan
Date: 2021-03-17 12:09

Hi everyone, it’s been a long time since I posted!

I have an R13 I chose from Lisa Canning which is now coming to 16 years old. I briefly considered a new instrument recently, but with Covid it’s difficult if not impossible to try a large amount of new instruments, and this clarinet is just so good. It’s just showing it’s age cosmetically, and lately it seems to be getting a bit sharper.

I’m looking for recommendations for someone who can restore this instrument. Firstly, cosmetically, I want it to look great again. But I need someone who can check it over acoustically and make adjustments.

I’ve come across this place, but it seems to be cosmetic only:
https://www.clarinet-lab.com/

I’m based in London, so the closer the better.

Thanks!

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Re: Clarinet Restoration

Author: Chris_C ★2017
Date: 2021-03-17 15:38

Try Chris_P from this board...

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Re: Clarinet Restoration

Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-03-17 16:22

Clarinet Lab is far more than cosmetic. Bernd Schille (the owner) does everything clarinet related and has even gone as far as building his own clarinet from scratch. He has also developed his own special system of synthetic pads that from what I understand are very highly regarded. He regularly does things like custom register vents and thumb tubes too. To top it off his prices are quite reasonable. I would say it’s a pretty good option if you also want to have the plating touched up as well as the rest of the instrument overhauled and voiced.

-Jdbassplayer

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Re: Clarinet Restoration

Author: JTJC
Date: 2021-03-17 16:56

Hi Morrigan,

There’s David Fingerhut in Edgware, North London. I’ve not used him myself but he was recommended to me by Peter Eaton when they didn’t have the capacity to take my instruments. I have heard good recommendations for him from other sources. Going by his website has some very well known professional clients. I’m not sure what’s he’s like with the cosmetics.

In my experience there used to be a particular North London repairer used by many front rank pros, and similarly, a South London one. I’m out of touch with who the latest ones are.

Re ChrisP from this board. From the quality of the work he’s posted on this board and from his more general comments he makes about the technicalities of clarinet repair I’d say he’s worth investigating. I believe he’s out towards Brighton.

So there are North London and far south ‘London’ options for you.

If you do find someone really good around London please do let us all know.

Best of luck.

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Re: Clarinet Restoration

Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-03-19 19:56

I thought I could feel my ears burning!

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Clarinet Restoration

Author: m1964
Date: 2021-03-24 20:55

Lohff & Pfeiffer come to mind,

But why look for a technician in Europe if you are based in London?

I am pretty sure there is at least one tech in the UK, capable of restoring your Buffet.

After reading posts by Chris P., especially those with pictures, I would not hesitate to go to him. Except I am not in the UK.

Also, regarding your comment about the clarinet getting sharper: is the whole instrument sharp or just a few notes are?

If the later, that may indicate a problem with the bore.

Anyway, good luck.

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