The Clarinet BBoard

RE: reconditioning?

Author: paul  Date:   1999-05-24 21:41 Get a price estimate for the amount of work you believe it would take to bring the horn back into the desired condition. For instance, bringing an old horn back into playable condition costs much less than bringing it back to near-original condition. If all you need is a standard overhaul, then if my calculations are correct, you would pay about 1/3d the cost of a new Bundy (comparing the retail cost of professional repair to the retail cost of purchase of a new horn from a high priced store) to get your current one overhauled by a professional repair person. If you compare mail order prices or other discounts, then the repair to purchase ratio might be closer to 1/2 or so. That's where the decision gets to be more of a challenge. Now, if the wood or the keys are in really bad shape, the cost of the overhaul will be more. If all you really need is a couple of pads replaced and a few keys resprung, then the cost would be much less. The point here is that there are no hard and fast rules to go by, especially for student grade horns. Sure, lots of kids (even kids my age ) would like a bright, shiny new horn. But let's face facts, if the money isn't there, go for what's most cost effective for your situation. Now, if it would be an intermediate grade horn or a pro grade horn with significant market or sentimental value, then an overhaul is a much better bargain. For instance, a complete (standard) overhaul for my pro grade horn would only cost about 1/10th the price of the horn as I purchased it brand new. Plus, it's the horn I have learned to play. I know its touch and tone. Both are exellent and well worth keeping. So, the decision for me in my situation is almost a "no brainer". However, when the cost for an overhaul approaches the cost of a brand new horn of similar value, then the decisions become a little tougher. Good luck in your choice.

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