 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KAF
Date: 2002-07-26 21:25
Hello Everyone:
This is my first posting. I have been reading this Board with great interest for several weeks, and recognize from the discusssions that a number of participants are very experienced and knowledgeable on all matters related to the clarinet. So here comes a rookie's question - how can you find a good repair technician?
I live in a mid-sized city, where the retailers and repair shops seem to concentrate on school bands and the array of beginner/intermediate instruments. (For example, the largest local Buffet retailer seldom has more than four or five professional-quality instruments in stock at any time, and usually no more than one of a kind.) To make matters worse, I play an older English clarinet, which I know has a bore size of about 15.2mm, and yet one technician I took it to described as a small bore horn!
There is a decent-sized group of professional and semi-professional players in town, but when I've raised this topic with a few of them, I get the feeling that the identity of good technicians is a trade secret - usually the answer is "yeah, I hear he's O.K.".
Is there some way other than word of mouth that will help me find a good technician, or am I destined to continue shipping my horn away to another city every time I need an adjustment?
Thanks for your help...
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2002-07-26 22:27
Why wouldn't the professionals answer a straight question such as, "Who do you take your instrument to for repairs?" That's how I found the great repairman that many in our area use! Maybe they need a bribe of some sort to pry the secret out of them.
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Author: Jerry McD
Date: 2002-07-26 23:12
Go back to these professionals and ask some pointed specific questions. First ask to whom do they take their instrument? Then if they are reluctant to give a name....which I couldn't imagine why they would, ask about several techs that you know and ask them if they would take their instrument to them. If you get the 'depends on what for' answer, say 'complete overhaul, regulation, and acoustic work. This should get you at least in the door. Good luck!
Jerry McD.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-07-28 11:18
Ask sufficient experienced players and teachers until a pattern emerges.
Some players recommend their 'mate' who is a butcher, simply because they have been so loyal to their mate that they have yet to discover that there are other technicians who are far better and do not butcher the instrument.
Some players/teachers recommend the guy (also a butcher!) who gives them commission for the recommendation.
You need a PATTERN of reccommendation to get past these unfortunate possibilities.
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Author: Todd
Date: 2002-07-29 06:40
Are you anywhere near a large city? Although I live in a large city and have worked with a few clarinet techs here, I now end up driving 2 1/2 hours to another city for my repairs. The guy is good so I don't mind the drive. My clarinet has never played better. If you're within reasonable driving distance of a larger city with better techs, then do it. Also, ask on this bulletin board if anyone in your particular area knows of a good repairperson.
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