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On Fixing Your Own Horn

Author: Matt74
Date: 2017-11-19 02:54

I'm a do-it-yourself kind of guy. I'm good at fixing stuff. I've done all sorts of things, from gold leaf restoration, to contracting, to building cabinets. It runs in the family. So, it pains me when I see a guy that can't fix a toilet, mostly because I know they could. I think it's sad that most people don't do those things anymore, and I think it's a tragedy that we don't value those skills and the people who do them like we should. I think players should know more about how their instruments work.

In one way DIY is an expression of admiration for the trades, but on the other hand it reveals just how much they are devalued. Watching HGTV will not prepare you to build a house. Some people DIY successfully, but many do not. You have to know that 100% silicone caulk is impossible to paint and you can't use concrete on brick walls. Anyone can paint a room, but a good painter can do it a lot better. You can't really appreciate how good Norm Abrams is unless you have done some carpentry. Watching him use a table saw is like listening to Frost play the clarinet.

I went to Red Wing to learn Band Instrument Repair. Unfortunately I had back surgery and couldn't finish the year. I did learn to overhaul clarinets, and am doing it to supplement my income. I'd like to work in a shop, but that's a different story... Nonetheless I am happy I learned. I enjoy sharing and like to ask questions. I've made some posts here, as have some other techs (much more knowledgeable and experienced than myself). I have been a little more forthcoming than they on how to do things, and I think I know why. I think it's probably not good to encourage people to fix their own horns.

I certainly do want to commend people for seeking help, and I don't want to embarrass anyone, but sometimes I cringe when I hear what people do to their horns. I just want people to think twice before doing something. In one way horns are simple machines. In another, they are remarkably delicate instruments requiring very specific care. Tolerances are often within 0.001". Special materials are required. Now that I know how easy it is to bump the keys out of adjustment, I can't believe any of them play at all!

Your local tech is worth going to see. I assure you they are worth the money. They are doing it for love, because they are certainly not doing it for money or prestige. If they happen to work at an impersonal big box store, that may be their unfortunate lot. If they are bad at what they do, go to someone else. There are lots of good ones. If you just HAVE to fix it yourself, maybe that's a sign you could be a good tech. If so, find someone to teach you and learn to do it right. I think that the craft is important and that it would be better if people got their horns fixed more often. Music is important and making instruments work serves that end. Fine craftsmanship is a good thing in itself. It would be better if there were more shops with more techs and more apprentices. Horns would play better for sure. Techs would invent better horns. Just like having a good clarinet teacher, learning repair from a master is a special thing.

FWIW: Before I went to Red Wing I NEVER got my horns fixed. I never knew how bad they were - I thought it was all my fault as a player.

- Matthew Simington

Post Edited (2017-11-19 03:20)

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