Premium Clarinet Overhauls & Restorations
For the complete re-working of your clarinet
Disassembly and Keywork
An overhaul begins with the removal of all the keys from your clarinet. As it is disassembled, any loose keys are tightened, or swedged, to reduce excess play. A key that is tight will prevent any movement of the pad and will result in a better seal when the clarinet is re-assembled. From what I have seen, the accuracy I keep and the time I take are much greater than most other clarinet overhauls. I leave less than one thousandth of an inch (half the width of a human hair) of play between the key and the post, which allows the key to be tight, yet move freely even if the wood expands or contracts slightly.
If a hinge rod is loose inside a post, I will perform a post swedge to tighten the post around the rod. This will keep a key from rocking back and forth as it is depressed. At the same time, any rusted or worn springs are replaced to give your clarinet a more positive feel.
Polishing and Cleaning
At this point all pads, cork bumpers, and springs are removed from the keys until they are just the bare metal. The tenon corks are removed, and your instrument is ready to be polished and cleaned. The wood and posts are polished with a buffing wheel, then cleaned inside and out. The insignias are re-carved and re-gilded to give your clarinet a new finish. The keys are polished as well, and afterwards they are degreased, washed, dried, and oiled.
Reassembly
Nylon inserts are placed into the F thumb ring, left-hand F/C lever, and on older clarinets - the G# adjuster screw, to reduce friction. This is something that is not included in most other clarinet overhauls, but it makes a huge difference in the feel and reliability of the keys.
The tenon corks are replaced, and new bumpers and pads are fitted. Most clarinet overhauls only include double skin pads, with other choices costing around $50. But any combination of cork, leather, or synthetic pads is included in my overhauls at no additional cost. I suction test each cork pad before assembly to ensure that it is flawless and provides a perfect seal. the Valentino Masters Premium Synthetic Pads I use not only outlast double-skin pads, but they provide a tighter seal and project the sound better. This provides evenness over the break and throughout the range. Also, their special composition prohibits deepening of the pad seat, meaning your clarinet will stay in adjustment for much longer.
Testing and Adjustment
At this point your clarinet is attached to a vacuum machine to make sure every pad has a perfect seal. Afterwards it is play-tested extensively to check for proper key movement, spring tension, and feel. I feel that because I am strictly a clarinetist with a Masters Degree in Clarinet Performance, I can fine-tune the feel of your clarinet better than most other repairmen. I have different spring-tension setups for players of different skill levels, which provide balanced action and great feel. This allows you to focus on the music instead of the instrument.
Any major tuning issues are now corrected with the adjustment of pad height and beveling. Your clarinet is re-oiled and polished, and it's ready for years of trouble-free service. It will play better than new!
Additional Services and Artist Overhaul
The five additional services listed below are available as an addition to the Professional Overhaul.
The Artist Overhaul is a combination of all the additional services I offer into one reduced-price package. It allows you to get the most comprehensive and best work that I offer, while getting the best possible feel and sound for your clarinet.
Bass and Alto Clarinets
The procedure for bass and alto clarinets is identical to soprano clarinets except for the pads. Most of the pads which other technicians use for these clarinets are actually designed for bassoon. I use only the finest pads on the market - RooPads, designed specifically for Harmony clarinets. They are made of white kangaroo leather, which is more durable than traditional kid leather. Additionally, the composition of the pads prevents excessive deepening of the pad seat and promotes a better seal. This means that your instrument will stay in adjustment and play better for much longer.
Upgrades and Customizations
Upgrades and customizations are available for the player who wants to get the most out of their clarinet. A custom ringless Wood or Delrin Clarinet Barrel for only $129 can make a huge difference in the resonance and tuning of your clarinet. Additionally, a tuning session for your clarinet is a great way to fix some of those pesky tuning issues that are present on every clarinet. Finally, having your thumb rest relocated is a great way to relieve tension in your right hand. Adding a Buffet Adjustable Thumb Rest to this can make your clarinet even more comfortable, as it has a larger surface area for less pressure on your thumb.
Overhauls | My Procedure | Before and After | Alto and Bass Pricing