CLARINET REPAIRS

Most standard repairs and services are kept at the shop for 3 working days. Instruments requiring larger repairs such as a complete repad are usually kept for 3 - 5 working days.

Wood, Wind & Reed operate a bookings system so that you are without your instrument for as little time as possible. To avoid the need for unforeseen repairs we recommend that you have your instrument checked every 12 - 18 months and then book it in should work be required. You can make bookings up to a year in advance. School holidays fill up very fast so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Same day, or overnight repairs can be carried out by prior arrangement and depending upon the amount of work required. Please contact Tim to discuss your repair.

COMMON SMALL REPAIRS

Broken or loose tenon corks
The cork around each joint of the clarinet is known as the tenon cork. If this becomes loose or damaged it would need to be replaced.

Replacing a broken spring
The thin pieces of wire and flat pieces of steel under each key are the springs. If these break they will need to be replaced.

Skim tight tenons (free on instruments purchased from Wood, Wind & Reed)
It is not uncommon for the joints on wooden instruments to become tight over time. This is the natural shifting of the wood due to heat and moisture. When this occurs a fine amount of the wood around the tenon needs to be removed to allow the joints to be put together smoothly once more.

Replacing a single traditional pad only

Replacing a single leather pad only

Move the thumb rest
If the thumb rest on the clarinet is not in a comfortable position it can be relocated and the old holes from where it was screwed on filled to leave the instrument blemish free.

Fit adjustable thumb rest
There are several different styles of thumb rest available which offer the freedom to adjust the thumb rest position without having to see a repairer.

Fit Kooiman thumb rest
This is a plastic thumb rest ergonomically designed to shift the weight of the instrument away from the end of the thumb closer to the joint to the hand. This is designed to help those players who suffer from strain injuries in the hands due to the weight of the instrument.

GOOD WORKING ORDERS, SERVICES AND REPADS

Good Working Order
A "good working order" is a repair to maintain an instrument in good playing condition. This type of repair would generally entail checking all pads but only replacing those that are totally beyond use. Pads which are worn and still sealing when played with a moderate finger pressure are left in place. Corks and felts are replaced if totally worn. The body and key work is not cleaned.
The aim of this repair is to keep an instrument operational at a good standard at the lowest sensible cost, whilst not fixing every small point on the instrument. Should Wood, Wind & Reed believe a larger repair is necessary they will advise the customer.

Service
A full service is the term used when an instrument is to be brought back to excellent condition but which is not so bad that it needs a repad. A full service would usually involve completely stripping down the instrument and cleaning all key work and body parts. Replacing any pads that are too worn to be re-seated or are unlikely to last a further six months playing, and replacing any tenon, crook, head or key corks as required. Key wear and dents are removed as discussed with the customer.

Repad
A repad would be carried out if the instrument is too worn to benefit from a full service. This form of repair would usually bring an instrument back to as-new playing condition. Repadding generally involves completely stripping down the instrument and cleaning all key work and body parts. Replacing all pads with new ones and replacing any tenon, crook, head or key corks that are unlikely to last a further six months playing. Thorough regulation of the instrument upon reassembly and careful balancing of all springs. Key wear and dents are removed as discussed with the customer.

There are a wide number of pad options available for the repair of clarinets each offering a different feel to the instrument. Where applicable we will discuss with the customer as to which type of pad would be most suitable for their instrument. We also keep in stock some manufacturers' pad sets for specific instruments such as Selmer bass clarinets. Where applicable these will be used for the repair.

Premium pads
A high quality traditional pad used on all repairs unless otherwise stated.

Leather pads
These pads offer longer durability and are slightly softer than traditional clarinet pads.

Gortex pads
These are fitted as standard to some professional instruments. Offering the same immediate response as a premium traditional pad but with the Gortex layer making a stronger and longer lasting pad surface area.