How do I know IF my clarinet needs to be serviced?

A good rule of thumb is if it’s been at least 1 year since your instrument has been serviced, bring it in!!

Some things to look for to determine whether your instrument may need service:

• you notice that more than a few bumper corks have started to peel away from the keys or have fallen off. (This on it’s own isn’t a huge deal, but it is a sign of wear and tear and means other things may be going on!)

• your keys wiggle a lot between posts. (This is another sign of wear and can effect pad seating).

• some notes mysteriously “buzz” when you play.

• you hear lots of key clicking when you play.

• you have to squeeze to get notes to come out.

Each repair is unique which is why there is a consultation and estimate given to determine cost.

WHAT IS A CLEAN, OIL, AND ADJUST REPAIR?

A clean, oil, and adjust, a.k.a., a COA is where the clarinet is disassembled and checked over. This includes:

-the body and keys are cleaned/wiped down (removing dust, build up in the tone holes and on keys, pivot screws and rods are cleaned and oiled, and inside of hinge tubes are also cleaned and oiled.)

-Keys are checked for missing bumper key corks and replaced and tenon corks are replaced if needed.

-pads are checked for tears/rips, age/wear, and seal, and are replaced when needed.

-tone holes are checked and are refaced if necessary (and the pad is replaced).

-keys are refit between posts where necessary..

-springs are checked and replaced when necessary.

- clarinet once assembled is thoroughly play tested for feel, intonation, spring tension and evenness.

What if I need an overhaul?  What’s involved?

Overhauls are not needed on a regular basis, and only when it’s deemed necessary. What’s involved:

• Replacing all pads

• Replacing all key bumper corks

• Replacing any old or broken springs

• Replacing all tenon corks.

• Cleaning and polishing all keys, rods and screws

• Cleaning/oiling body of instrument

• Straightening keys that may be bent

• Refacing tone holes (as needed), chipped tenons or tone hole chimneys

• Restoring logo (if requested)

How long does a repair take? How much will it cost?

Each repair service is unique and so a free estimate will be provided for your instrument once looked over by Gretchen. After a thorough inspection of your instrument, Gretchen will give you a cost estimate range and a time estimate of how long it will take. If you approve the estimate, Gretchen will get started right away!

How do you set up your refurbished clarinets?

All clarinets are completely overhauled and then thoroughly test played by Gretchen. Included in the overhaul are: all new bumper corks, Valentino Masters pads, new tenon corks, key refitting, proper pad seating, cleaning and polishing keys.

Gretchen play tests and prepares all clarinets to ensure they play with evenness and great intonation. Some clarinets may be paired with different barrels or bells for the best overall sound and feel.

Check out our inventory page to see what Gretchen has in stock!

I don’t see what I’m looking For on your inventory page. What now?

If you are looking for a specific brand or model of clarinet and it is not it in stock, please contact Charleston Clarinetist. We may have it and it’s in the process of an overhaul and not on the site yet, or if that’s not the case, we can start searching for exactly what you’re looking for right away.