Media Transfer Options

 

Media Transfer Service

Cassette tape audio transferred to CD, USB or files

Minidisk transferred to CD, USB or files

MIDI files transferred to MP3 files and the like

VHS Video transferred to DVD, USB or Files

All types of Cards transferred to USB or Files

Video Recorder transferred to DVD, USB or files

In a world of changing so quickly, it's important to keep your Data, Photos, Song Files safe. 

I can help with keeping your files safe, upgrading from old Tech to New

​Got questions get in contact with me via email - musicdoct@gmail.com​

Clarinet - what can be done ?

Here are some examples of what I can help with

🧹 Basic Maintenance

These are routine services to keep the instrument in good working order:

• Cleaning

  • Swabbing inside bore

  • Cleaning tone holes

  • Polishing keys and body (plastic or wood-safe products)

• Cork Greasing

  • Applying cork grease to tenon corks for smooth assembly

• Pad Inspection & Maintenance

  • Checking for leaks, flattening, or worn pads

  • Spot cleaning or reseating slightly loose pads

• Key Alignment Check

  • Making sure keys close correctly over tone holes

🔧 Minor Repairs & Adjustments

Done when issues start to affect playability:

• Pad Replacement

  • Replacing one or more leaking or damaged pads

• Key Regulation

  • Adjusting screw tensions, key height, and spring tension

• Spring Replacement or Adjustment

  • Repairing or replacing broken or weak needle springs

• Tenon Cork Replacement

  • Replacing worn or compressed corks on joints

• Key Cork or Felt Replacement

  • Replacing bumpers that cushion key noise or regulate action

• Swedging & Key Tightening

  • Tightening loose keys that wiggle too much on pivot rods or hinge tubes

🪛 Intermediate to Advanced Servicing

For clarinets needing more thorough work:

• Full Disassembly & Cleaning

  • Taking apart all keys for a deep clean and lubrication

• Complete Re-pad

  • Replacing all pads, typically once every few years or when leaks are widespread

• Crack Repair (for wooden clarinets)

  • Gluing and sealing small cracks in the body or barrel

• Tone Hole Leveling

  • Ensuring tone holes are flat and free from chips to seat pads properly

• Bore Oil Treatment (for wooden clarinets)

  • Oiling the bore to prevent wood drying and cracking

🧰 Upgrades & Customizations

• Installing synthetic or professional-grade pads (e.g., Valentino, Gore-Tex, leather)

• Custom key risers or key extensions for ergonomic needs

• Barrel or bell replacement to alter tone or tuning

• Adding thumb rests or hand supports (adjustable or cushioned types)

🎷 Additional Services

• Tuning adjustments (barrel swaps, tone hole work)

• Case inspection or replacement

• Player consultation for issues like poor tone, squeaks, or resistance

• Loaner instrument program during major repairs

Just to mention some of the work that is possible - if you have any questions, contact me via email at musicdoct@gmail.com

Amplifiers - what can be done to improve them

 Here are some examples of what I can help with

Home Stereo Amplifiers, Instrument Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Valve Amplifiers

🔊 Tone and Sound Quality Improvements​

1. Tube Replacement (Tube Amps)

   • Replace preamp and power tubes (try different brands or types for tonal differences)

   • Re-bias power tubes if needed (especially when changing types)

   • Upgrade to matched tube sets for consistency

2. Capacitor Upgrade (Tube Amps)

   • Replace aging electrolytic caps to restore clarity and reduce hum

   • Swap tone caps for better-sounding types (e.g., Orange Drop, SoZo)

3. Resistor and Component Upgrade

   • Use carbon comp resistors for vintage feel (if desired)

   • Upgrade signal path components for higher fidelity or lower noise

​

🔧 Maintenance & Reliability

1. Bias Adjustment

   • Ensure correct bias for power tubes (fixed bias amps)

   • Upgrade with external bias test points and adjustment pots

2. Replace Aging Components

   • Power supply caps, resistors, pots, jacks, switches, etc.

3. Improve Cooling

   • Add a fan or better ventilation to reduce heat stress on tubes/components

4. Chassis Damping / Isolation

   • Add rubber feet, damping material, or shock mounts to reduce vibrations

5. Shielding and Grounding Improvements

   • Eliminate ground loops, improve shielding, and ensure safe, quiet operation

🎛️ Cosmetic & Ergonomic Upgrades

1. Custom Tolex or Grill Cloth

2. Replace Knobs and Faceplate

3. Add LED indicators or backlighting

4. Replace or Upgrade Handle, Corners, or Feet

5. Change Control Layout (advanced)

⚠️ Advanced / Risky Mods (Tube Amps Especially)

• Tube rectifier conversion (to/from solid-state)

• Changing output transformer (OT) or power transformer (PT)

• Revoicing the amp (changing gain stages, tone stack, etc.)

Just to mention some of the work that is possible - have questions , want to know more contact me via email at musicdoct@gmail.com

Violins and how to improve them

Here are some examples of what I can help with

🧹 Basic Maintenance & Adjustments

These are routine tasks that keep a violin in good condition and improve playability:

• String replacement

• Bridge adjustment or replacement

• Soundpost adjustment or fitting

• Peg fitting, bushing, or peg compound application

• Fine tuner replacement or adjustment

• Nut shaping or replacement

• Tailpiece, chinrest, or endpin replacement

🪛 Structural Repairs

These involve correcting damage or wear that affects the body or acoustic integrity:

• Crack repairs (top plate, back, ribs, scroll)

• Open seam gluing (when the body separates along glued joints)

• Neck reset or adjustment (for proper angle and alignment)

• Button or block reinforcement (especially if the neck joint is loose)

• Rib repair or replacement

• Scroll/pegbox repair (e.g., from a drop or overtightened pegs)

🎻 Acoustic Optimisation

These focus on improving tone and projection:

• Soundpost adjustment (critical for tone and response)

• Bridge carving and fitting (customized to the player and instrument)

• String selection consultation (different tensions and materials)

🖌️ Cosmetic Repairs & Finishing

• Varnish touch-ups or full revarnishing (restorative or aesthetic)

• Cleaning and polishing (with appropriate violin-safe products)

• Inlay repairs (on higher-end instruments)

• Scratch and dent correction

🔧 Bow Repairs (often done by a specialist)

• Rehairing

• Replacing tips, grips, windings, or frogs

• Straightening warped sticks

• Crack repairs and refinishing

Just to mention some of the work that is possible - if you have any questions, contact me via email musicdoct@gmail.com

How to improve your drum kit

 

Here are some examples of what I can help with

🥁 Drum Kit Service Checklist

1. Drum Heads

• Inspect for wear: Look for dents, stretching, or loss of tone.

• Replace if needed: Especially batter heads (top heads) if they're dead or overly worn.

• Tune all heads: Both batter and resonant heads should be evenly tensioned.

• Seat the heads properly: Ensures best tone and longevity.

2. Shells

• Clean shells: Use a damp cloth or drum-safe cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.

• Check bearing edges: Should be smooth and even for proper head seating.

• Inspect for cracks or warping: Especially in wooden shells.

3. Hardware

• Tighten lugs and screws: Make sure everything is secure.

• Lubricate moving parts: Pedals, hi-hat stands, and snare strainer mechanisms.

• Check and tighten mounts: Tom holders, cymbal stands, and legs.

4. Snare Drum

• Inspect snare wires: Replace bent or loose wires.

• Clean and adjust strainer: Smooth, responsive snare throw is crucial.

• Adjust tension: Proper tension = crisp sound, too tight = choking the drum.

5. Pedals (Kick and Hi-Hat)

• Check springs and linkages: Replace if worn or squeaky.

• Lubricate pivot points: Use a small amount of light oil or silicone spray.

• Check beater wear: Replace if uneven or cracked.

6. Cymbals

• Clean with appropriate polish: Only if you want them shiny—some prefer natural patina.

• Check for cracks or keyholing: Replace damaged cymbals.

• Use sleeves and felts: Protects from metal-on-metal contact.

7. Risers, Spikes, and Mats

• Check bass drum spurs and feet: Replace worn rubber tips.

• Inspect drum rug/mat: Prevents slipping, keeps setup consistent.

8. Electronics (if applicable)

• Check cables, triggers, and pads: Replace any faulty components.

• Update module firmware: If using a digital kit or hybrid setup.

Just to mention some of the work that is possible - for any questions you may have, please contact me via email musicdoct@gmail.com

How to take care of your Instrument

 The specific answer depends heavily on what instrument you play. For example, caring for a brass instrument like a trumpet is very different from caring for a wooden instrument like a clarinet or a string instrument like a guitar.

However, I can give you five golden rules that apply to all instruments:

1. Clean It After Every Use: This is the #1 rule. Gently wipe down your instrument with a soft, clean cloth after every single time you play. This removes skin oils, sweat, saliva, or rosin, which can damage the finish and components over time.

2. Store It Properly: Your instrument's case is its home. When you're not playing it, it should be in its case. Leaving an instrument on a stand for days on end exposes it to dust, accidents, and (most importantly) changes in temperature and humidity.

3. Control the Environment: Instruments hate sudden changes. Never leave your instrument in a hot car, a cold car, a damp basement, or in direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures and humidity are the fastest way to cause cracks, warp wood, corrode metal, and ruin pads.

4. Handle It with Care: Treat your instrument with respect. Don't pick up a guitar by its neck without supporting the body, and don't rest a saxophone on its keys. Being mindful of how you handle it will prevent a lot of common repairs.

5. Get a Regular Professional Check-Up: This is crucial. Just like your car needs a service, your instrument needs a professional 'clean, oil, and adjust' (COA) to stay in perfect playing condition. A specialist can spot tiny problems before they become big, expensive ones.

For more detailed care tips specific to your instrument—like how to oil your valves, condition your fretboard, or care for your pads, I will add this this bolg post as time permits. There is alot already available on the internet on such sightes as Youtube - but I do say please take care as some information can lead to damaging an instrument if not done correctly. 

How to improve a guitar

 

Here are some examples of what I can help with

🎸 Playability Improvements

1. Professional Setup

   • Adjust action (string height)

   • Set proper intonation

   • Adjust truss rod for neck relief

   • Nut slot filing for optimal string height at the nut

2. Fret Work

   • Level, crown, and polish frets

   • Replace worn frets (refret)

   • Clean or replace sharp fret ends

3. Nut and Saddle Upgrades

   • Install a bone, TUSQ, or brass nut (better tone and tuning stability)

   • Replace saddle (on acoustic guitars) with higher-quality material

4. Bridge and Tremolo Tuning

   • Upgrade to higher-quality bridge/trem system (e.g., Wilkinson, Floyd Rose)

   • Block tremolo for more sustain and tuning stability

   • Add or replace tremolo springs

5. Tuning Machines

   • Upgrade to locking tuners for easier and more stable tuning

   • Replace cheap tuners with high-ratio, smooth alternatives

6. String Choices

   • Experiment with string gauges and brands

   • Use coated or high-performance strings (e.g., Elixir, NYXL)

🎵 Tone Enhancements

1. Pickup Upgrades

   • Replace stock pickups with higher-quality ones (e.g., Seymour Duncan, Lollar, EMG)

   • Consider different pickup types (single coil, humbucker, P90)

   • Install coil-splitting or phase switching for more tonal options

2. Electronics Upgrade

   • Upgrade pots (CTS, Bourns), switch, and output jack

   • Use higher-quality capacitors (e.g., Orange Drop, PIO)

   • Shield cavities to reduce noise (especially for single-coil guitars)

   • Add treble bleed circuit for better volume taper

3. Wiring Mods

   • Series/parallel switching

   • Coil tap/split

   • Kill switch

   • Blend pot for combining pickups

🧼 Maintenance & Cleaning

1. Deep Clean

   • Clean fretboard with lemon oil or specialized products

   • Polish frets and hardware

   • Clean and polish the body

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

   • Nut slots (with graphite or Big Bends Nut Sauce)

   • Saddles and string trees

3. Replace Worn Parts

   • Strap buttons

   • Screws and washers

   • Pickguard

🎨 Aesthetic Upgrades

1. Custom Pickguard or Control Plate

2. New Finish or Relic Job

3. Custom Inlays or Decals

4. Truss Rod Cover or Back Plate Replacement

5. LED Fret Markers (for performance guitars)

🔧 Structural Modifications (Advanced)

1. Neck Replacement (Bolt-on guitars)

2. Neck Re-shaping or Refinishing

3. Routing for Different Pickups

4. Add Piezo Pickup System (for acoustic/electric hybrids)

5. Add MIDI Pickup (e.g., Roland GK-3)

Just to mention some of the work that is possible and that I can help you with - if you have any questions please contact me - musicdoct@gmail.com