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