Clarinet Service

	1. Before stripping the instrument down I do a thorough examination, noting down all findings on a check sheet. It is impossible to do a full evaluation without dismantling the key work, only then will the full extent of the necessary work required be visible. Most importantly though, this examination will highlight problems with the keywork - binding or loose keys - these problems need to be located and rectified before stripdown. Also keys bent out of alignment or bent so that the key doesn't open far enough will have a major effect on the intonation and playability of the instrument. 2. All pads are also checked with a feeler gauge to determine whether they are sealing the toneholes properly. The pads need to give an airtight seal for the instrument to respond properly with good tone and intonation. Pads that don't seal correctly can cause a number of symptoms - stuffy notes, squeeks, resistance in playing certain notes or all notes and many others!

	3. With the clarinet stripped down it is now possible to give a full examination of: Tone holes - Are the tone holes chipped or damaged, is the edge clean and level enough to give a good seal against the pad, is there any build up inside the tonehole?- this can be the cause of major intonation problems. Pillars - Are the pillars fitting tightly to the body, loose pillars will cause binding keys and a sluggish 'feel' to the key action of the clarinet.

4. Springs also need to be thoroughly checked. The springs pictured here are quite rusted and need to be changed. Rusted springs need to be dealt with quickly before corrosion spreads to other parts of the instrument. Loose or rusty springs can cause a sluggish action and also for closed keys to not close properly, thereby allowing leaks.

	5. Pads- are they worn or torn, are they clean? Is the skin brittle or hard? Pads in good condition can be cleaned to prevent sticking but for anything more severe the pad will need to be replaced. Key rods and hinges need to all be cleaned and de greased, the rods should rotate smoothly inside each key hinge and be dirt free and properly lubricated, any bent rods or hinges need to be taken care of at this point. 6. Key cork bumpers and regulators will be changed for the correct size of premium cork replacement. This helps ensure a smooth key action with minimum noise and are adjusted so that the key openings are correct.

7. Before re- assembly the body, bore and tone holes are all thoroughly cleaned and all keywork and pillars are polished. On wooden instruments the body and bore are treated with an organic bore oi.l 8. While re assembling all hinges, rod and point screws are lubricated, pads are re checked for a correct seat over the tone hole and the mechanism is correctly regulated. The instrument is then fully play tested before being returned to the customer.		This is a brief overview of the work involved in a general clarinet service. The finished product, depending on the limitations of the instrument, will have a silky smooth and silent action and be much easier to blow as all pads should now seat perfectly. The photos here are all of the same clarinet and is a good example of the type of work I receive at the workshop on a regular basis.