Clarinet service - how much do they roughly cost? Options

[clariflutegal]

I am hoping to take up lessons again with my clarinet around September/October time and I've had my newest clarinet for roughly 7 years now so I feel I ought to get it serviced. Does anyone know roughly how much they cost? My clarinet is a Leblanc Sonata Bb clarinet.

Many thanks in advance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[SaxLad]

What needs being done to it? A complete overhaul? Just a tune up? Complete pad replacement?

However big the job is will add to the cost. Also different repairers charge different prices, it might be worth asking your local repairer.

On a clarinet service I have spent (or my parents have for the best part (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)) anything from 10-100 pounds, but this could go up depending on the work needed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[clariflutegal]

What needs being done to it? A complete overhaul? Just a tune up? Complete pad replacement?

However big the job is will add to the cost. Also different repairers charge different prices, it might be worth asking your local repairer.

On a clarinet service I have spent (or my parents have for the best part (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)) anything from 10-100 pounds, but this could go up depending on the work needed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I'm unsure what needs doing if I'm really honest... I know it could do with a clean due to the amount of cork grease I use on it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) it might be worth me starting my lessons and see what my teacher thinks?

[barry-clari]

Repair/overhaul costs vary : a service would include such things as replacement of defective/worn pads and corks, checking for play in keys, checking the serviceability of springs, oiling and a general cleanup.

Prices would vary depending on what needed doing : the lower end of the price spectrum SaxLad mentions would generally be for specific repairs (eg your A key mechanism is broken and needs repair) - expect a price not less than about 50 GBP, and if a lot needs doing, you'll be into three figures.

It is well worth being able to do some running repairs yourself - buy the excellent Dr. Downing Clarinet First Aid book, and devour the contents (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Pixie*Porsche]

As a general idea this is what I charge:

General Playing Order (Mini Service):
Without dismantling, check for leaks and re-seat pads, adjust and regulate all key work. Lubricate and test play.
Clarinet: ?40.00

Service:
Complete dismantle, clean body and keywork, check all corks and springs (replace up to 1 spring and 2 pads), reassemble, re-seat all pads, regulate keywork, oil, adjust and test.
Clarinet: ?60.00

Re-pad:
As above but with all pads replaced for new ones. We use Lucien deluxe pads as standard or you can upgrade to leather (clarinets only). If you require a specific pad brand - please let us know! We can accomodate most requests, but there will be a delay of around 3 days for them coming into stock.
Clarinet: ?120.00 (with Lucien deluxe pads), Full leather re-pads available on request, P.O.A.

Full Overhaul:
As service but with all pads, key felts and corks being replaced.
Clarinet: ?150.00 (with Lucien deluxe pads)

From researching what others charge, our prices fall in line with must repairers in our area but London shops seem to charge much more. E.G. Howarths. Often instruments fall between the two brackets of "Service" and "Re-pad" but some people prefer to have the whole lot re-padded.

My advice is to see what a repairer would quote (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Assessments SHOULD be free of charge.

[clariflutegal]

Thank you everyone for the brilliant advice. I am going to see if the local music shop does services (I think it does) and see what they charge. I think it may need a general service and clean, I think most of the pads are ok. Prices aren't as expensive as I thought (I don't live in London so prices should be similar to what's been quoted here). So at least I know how much I'm looking at.

Thanks once again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[barry-clari]

As a general idea this is what I charge:

General Playing Order (Mini Service):
Without dismantling, check for leaks and re-seat pads, adjust and regulate all key work. Lubricate and test play.
Clarinet: ?40.00

Service:
Complete dismantle, clean body and keywork, check all corks and springs (replace up to 1 spring and 2 pads), reassemble, re-seat all pads, regulate keywork, oil, adjust and test.
Clarinet: ?60.00

Re-pad:
As above but with all pads replaced for new ones. We use Lucien deluxe pads as standard or you can upgrade to leather (clarinets only). If you require a specific pad brand - please let us know! We can accomodate most requests, but there will be a delay of around 3 days for them coming into stock.
Clarinet: ?120.00 (with Lucien deluxe pads), Full leather re-pads available on request, P.O.A.

Full Overhaul:
As service but with all pads, key felts and corks being replaced.
Clarinet: ?150.00 (with Lucien deluxe pads)

From researching what others charge, our prices fall in line with must repairers in our area but London shops seem to charge much more. E.G. Howarths. Often instruments fall between the two brackets of "Service" and "Re-pad" but some people prefer to have the whole lot re-padded.

My advice is to see what a repairer would quote (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Assessments SHOULD be free of charge.

Shopping around should get you Pixie prices (I'd trademark that phrase, Pixie*Porsche (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ) in London too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[JME]

On this subject: could anyone recommend any good clarinet repairers in the Birmingham/West Midlands area? (Sorry, I asked this question a while ago and someone suggested one in Harborne, but I've lost the details).

[CJB]

On this subject: could anyone recommend any good clarinet repairers in the Birmingham/West Midlands area? (Sorry, I asked this question a while ago and someone suggested one in Harborne, but I've lost the details).

I've not used him myself but a number of friends use Alex Preston in Coventry.

[Seer_Green]

On this subject: could anyone recommend any good clarinet repairers in the Birmingham/West Midlands area? (Sorry, I asked this question a while ago and someone suggested one in Harborne, but I've lost the details).

Yes, Connolly Music Instrument Repairs near West Bromwich are fab - www.connolly-mir.co.uk

[clariflutegal]

As a general idea this is what I charge:

General Playing Order (Mini Service):
Without dismantling, check for leaks and re-seat pads, adjust and regulate all key work. Lubricate and test play.
Clarinet: ?40.00

Service:
Complete dismantle, clean body and keywork, check all corks and springs (replace up to 1 spring and 2 pads), reassemble, re-seat all pads, regulate keywork, oil, adjust and test.
Clarinet: ?60.00

Re-pad:
As above but with all pads replaced for new ones. We use Lucien deluxe pads as standard or you can upgrade to leather (clarinets only). If you require a specific pad brand - please let us know! We can accomodate most requests, but there will be a delay of around 3 days for them coming into stock.
Clarinet: ?120.00 (with Lucien deluxe pads), Full leather re-pads available on request, P.O.A.

Full Overhaul:
As service but with all pads, key felts and corks being replaced.
Clarinet: ?150.00 (with Lucien deluxe pads)

From researching what others charge, our prices fall in line with must repairers in our area but London shops seem to charge much more. E.G. Howarths. Often instruments fall between the two brackets of "Service" and "Re-pad" but some people prefer to have the whole lot re-padded.

My advice is to see what a repairer would quote (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Assessments SHOULD be free of charge.

Many thanks for the sound advice. I went to my local music shop but unfortunately they do not do servicing/repairs but they managed to put me in touch with a guy who lives around 10 miles away. I visited him this afternoon and he assessed it and I believe he said that a few pads need changing/resitting but it would just generally be a basic service. He has quoted ?25-30 so I don't think that's a bad price at all. Problem is, I can't get it back until next weekend so I'm having to endure my next concert band rehearsal with my cheap plastic clarinet which hasn't been touched for over 7 years (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)