PREMIUM CLARINET OVERHAUL SERVICE

The instrument is completely disassembled and stripped of all pads, corks, and bumpers. During disassembly, all keys are checked for end-play. Hinge tubes are swedged and pivot screws are counter-sunk to eliminate any excess play. This allows for pads to seat consistently and reduces unwanted key noise. If necessary, the body is washed and gently scrubbed in mild detergent and warm water to dislodge dirt and grime from tone holes, then immediately blown dry with compressed air. The clarinet body is oiled thoroughly with a proprietary mixture of linseed, orange, and paraffin oil. This step conditions the wood and allows the grain to swell, preventing moisture penetration. Depending on the condition of the wood grain, the oil may be left on the body for as many as seven days before being cleaned and polished. All keys are buffed to a brilliant shine and soaked in degreaser, removing tarnish and oxidation, leaving them looking new again New felt, cork, nylon, teflon, neoprene, and leather bumpers and silencers are installed. I have chosen a very specific combination of these materials based on years of playing and tech experience. This combination optimizes the silence, feel, and performance of the key mechanism. The body is cleaned, polished and carefully inspected for cracks or chipped tone holes. Tone holes are resurfaced to ensure a perfect seal and cracks (if any) are repaired with carbon fiber pins. (There is an additional charge for crack repair; the customer will always be notified beforehand). Posts and rings are buffed to a brilliant shine. If any tenon rings are loose, they are shimmed tight. If there is any sticking in the tenons, it is repaired at this stage. New tenon corks are installed and sanded to ensure a snug fit without being so tight that keys are under stress during assembly.  The clarinet is reassembled and a combination of premium synthetic and cork pads installed. White kid-leather pads are also an option on the bottom four pads if the player prefers them. All cork pads and certain synthetic pads have a step cut in so that they extend out to the edge of the pad cup, just like a traditional felt pad. This ensures that the pad is seating and sealing properly on the tone hole. These pads have a life span of about 10 years. As each key is installed, a premium synthetic clockmaker's oil is used on the rods and a synthetic hydrocarbon grease is used on all pivot screws. These lubricants function at a level far superior to their petroleum-based counterparts and don't break down over time, which will prevent sluggish key action over the years. Spring tension on each key is checked and modified if necessary to ensure light, quick action that still has a good amount of 'snap' to it. Springs that have reached the end of their lifespan will be replaced. At HWC we only install the highest quality springs obtained from the Buffet factory in Paris.  After final assembly/pad installation, final adjustments are made and the instrument is play-tested, usually for about 45 minutes. The instrument then sits overnight and is play-tested again, with adjustments being made if necessary. The clarinet is then wiped clean and re-packed for delivery. The HWC goal for every overhaul is to deliver a perfect instrument with beautiful action and a locked-down seal every time. All work is guaranteed and comes with a 12 month 'Barrel to Bell' Warranty.