Clarinet overhaul and repair
A clarinet that does not play well does not need to be replaced straightaway. Many problems, such as sticky keys, leaking pads, a stiff mechanism, can be resolved effectively. At Adams Music Centre you can come to us for everything from an annual check-up to a full overhaul.
Would you like to know what you can do to keep your instrument in top condition? Read more on our clarinet maintenance page.
Repair department – Expert Service by Specialists
Our wind instrument repair department is where craftsmanship and passion come together. Our experienced and certified repair technicians have extensive knowledge of all types of wind instruments. With utmost precision and the use of high-quality materials, they ensure that each instrument is restored to peak condition. Whether it’s minor adjustments, thorough maintenance, or complex repairs, your instrument is in the best hands with us.
Book an appointment
Is your instrument due for service, maintenance or repair? Book your appointment today! Our skilled specialists will make sure your instrument sounds as good as new.
Please fill out the form as completely as possible, and we will contact you to confirm the appointment.
Curious about the cost?
View our repair price list here.
Want to trade in your instrument?
No problem! We will appraise it and offer you a great trade-in value. Find out more about trading in an instrument here.
When should you have your clarinet checked?
A clarinet should be inspected by a professional repair technician at least once a year. This keeps the instrument in top condition and allows problems to be identified early. Regular annual check-ups prevent most unwelcome surprises.
There are three levels of professional maintenance:
A regular maintanance is suitable for instruments that are played regularly and well maintained. The repair technician tests the clarinet thoroughly, checks for leaks and adjusts the mechanism where needed.
A COA (clean, oil and adjust) goes a step further. The clarinet is fully dismantled, every part cleaned thoroughly, the wood and mechanism oiled, and everything reassembled and adjusted.
An overhaul is necessary for older instruments, clarinets that have not had professional maintenance for some time, or instruments in poor condition. In addition to everything included in a COA, all pads, corks and felts are replaced and springs renewed where needed.
Which level of maintenance your clarinet requires is something we determine together when you bring in your instrument.
Clarinet Overhaul
Is your clarinet no longer playing as smoothly as it used to? Are the keys sticking? Does assembling the instrument feel stiff or too loose? A full overhaul is likely the solution.
During an overhaul at Adams, all pads are replaced. You can choose from the following pad materials:
- Felt — the most commonly used pad material, good value for money
- Leather — slightly firmer than felt, longer lifespan, slightly darker tonal character
- Gore-Tex — water-resistant and durable, used in higher-end Buffet Crampon models
- Cork — very firm and water-resistant, requires precise fitting
- Straubinger — extremely thin synthetic material, less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, can only be fitted by certified repair technicians
- Kangaroo Pads — a premium alternative with excellent sealing
Each pad material has its own qualities and price point. Our repair technicians will advise you on which option best suits your instrument and playing style.
After the overhaul, your clarinet is cleaned and lubricated so that everything runs smoothly again.
Clarinet Repair
In addition to overhauls, our repair department also carries out individual repairs. Common repairs include:
- Renewing tenon corks
- Trimming the barrel
- Repairing cracks using graphite reinforcement
- Gold-plating the mechanism and keys
- Silver-plating the mechanism and keys — in polished or matt silver
Have a specific problem that is not listed here? Get in touch. You may be surprised by what is possible.
Replacement Instrument During Repairs
For only €20 per month, with a minimum of €20 per use, you can use a loan instrument during the repair period of your own instrument. The fee you pay is used to keep the loan instruments in top condition after each use. If you need one, please inquire about the available instruments when registering your repair and ask for the terms and conditions.
Repair and Maintenance Price List
Below are the prices for gold-plating mouthpieces, as well as prices for triggers, supports, and overhauls.
Can't find what you're looking for? Feel free to contact us. You'll be amazed by the possibilities!
Have it overhauled or buy a new clarinet?
It is a question we get regularly, and the honest answer is: it depends on the situation.
For a student instrument, the choice is often straightforward. Student clarinets are built for a certain level of playing. In most cases, you will have outgrown that level before the clarinet itself has worn out. A full overhaul is technically worthwhile, but if you also want a better instrument at the same time, it is smarter to put that budget towards an upgrade.
For an intermediate or professional instrument, the picture is different. A good wooden clarinet from a reputable brand, with regular maintenance, will last for decades. An overhaul brings such an instrument back to its original condition. That is almost always a better investment than buying a new instrument in the same class.
The in-between category, a clarinet that is a few years old, in reasonable condition but with overdue maintenance, calls for an honest conversation. Our repair technicians will inspect the instrument and tell you exactly what the repair involves and what it will cost. You can then make the decision yourself.
Not sure? Bring your clarinet to Ittervoort or Lummen. We will inspect it free of charge and give you an honest assessment, even if that assessment is that a new clarinet is the smarter choice.
Ittervoort
Lummen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a maintenance service and a full overhaul?+
At Adams, we distinguish three levels.
Regular maintenance is suitable for instruments that are played regularly and are well maintained. The keys are adjusted, the shafts are oiled, and some pads, corks, or felts are replaced if necessary.
Clean, Oil and Adjust (COA) goes a step further. The instrument is completely disassembled, and the neck and body are cleaned and ultrasonically cleaned. Afterwards, the keys are adjusted, the shafts are oiled, and some pads, corks, and felts are replaced.
Overhaul is necessary for instruments that have not had professional maintenance for a long time or are in poor condition. The instrument is completely disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned, and dented and straightened if necessary. The mechanism is made play-free, springs are replaced if necessary, and all pads, corks, and felts are replaced.
How often should I have my clarinet overhauled?+
That depends on how intensively you play and how well you maintain the instrument on a daily basis. As a rule of thumb: have your clarinet checked annually. A full overhaul is generally worthwhile every three to five years, depending on the condition of the pads and the mechanism.
Which pads does Adams use for an overhaul?+
That is something we decide together with you. We offer felt, leather, Gore-Tex, cork, Straubinger and Kangaroo Pads. Each type has different properties in terms of durability, tonal character and price. Our repair technicians will explain the differences and advise on what best suits your instrument.
Can I have my clarinet gold-plated or silver-plated?+
Yes. You can have the keys and mechanism gold-plated or silver-plated. This is worth considering if the mechanism has become significantly worn or discoloured through use or perspiration. Ask about the options when registering your repair.
Schedule a repair or maintenance+
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Aziëstraat 17-19
6014 DA Ittervoort
The Netherlands
+31(0)475 560 700
[email protected]
Bosstraat 73
3560 Lummen
Belgium
+32(0)13 35 20 20
[email protected]