Clarinet Repairs based in London

Our North London clarinet repair workshop offers a wide range of services to get your instrument back to good playing order, from small on the-spot fixes to full overhauls.

How much does a clarinet repair cost in the UK?

This is often a question we get asked. With clarinet repairs, each instrument is unique and has to be assessed in person for an accurate quote. However with some key information you can get a ball park figure in mind.

  • How old is the clarinet?

    Typically After 3/4 years of regular play the components will start to show signs of wear on the clarinet.

  • When was it last serviced?

    Over time and with exposure to moisture, oil can congeal, wood can dry out, and cork seals can perish, having it seen regularly by a technician can keep on top of issues before they become more serious.

  • What level of clarinet is it?

    Not all clarinets are made equal. if your clarinet costs under £500 it’s considered a student model, below £300 and it’s a budget instrument, the components on these clarinets are not built to last as long as on more advanced models, and the metal can often easily be prone to bending.

Our Services

Full Playing Order

Starting From £85

The Clarinet will be thoroughly tested for leaks, and vacuum pressure. This service Includes straitening bent key work, replacing touch corks, replacing up to 3 pads, and regulation adjustment.

Full Service

Starting From £120

The Clarinet will have the key work stripped down, with the bore cleaned and Oiled, and keys polished, including changing perished key corks and up to 3 pads.

Full Overhaul

Starting From £250

Our Full Overhaul, is a complete and thorough, mechanical service of the instrument. All Pads and key Corks are changed, the keys are machine-polished, with the instrument play tested for tuning.

Clarinet Repair FAQs

  • See our blog here for more info.

  • Depending on the type of repair needed, servicing can take between 20 minutes to a week or so.

    Our general playing order service usually takes a couple of days. The clean, oil and adjust one takes between 2 and 4 days and a full re-pad takes about a week for Bb clarinets. Please allow more time for alto or bass clarinets.

  • We recommend having your instrument checked out once every year. In the case of wooden clarinets, we recommend having them cleaned and oiled once every year to prevent cracking.

  • Putting a clarinet together incorrectly can lead not only to regulation issues but it can also bend keys out of alignment. This is an issue we see on a weekly basis.

    When assembling, hold the second ring key down so that the top leaver of the bridge key stays up. Hold the lower joint by pressing down the key cups of the low E/B. Be careful not to hold the touch pieces as that can lead to bending and/or regulation issues. Use a twisting motion and if it feels tight or the cork is making a sound use cork grease.

  • Storing a clarinet in its case is the best way to prevent drops and falls. We recommend leaving it with the case open for a couple of hours after playing so that it can dry out. Accessories such as tarnish strips and silica gels are best kept in the case with the clarinet.

    Plastic clarinets are not susceptible to temperature changes so they are easier to store. Wooden clarinets need extra care as the wood is sensitive to temperature changes. Your instrument should be stored in a place with stable temperatures and humidity as that can lead to cracking. An easy rule to follow is to store it where you live. Attics, garages, basements and sheds are not suitable for storing clarinets.

  • Most issues on a clarinet can be fixed: cracks can be filled; pads, springs and corks can be replaced and regulation can be adjusted. Broken keys can be soldered back together and straightened if bent. However, it is a question of whether the cost of the repair outweighs the value of the instrument.

  • With proper care and regular servicing, a clarinet can last almost indefinitely.