Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    14

    Question Clarinet re-corking - DIY or where in Sydney?

    Hi,

    My wifes clarinet is quite a few years old and while she occasionally picks it up to play she's so disappointed each time remembering the cork inbetween sections is perished.

    I think its a little beyond my home repairs expertise... is it?

    Or would you recommend a repairer that isn't going to do what our mechanic does and find 1000 things wrong and charge just as much...

    We're in Sydney, but would consider posting if the price was right.

    Thanks.
    Making stuff saves cash! :U

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Oberon, NSW
    Age
    63
    Posts
    13,354

    Default

    It's not that hard to do yourself, but sourcing suitable cork will probably be the stumbling lock. Unless you know a repairer... but then you wouldn't be asking, eh?

    If you were here in Vic I'd recommend you to try Hans Music Spot in Croydon. Perhaps it's worth sending them an email ([email protected]) and asking if they can recommend someone more local to you?
    I may be weird, but I'm saving up to become eccentric.

    - Andy Mc

  4. #3
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Blue Mountains
    Posts
    2,613

    Default

    Most of the city music shops should have a repair section. Try Billy Hydes. I think you are right though it will lead to a never ending list of to-dos, particularly on an older instrument. It is often cheaper to buy a new one.

    I have successfully recorked using thread and vaseline. I used silk thread and just kept winding till I got a good seal. A couple of things to watch, get the thread as even as you can, have a look at how bobbins are threaded. Be generous with the vaseline, it lubricates the joint but also protects the thinner parts of the instrument joints from swelling and cracking. Dont wrap to loose as it will pull the threads out of line as you pull the instrument apart and set it up. Dont thread it too tight as the wood does swell and contract with the ambient humditiy and as the instrument is played.

    A good seal is imperative, the instrument wont sound properly if you dont get it right. Give it a good oiling at the same time. Its pretty easy really.
    "We must never become callous. When we experience the conflicts ever more deeply we are living in truth. The quiet conscience is an invention of the devil." - Albert Schweizer

    My blog. http://theupanddownblog.blogspot.com

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    St Georges Basin
    Posts
    1,015

    Default

    If you're going to try the thread option, waxed dental floss gives good results.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Sydney, Northern Beaches
    Posts
    1,189

    Default

    Only one place really to go and that is Tom Sparkes in Hornsby. http://www.tomsparkesoboes.com.au/

    All the best.
    prozac

    ____________________________________________

    Woodworkforums, cheaper than therapy...........

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    14

    Default

    Wow wow wow.

    You guys are awesome.

    I'm gonna knock her socks off with all your advice!
    Making stuff saves cash! :U

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 1999
    Location
    Westleigh, Sydney
    Age
    77
    Posts
    9,542

    Default

    Daughter did everything else but recork hers, for that she took it to Tom Sparkes as above.
    Visit my website
    Website
    Facebook

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Cleveland
    Posts
    16

    Default

    All you need is the right cork. I bought cork sheet from a repairer and recorked my clarinet a few years ago. The cork has to be the right hardness. There is a good description of how to do the job at:
    MusicMedic.com: Installing MusicMedic.com Clarinet Tenon Cork

    Thread lapping of joints is not appropriate for a clarinet, but for older or folk instruments the proper way to do it is with linen yarn coated with a mixture of half and half beeswax and woolfat. Melt the beeswax and stir the wool fat in. I bought a llittle jar of wool fat from a pharmacy years ago and I'm still using it.
    Lie the thread across the tenon, in line with the axis of the instrument and turn it back on itself to make a little loop. Wind from the other end, back and forth around the tenon, testing after each wrap, till the joint feels tight enough. Poke the end of the thread through the loop and pull the loop closed from the other end to finish off. This is the traditional method of joining a Bulgarian Kaval.
    Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything. - Wyatt Earp

Similar Threads

  1. Hi from Sydney!
    By bennos_123 in forum G'day mate - THE WELCOME WAGON -Introduce yourself
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 18th September 2009, 11:18 AM
  2. sydney woodcarving group celebrating 15 years of woodcarving in sydney
    By nz_carver in forum WOODCARVING AND SCULPTURE
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 25th November 2008, 12:27 AM
  3. So who had fun at the Sydney WWS?
    By Hardenfast in forum TIMBER & WORKING WITH WOOD SHOWS
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 21st June 2007, 11:02 PM
  4. corking timber floor
    By EMistral in forum FLOORING
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 14th April 2005, 12:18 PM
  5. Sydney WWW
    By oges in forum WOODIES EVENTS
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 27th June 2001, 05:19 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •