Professional Clarinet Repair, Overhauls & Customization
Clarinet Repairs by a clarinetist, not just a technician
At Copeland Clarinets, we specialize in professional clarinet repair, mechanical overhauls, routine maintenance, and custom instrument modifications. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, near Nashville, our workshop serves clarinetists seeking precision craftsmanship and individualized attention to their instruments.
With over 16 years of professional experience, Jonathan Copeland approaches clarinet repair from the perspective of both a technician and a performing clarinetist. We understand that an instrument must do more than function mechanically. It must respond consistently, feel comfortable, and allow the musician to perform without unnecessary limitations.
From minor adjustments and annual cleanings to complete mechanical overhauls, crack repairs, and specialized key modifications, our goal is to help every instrument perform at its best.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional clarinetist, contact us to discuss your instrument’s repair needs or request a personalized quote.
We guarantee all of our work. On overhauls, we provide up to two hours of adjustments free of charge (1 hour for cleanings). After this it is up to the customer to pay for additional time for adjustments.
Full Mechanical Overhaul
7 to 12 hours (Plus supplies)
Service Details
This will truly make your instrument better than new! Every key on your clarinet is mechanically fit, the keys are buffed to new, all key corks and tenon corks are replaced, and all pads are replaced! You also have pad choices for the upper joint (Cork, skin, masters)
Price range: Varies (email info@betterclarinets.com or click Repair Quote below)
**Plating and add on repairs are extra. We will work within budgets as well.
Annual Full Cleaning
2 to 4 hours (Plus supplies)
Service Details
A full comprehensive servicing of your clarinet. The instrument is fully disassembled, rods and hinge tubes are cleaned, bore and tone holes are cleaned, tenon corks and adjustment corks are checked (replaced as needed), all pads are individually checked and leveled (replaced as needed), spring tensions are checked/adjusted, any rust build up is removed from the entire instrument, body/bore is polished, keys are cleaned (hand polishing can be added), instrument is assembled, regulated, and play tested by a professional clarinetist and clarinet repair specialist.
Price range: Varies (email info@betterclarinets.com or click Repair Quote below)
Minor Adjustment
Up to 1 Hour
Service Details
Sometimes you do not need a full cleaning, but your instrument is still not operating correctly. Whether your tenon corks are too tight, maybe your tenons are sticking because you have a new instrument that has never been adjusted, possibly just a pad fell out. At Clarinets by Copeland, we are here for you! A quick adjustment that only takes a few minutes will often not cost you a thing!
Price range: Varies (email info@betterclarinets.com or click Repair Quote below)
Additional Services
Low F Correction
We offer a Low F correction key add on for Buffet R13 Bb and A clarinets. The low F correction key requires adding a new vent tone hole, key, post with spring, and a few other alterations. Adding this vent will improve intonation on the low F. It only works for low F not clarion C.
Price: Email info@betterclarinets.com
Crack Repairs
Pins
Tone Hole Inserts
Carbon Fiber Band
Custom Work
Price: Email info@betterclarinets.com
Raised G# Tone Hole
This service involves installing a new custom tone hole insert into the G# tone hole and changing the angle of the key. Improves pitch and stuffiness.
Price: Email info@betterclarinets.com
Key Customization
We offer a range of key modification services. Past projects include splitting F# key and adding an adjustment screw in order to make a plateau key for the first finger and thumb key. We will consider special requests.
Price: Email info@betterclarinets.com for a custom quote.
Barrel Modification
Most barrels we can shorten to a custom length upon request.
Price: Email info@betterclarinets.com
Left Hand 3rd Trill Modification (for throat Bb with left hand)
We can install a custom key that will position a “second register vent” key below your thumb key, which will allow you to utilize the 3rd trill key to play throat Bb with your left hand. Only requires one new post and no other modifications. This can be removed in the future by swapping the posts out.
Price: Email info@betterclarinets.com
. . . The Details
Professional Clarinet Overhauls
A complete clarinet overhaul is much more than replacing worn pads and corks. It is a comprehensive mechanical restoration intended to improve the instrument’s sealing, regulation, response, and overall playing condition.
Over time, clarinets develop mechanical wear, compressed corks, deteriorating pads, and regulation issues that can affect tone production, articulation, and consistency throughout the instrument.
At Copeland Clarinets, our overhaul process focuses on restoring mechanical precision while considering the individual playing characteristics of each instrument.
When should you consider a clarinet overhaul?
- Your clarinet feels resistant or inconsistent between registers.
- Notes respond poorly despite using a good reed and mouthpiece.
- Pads, corks, and other mechanical components show significant wear.
- Keys have excessive movement or mechanical noise.
- Your instrument has not received comprehensive professional servicing in several years.
Contact us for an evaluation and personalized repair estimate.
Annual Clarinet Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular professional maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your clarinet and maintain consistent performance.
Even a well-maintained instrument can gradually develop regulation issues, compressed corks, and minor leaks through normal playing.
Our annual clarinet maintenance services help identify and address developing problems before they become more significant.
Signs your clarinet may need professional maintenance:
- Certain notes feel more resistant than usual.
- The instrument becomes less responsive in specific registers.
- Keys produce new mechanical noises.
- Corks or pads appear worn.
- Your clarinet has not been professionally inspected recently.
An annual cleaning and adjustment can help extend the useful life of your pads and mechanical components while maintaining the instrument’s response.
Clarinet Adjustments and Troubleshooting
Not every clarinet problem requires an overhaul. Sometimes, a relatively minor mechanical issue can significantly affect how an instrument plays.
Our clarinet adjustment services focus on identifying the source of mechanical and response problems and determining the appropriate repair.
Common clarinet problems we evaluate include:
- Air leaks caused by improperly sealing pads.
- Notes that squeak or fail to respond consistently.
- Difficulty playing across the break.
- Uneven response between registers.
- Noisy or sluggish key mechanisms.
- Worn or missing adjustment corks.
- Mechanical regulation problems.
Whether your clarinet needs a simple adjustment or more extensive service, we can evaluate the instrument and recommend an appropriate course of action.
Specialized Clarinet Repair and Customization
Some clarinets require specialized mechanical work beyond routine maintenance. At Copeland Clarinets, we approach these repairs with attention to the instrument’s mechanical design, acoustical response, and the individual needs of the musician.
Our specialized services may include:
- Wooden clarinet crack repair
- Key fitting and mechanical corrections
- Tone-hole evaluation and correction
- Custom key modifications
- Bass clarinet mechanical adjustments
- Instrument response and regulation improvements
Because every instrument is different, specialized repairs are evaluated individually to determine the appropriate approach and scope of work.
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