| Oboes are the most difficult
and complicated of all the woodwinds to both play and repair.
They have a myriad of fine adjustments that must be in perfect
alignment with one another to play.
I begin by checking the body for cracks. The upper joint
is where most cracks occur and these are fixed using a variety
of methods including pinning, banding, or super glue and
grenadilla dust. Tone holes are resurfaced if necessary,
all play is taken out of the keywork, springs are replaced
as needed, Adjusting screws can have teflon inserts put
in them by drilling holes in the screw, there are additional
charges for this. The finest cork pads are used, and a variety
of synthetic pads are available as well. Keys are polished,
the wood is cleaned and oiled thoroughly with almond oil
and then I let it sit for about 2-4 days before the beginning
the rebuilding process.
Intonation adjustments can be made, but this can sometimes
be hindered by the quality of both the instrument and the
player. Tone holes can be undercut and voiced but one had
better be sure of what one is asking for. Prices
are determined by the make of the instrument and what needs
to be done on an instrument by instrument basis. |
