Post 43: Contras and Basses can put you through your paces…

Have you ever been frustrated trying to play your bass clarinet?  Contra bass clarinet?  These instruments can add an amazing timbre to your school’s band or orchestra if they are in playing condition.  If they are not in playing condition, they might as well be a paper weight or paperclip.

Here at Onks Woodwind we only work on clarinets and oboes.  The longer we do this, the more we feel that oboes and bass clarinets are the same, at least regarding their mechanisms. Have you ever had a Bb clarinet with several leaky pads or a bent key?  If so, you probably were able to continue playing that clarinet even though it wasn’t in tip top shape.  Bass clarinets, on the other hand, are not so forgiving.  Due to the complex mechanism of basses, contras, and oboes, you can have one pad leak or one key bent and the whole instrument will stop responding.

At Onks Woodwind we encourage all wind players to have annual maintenance, but it is essential if you play bass clarinet, contra clarinet, or oboe and English Horn.  This is what we specialize in and would be honored to maintain your clarinet or oboe today.  Contact us today to schedule your instrument maintenance!

 

Post 42: From Humble Beginnings…

Ten years ago today, I took a huge leap into the world of self employment and Onks Woodwind was born.  As an oboist with repair skills, I always had my sights on running my own shop to specialize in oboe repair.  The first weeks and months were very slim with only a few instruments here and there to work on.  Mainly I spent most of my time during that first year just learning how to run a business (nobody told me that part!). 
 
My first shop was located in a small shed in our back yard in Savannah, GA.  The square footage inside the converted shed was just under 200 square feet.  That’s not much space, but just enough for me to get my feet wet in the world of self employment.
 
Sept 1_1
 

Read more

Post 40: Visual: Why Annual Cleanings are So Important

Below is a picture showing why annual cleanings on your instrument are so important.  Delaying cleaning allows dust and debris to clog up the holes on your instrument as seen here: Read more

Post 37: Another Laubin Oboe Overhaul Out the Door!

This overhaul included:
  • complete mechanical fitting and tightening of keys
  • all posts and keys were re-plated
  • all new corks and pads

Read more

Post 36: Half-Hole Finger Plate Upgrade

Wanted to share with you this unusual repair we recently completed in the shop as it is not something you see everyday.   Read more