SOME typical repair

Most repairs carried out on recorders are invisible because the work has been done inside the instrument to act on the sound quality.

However here are some common custom repairs that can be seen :

Reparing split on the beak

In most case an instrument with a cracked beak can be brought back to life by turning down the beak and fitting a sleeve to make it airtight. This can then be turned to the original profile.

(Click on each picture to see how this can be done)

There is a crack all along the beak as far as the bead near the window

... just keeping the right diameter for fitting the sleeve

The sleeve has been fitted and glued into place. The new beak is now ready to be turned

Thorough cleaning/oiling

This will give a new life to your recorder !

Click on the pictures to see more.

BEFORE : This recorder is dark coloured and sticky due to excessive applications of almond oil. The sound has deteriorated.

AFTER : The pearwood recorder has recovered its attractive original colour, is pleasant to touch and now has a beautiful sound.

Giving a new look to a renaissance shawm

This old shawm was looking miserable, but after a few hours work it was like new again !

1 - After removal of the original varnish

2 - After polishing, the brown colour has gone revealing the natural figured maple

3 The result of traditional staining with nitric acid

4 A close up view of the fontanelle. Acid stainig shows up the natural grain of the wood, whereas water based stains would create a « negative » effect darkening the light areas and lightening the dark zones.

Replacing a cork joint with thread

(Click on the photos to see how it can be done)

1 - The cork joint is too thick and must be replaced

2 Once the cork has ben removed the remaining glue has also to be eliminated.

Bushing a thumb hole

Laying of a bone insert to rebuild the thumb hole.

(Before / After - click on the photos)

BEFORE : on this old recorder the thumb hole is very worn, making the high notes difficult.

AFTER : the bone ring has restored the hole to its original diameter, and the high notes have become easy once more.

Fitting a brass ring on a recorder

A brass ring being fitted to repair a socket crack and improve the look of the instrument.

(Click on the pictures to follow the steps)

1 - BEFORE : on this old recorder there is a crack on the head socket

4 - The ring ready to be fitted over the socket

5 - Preparing the socket for the ring on the lathe

7 - AFTER : he finished brass ring improves the look of the recorder and fixes the crack.

Making a windcap for direct blowing into a bass recorder

This cap allows you to play the bass without brass tube, but with the window turned towards the listeners and not toward you like when played without a cap. With this windcap the bass recorder can be blown directly without a bocal and without having to face the player, as when played without the windcap.

(Click on the photos)

1 - The original windcap requiring a bocal (the brass tube)

2 - A windcap made for direct blowing into the hole

Replacing a traverso end plug

The resin traverso end plug had broken when dropped. I made an identical one in boxwood to replace it. I made one identical in boxwood to replace it.

(Click on the photos)

2 - The original synthetic ivory plug and the new boxwood one