Clarinet II Advanced Repair Techniques: June 16-19th, 2026

MusicMedic is excited to offer Advanced Repair Courses for Saxophone, Flute, and Clarinet!  This course is designed for experienced woodwind technicians looking to expand their knowledge and refine their skills in advanced clarinet repair and customization.

Participants in this course should already have a strong foundation in basic clarinet servicing and padding OR have taken our Basics Done Right for Clarinet Course or equivalent.

Here are some of the topics we will cover along with some associated tools to help complete the work:

Tone Hole Work

We’ll focus on detailed tone hole preparation using precision tools. Proper tone hole condition is critical for pad seating and tonal response.

Instruction includes:

Cleaning and leveling tone hole rims (inner and outer edges)

Recommended tools: MusicMedic Tone Hole Surfacing Tool for shaping and edge work

Tone Hole Shaping and Undercutting

Advanced techniques for Tone Modification  

Shaping and undercutting tone holes to optimize response and intonation

Use of Boehm tone hole shaping tools for consistent results.
 

Crack Repair

Clarinet body cracks will be addressed using both pinning and banding methods:

Carbon Fiber Pinning – Preferred method for most structural cracks; using the MusicMedic Crack Repair Kit

Carbon Fiber Banding – Used when pinning isn’t viable; carbon fiber ribbon provides strong and minimal-profile reinforcement
 

Tone Hole Replacement

We’ll walk through the full process of tone hole replacement:

Milling out damaged tone holes using Ferree’s G86 tone hole cutters

Cutting and shaping replacement tone holes using Ferree’s G87 tapered cutter set

Fitting and finishing replacement tone holes for acoustic and mechanical integrity
 

Advanced Padding Techniques

Proper padding makes or breaks a professional job. This section focuses on:

Selecting and installing cork and synthetic pads

Techniques for achieving airtight seals with minimal spring tension
 

Mouthpiece Diagnostics

Learn to evaluate mouthpieces for common performance issues:

Checking facing curves

Understanding how mouthpiece geometry affects response, especially for low clarinets
 

Low Clarinet Considerations

Low clarinets (bass clarinet) present unique repair challenges. Learn to evaluate:

Common mechanical and acoustical issues

Leak detection and repair strategies specific to large-bore instruments
 
By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of precision clarinet work, from internal bore shaping to structural repair and tonal fine-tuning. Ideal for technicians ready to advance their skills in professional-level clarinet service.

Other Details:

You’ll work with an instructor in a small class size to gain a comprehensive understanding of these advanced techniques, the instrument, the tools, and the supplies used.  

Participants will need an instrument and a basic set of tools and supplies (see Tool Block below to order or make sure you have the necessary tools in your tool kit already), as well as a device or notepad to take notes.

Advanced Tools will be available for participants to try, but those wishing to bring or use their own advanced tools will need to purchase their own. Tools from suppliers can often be difficult to procure so leave plenty of time to order tools (at least 8 weeks) before arriving for the course. 

Participants will need the basic set of tools required to participate in the course before the first day of the course. Participants should also have a Bb Clarinet and or Bass Clarinet of their choice to work on with the class during the course. All participants are eligible to purchase tools, repair kits, and instrument repair supplies at a reduced cost.

This summer our clarinet professor Miles DeCastro of North Country Winds will go over all of these great resources this course has to offer! Miles is a professional repair technician specializing in Clarinet as well as professor of Instrument Repair at The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he teaches courses in instrument repair technology, and is responsible for over 1200 instruments! 

Clinic dates and registration:

Dates: June 16th-19th, 2026

Hours: 9am to 4pm EST with an hour or so break for lunch

All course lectures and materials will be presented in person. Instructional portions of the class can be recorded so students can view them after the course. We will also be filming or taking pictures during instruction for future course promotion. This course is worth 2.8 CEUs. 

Tooling may be limited so please register early! Place your order by April 15th, 2026 to reserve your spot and tool block for this amazing class!

Add to cart or contact: (910) 667-0270 questions@MusicMedic.com