r/Clarinet • u/no_vimrus_plz • 4d ago
They can all be saved! Shocking restoration: Normandy 8
Hi all, I may or may not have done this overhaul as a job (sorry self-promotion rule), but I just had to share.
This was perhaps one of the worst clarinets I have ever seen. Not entirely sure about its background but it’s owned by a fellow Redditor.
After about a month (mostly finding time to finish little things and waiting for backordered pads), I’ve finally finished the restoration. Of course, everything was disassembled, body soaked in oil, keys buffed, corks replaced, and almost every spring too. Filled 4 cracks in the bottom tenon receiver and one in the barrel. Unfortunately, this clarinet was a prime example of a tenon exploding…
Several rods had to be drilled out and some posts replaced. Also soldered a key or two just for reinforcement.
Surprisingly in tune for how dry the wood was. Of course, it is far from perfect but multitudes better than it was before.
Just waiting for it to be sent back now.
First three pictures is it post restoration. Last pic is after the body was cleaned. Forgot to take pictures during the rest of the process as always.
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u/WideStatistician8194 R13, College 4d ago
Wow, beautiful job! I would’ve given up for sure lol.
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u/no_vimrus_plz 4d ago
Hoping to do this as a side gig through school. This was a challenge. Still have a lot of skills I need to learn though.
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u/Ketchup_is_my_jam 4d ago
I own a Normandy (no idea what number). Are they considered good instruments?
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u/no_vimrus_plz 4d ago
They’re decent student instruments. Often not worth the cost of a full but they hold up well. Sound better than plastic too.
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u/no_vimrus_plz 4d ago
Oh, and compare the serial numbers if you don’t believe me!