Rice Clarinet Works

I’m an avid clarinetist in Vermont and a friend asked me to have his badly neglected 45-​year old Buffet R13 clarinet overhauled. I don’t have a repair person nearby so I called a number of shops in NYC and Boston to check prices. Overhauls were generally in the $ 800+ range, which my friend was not up for. Then I found Wes Rice online, checked out his references, and had a phone conversation with him. His prices were considerably more reasonable, and he was very helpful in explaining which repairs he felt were essential and which were optional. I shipped him the clarinet and we had several phone conversations during the overhaul process. Wes is professional, responsive, and worked with me to figure out what the best and most cost effective repairs were. He did exactly what he promised, and the clarinet looks and most importantly sounds beautiful. He gave an old instrument a new life. I am now considering buying this clarinet to play myself, instead of letting my friend sell it – it plays that well. I highly recommend Wes Rice and look forward to sending him my instruments to repair in the future.

I’d been toying awhile with getting my clarinet really updated and adjusted. Started playing again 4 years ago in retirement (community bands, small Dixie groups, doubling in big band) and researched for someone who could give a significant make-​over. Worn pads, clunky key action, general dissatisfaction with feel of a good clarinet.
Found Wesley Rice online, with attractive web presence and clear presentation of services avaiiable. After an email exchange, and assurances that mailing the instrument would not be a problem, I took the plunge.
Wesley was very clear about the process; we had a phone conversation when the instrument arrived and he had looked it over. I lited some issues that i noticed and Wesley said he would look at henm and felt his Professional Overhaul woul solve many of them.
He was right. About 2 weeks later I received the clarinet back and the only reason I’ve delayed posting a review is I was playing so much I kept putting it off. Feels like a fine-​tuned instrument, quieter and responsive to my demands.
I’m very happy with results. Check out Wesley’s web site for pix of his new shop area, and support articles on care and feeding of your clarinet. as well.
Now if only he could work on my alto sax…:)