The Clarinet Center deals exclusively in clarinets, their accessories, their repair, music, and all other aspects relating to this wonderful instrument.
Peter has specialized in Buffet clarinets for more than 40 years. Many consider him the finest clarinet technician in North America, and the person to bring or send their clarinets to.
Buffet clarinets, set up to play
Peter Spriggs sells more new professional-model Buffet clarinets than any other Canadian business. Every instrument sold is totally overhauled and meticulously set up with new cork small pads and Peter’s own hand-crafted larger pads. No detail is overlooked: pad height, venting, spring tension, and a perfect seal are guaranteed.
Even with more than $500 worth of work on each instrument he sells, Peter’s prices remain very competitive. The Clarinet Center attracts clients from all over Canada, the U.S., Europe, and as far away as Taiwan, China, and South Africa.
What players say
Wow!! The clarinet feels like new! Plays better than I ever remember. I am so pleased and humbly grateful. A great big thanks to you.
The level of “clarinetistry” supported by Peter is second to none. Peter has a unique ability to breathe new life into older clarinets. I have been able to have him overhaul my 1977 Buffet R13 set of clarinets and my set of Elites (1994) within 10 years of each other, and they are both playing better than when I first bought them. Both overhauls are playing great, and it has been quite some time since he did his work.
The hallmark of Peter’s work is the use of military-grade components in his pad construction. This gives them long life as well as wonderful response and sealing characteristics not available in many commercial pads today. His lifelong experience, passion for clarinetistry, and performance of same is phenomenal.
I have also bought new clarinets from Peter, and these are the best horns I have played on (Vintage R13 2013). The work he puts into the instruments before he sells them makes the instruments stage, orchestra, and solo ready. When you have to depend on the instrument to do what you demand in high-pressure circumstances, not buying from Peter is a very big mistake.
Taking the time to make the trip to Penticton, BC and meeting Peter is a real treat. Not only will you get a great clarinet, you will also meet the guy with the best sense of humor in the industry. Peter has my highest recommendation.
I want to thank you for your excellent repairs to my clarinets. Your apprenticeship with Hans Moennig, one of the premiere woodwind repairmen of his generation, is certainly evident in the quality of your craftsmanship. Your fastidious attention to detail is greatly appreciated.
Repair, by appointment
Peter’s sterling reputation as a master clarinet repairman is well deserved. Years ago in Philadelphia, he studied over the shoulder of the late Hans Moennig, considered the “Godfather of Woodwind Repairmen.” Also in Philly, Peter studied with Anthony Gigliotti, principal clarinet of the Philadelphia Orchestra for more than 45 years. As a capable player, Peter is more exacting than most in his standards of how a clarinet — new or repaired — should feel and sound. Clients are amazed at the improvement in their instruments’ playability after their clarinets have been returned from his intuitive hands.
Although I played and taught classical clarinet for many years and still do, I am also a jazz player and I think it's difficult to tell how well a horn is working until you try it in a real musical situation. I could tell in the shop that Peter had done a great job on my bass, but I wasn't really prepared for what happened when I used it in rehearsal the following day.
It plays absolutely magnificently. Pressing the keys became easy, every note was produced effortlessly, and the sound was enormous. Everyone who heard it was knocked out by the difference. I was so impressed — this is the best work I have ever seen. Bravo — it's wonderful!!!
Clarinet repairs are arranged by appointment to ensure the least amount of time a player need be without an instrument — usually just a few days. The time is even shorter for those who come here. Not a bad option: Peter lives just outside Penticton, in British Columbia’s Southern Okanagan Valley, one of Canada’s most gorgeous destinations. See Penticton.ca for visitor information.
Floating Rails ligature
With the aim of producing a ligature with the best possible performance, Peter invented the remarkable Floating Rails ligature, available for B-flat and bass. It is used worldwide by players including professionals in major orchestras and clarinet professors at many universities.
After a long time the ligatures arrived here. Today. Perfect, both. Very well constructed. I immediately tried the one for clarinet and I've found it a powerful tool to reach altissimo notes and to dive immediately to the bottom notes, with a bright but not harsh scent and a velvet sound on both limits of the instrument. Not even one squeak till the F6, a very easy throat notes emission and an easy attack on the E2, it is almost the Holy Grail of the ligatures, very few ones have such capability.
Reed response [with the floating rail ligature] is immediately improved. Tone quality becomes more resonant, compact, centered. I have become so hooked that the other ligatures I have now sound and feel dreadfully inadequate.
The ligatures are INCREDIBLE! They are unbelievably good on both instruments. It's more than the usual slight difference, there is just more sound. As a performer who specializes on bass clarinet and is often asked to perform difficult pieces for that instrument, I want to point out that there are certain passages of certain pieces that are not playable except with this Floating Rail Ligature … It is absolutely the best available.
The Floating Rail Ligature including cap is $99 CAD, plus applicable taxes, shipping, and handling. Call 250-488-0233 for details.
Listen and watch
Listen to Peter Spriggs on the Clarineat podcast, then watch Peter Spriggs at the Clarinet Center.
Clarinet care
Peter wrote a book in 1982 titled What All Clarinet Players Should Know About Clarinet Care. It has now had its third printing and is still relevant today. For only $8 you can get tips that could save you hundreds in repair.
There is a detailed section on how and why clarinets crack, and how to break them in properly — which could save you not only a healthy chunk of change, but also the sinking feeling you get when you discover a crack. Even though it was written so that even a beginner can understand most of it, Peter has found that many professional players are not aware of much that is in this book. It was given favorable reviews in both ClariNetwork and The Clarinet.
Call 250-488-0233 for more details.
Clarinet fans can expect more projects and innovations from The Clarinet Center in the future, when time permits.