Would an older clarinet like this need a full overall? I imagine new pads at least.

If you want a taragota for display purposes, you can find them for nothing being manufactured out of Pakistan out of some real nasty wood.

Why on earth would anyone want a non functional musical instrument? Pointless

What is the purpose of the metal sleeve?

As I only play with myself I could live with an integrated barrell. Even better if it was a C instrument.

Hi Larry.  I wonder if the table of the mouth piece is uneven.

Also, when you refill your lungs with air and start playing again, think about expelling cool air vs. warm air.

A good articulation habit is to start the airstream with a "Too" sound vs. a "Tah" sound.

Hope this helps!

The mouthpiece (Yam 4C) is in fine condition, never been dropped or anything, but it is hard blowing compared to the Noblet, which is way freer blowing

Well I got tired of blowing hard and getting nowhere, so I swapped out the 4C mouthpiece for the Noblet 2V that Windy sent me. What a difference! A lot of air in the tone but that could improve with a tighter embouchure.
I expect that's how the Hite feels after playing the 4C, a relief!

Comparing my 4c to my Hite premiere is like comparing blowing down a blocked pipe whilst suffering from a heavy cold, to blowing down a sparkling clean empty pipe whilst feeling on top of the world. So much difference in ease of blowing. That's why :-)

Its funny you should say that because I do find playing my clarinet is rather like blowing through a hose pipe with a kink in it. But I thought that was just normal for a clarinet