Repair Shop

Maintenance Information for Band Instruments

Knowing basic maintenance information can help you keep your instrument in better playing condition. Listed below are some basic pointers for keeping your instrument in good shape.

Flute	Clarinet	Saxophone	Oboe	Bassoon	Trombone
French Horn/Rotor Tuba			Trumpet/Baritone/Euphonium/Valve Tuba

Repair Section Frequently Asked Questions

Can you give me a repair estimate?
My mouthpiece is stuck. What should I do?
How often should I bring my instrument in?
How much is my instrument worth?
It’s just a small dent, just let me grab my hammer and my soldering gun
How old is my instrument?

Repair Section Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can you give me a repair estimate?

Yes we can, but we need to see the instrument in person. Our repair department is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM until 6 PM. All estimates are free and most can be done while you wait. What sounds like a complex problem on the phone might be fixed easily or that small dent might lead to other problems.

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Q. My mouthpiece is stuck. What should I do?

BRING THE INSTRUMENT IN. Brass mouthpieces seem fairly simple to fix: grab a pair of pliers and pull, right? WRONG! This can ruin both the mouthpiece and the instrument. Some band teachers have a special tool to remove the mouthpiece If not, bring it in to us. It's easy, quick and generally inexpensive (especially when compared to repair costs for a damaged instrument!)

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Q. How often should I bring my instrument in?

You should bring it in to have a repair technician look at it once a year. Just because you bring an instrument in, it doesn't mean that it is going to cost a fortune to fix. Preventative maintenance is much cheaper and faster than repairing a major problem. If students are trying to play an instrument that is not properly tuned up they often lose interest because it is harder to play and they are not progressing. A well maintained instrument leads to an enthusiastic musician!

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Q. How much is my instrument worth?

As in the case with repair estimates, we have to see the instrument first. One of the major factors in determining how much an instrument is worth is the condition the instrument is in. We can give you verbal or written estimates, but we have to see the instrument in person!

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Q. It’s just a small dent, just let me grab my hammer and my soldering gun

Well technically this isn’t a question but you’ll save yourself many questions by bringing it into the store. Imagine trying to fix your computer or your car with a hammer and a screwdriver and you’ll get the idea. Our repair department is equipped with the proper tools to quickly and properly fix any problem you may have. The home repair job always lead to more problems and to more costly repairs.

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Q. How old is my instrument?

First find the brand of the instrument, and then the serial number. Follow the links below to date your instrument.

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FLUTE

Use the cleaning rod and a cloth to clean the inside tubing directly when you are finished playing.
Wipe the outside of the flute to remove fingerprints, being careful to avoid touching the edges of the pads.
Cigarette papers can be used to eliminate sticky pads. Slip a sheet (not the sticky part) under the open pad, depress the key, and pull the paper away. If this doesn’t work after two or three tries, bring the problem to a repair shop. Too many tries can tear the pads. We also sell "powder paper" that works even better than cigarette paper.
A soft brush (a clean paint brush) is good for removing dust and other debris that accumulates under the keys. Do this gently so you don’t knock any springs.
Never use any type of silver polish as it will ruin the pads.
Don’t attempt any screw adjustments. This is a delicate job needing experience.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.
Once a year, your instrument should be checked by a repair technician to ensure that there are no leaks and that the corks are in good condition.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: Polishing Cloth, Cleaning Rod, Powder paper. ^ Top

CLARINET

When assembling the clarinet, be careful not to knock the bridge keys together.
Drop Swab - Use only the cloth or chamois types that have a metal weight. Swab each section of your clarinet after you play.
Cork Grease - Use regularly to prevent the cork from drying out and the joints from sticking.
Cigarette papers - Use to eliminate sticky pads. Slip a sheet (not the sticky part) under the open pad, depress the key, and pull the paper away. If this doesn’t work after two or three tries, bring the instrument to a repair shop because if you try too many times, you can damage the pads.
Q-Tips - Use to remove deposits from the finger holes. A build up can cause an unpleasant fuzziness to your tone.
Swab out the mouthpiece separately from bottom to top taking care of the tip rails as you pull the cloth through. If there are any chips or nicks in the tip rail, buy a new mouthpiece. Occasionally wash your mouthpiece in warm soapy water (hot water can change the shape of the mouthpiece)
Wipe the keys and body of your clarinet with a clean cloth.
A soft brush (a clean paintbrush) is good for removing dust, lint, etc that accumulates under the keys. Be careful when brushing the keys as it is easy to knock the springs loose.
Don’t attempt any screw adjustments. This is a very delicate job that should be done by a professional repair technician.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.
Once a year, your instrument should be checked by a repair technician to assure that there are no leaks and that the instrument is in good playing condition.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: Drop Swab, Cork Grease, Cigarette papers, Q-Tips, Reed Holder, Mouthpiece Brush. ^ Top

SAXOPHONE

Wash out the mouthpiece with tepid warm water and soap at least once a week drying it thoroughly.
Put cork grease on the neck cork when it is too dry (and squeaks) or when it becomes difficult to work the mouthpiece on the cork. You should be doing this once or twice a week.
Clean the connecting neck and body section with a soft cloth once a week so they fit well and don’t bind.
Remove fingerprints and dirt from the body and keys once or twice a week to keep the lacquer looking new and to prevent the acid from your hands from ruining the lacquer. This can be done with a soft, clean cloth or a commercial lacquer polishing cloth. Never use a liquid or polish because it gums up the rods, springs, tone holes and pads.
Remove the reed from the mouthpiece and place it in a reed case or a reedguard after playing.
Always put the mouthpiece cap and ligature on the mouthpiece when putting it in the case. It prevents it from getting chipped or cracked
Swab out the saxophone with a body swab or bassoon brush after playing. Don’t pull the body swab through the neck because it will become lodged. A snake like swab is designed for cleaning the neck.
Always insert the end plug on the body when putting the instrument in the case. This prevents the octave key mechanism from getting bent.
Vacuum out the inside of the case every three months or when visibly dirty, especially in the crevices. This prevents dust, dirt and other particles from getting into the rods and between the keys.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.
Once a year, your instrument should be checked by a repair technician to assure that there are no leaks and that the instrument is in good playing condition.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: Pad Saver, Mouthpiece Brush, Reed Holder, Polishing Cloth, Cork Grease. ^ Top

OBOE

Oboes are expensive and delicate instruments. If they are treated roughly and not properly adjusted frequently by an expert repair technician, they will not play properly. Once a year, take your instrument to a repair technicianor to a professional player or teacher who can test it and determine if it needs repair or adjustment. Many “reed” problems are not “reed” problems at all: the instrument is simply not responding because the mechanism is out of adjustment.
Always swab each section of your oboe with a silk swab after you play.
Keep the corks on the joints clean and use enough cork grease so you don't have to force when assembling the instrument. Take the instrument apart and put to together slowly and carefully. Watch closely to see that the bridge keys between the joints do not get tangled with each other and bent.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.

A note about wooden instruments: These fine quality instruments are likely to crack if exposed to sudden change in temperature or humidity. Keep your instrument stored in a place where there are no extremes in temperature. Also, never blow through an instrument when it is cold; allow it to warm to room temperature first.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: Reed Holder, Silk Swab, Cork Grease. ^ Top

BASSOON

Oboes are expensive and delicate instruments. If they are treated roughly and not properly adjusted frequently by an expert repair technician, they will not play properly. Once a year, take your instrument to a repair technician or to a professional player or teacher who can test it and determine if it needs repairs or adjustment. Many “reed” problems are not “reed” problems at all: the instrument is simply not responding because the mechanism is out of adjustment.
A special set of bassoon swabs are needed to remove the moisture from each joint after playing. Use several pipe cleaners joined together as a swab for the bocal. Submerge the bocal in warm soapy water and brush it out.
Keep the corks on the joints clean and use enough cork grease so you do not have to force when assembling the instrument. Take the instrument apart and put to together slowly and carefully. Watch closely to see that the bridge keys between the joints do not get tangled with each other and bent.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.

A note about wooden instruments: These fine quality instruments are likely to crack if exposed to a sudden change in temperature or humidity. Keep your instrument where it does not reach extremes in temperature. Also, never blow through an instrument when it is cold; allow it to warm to room temperature first.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: Cork Grease, Silk Bassoon Swab, Seat Strap, Reed Holder. ^ Top

TROMBONE

Keep your tuning slide clean and well greased to prevent it from sticking.
Clean your slide with warm soapy water and a snake. Use the snake to clean the inside of both the inner and outer slide.
Use a mouthpiece brush to clean the mouthpiece once a week.
Do not bang the mouthpiece into the lead pipe; push it straight in and twist to avoid getting it stuck.
Always empty all your slides before putting your horn back in the case.
Make sure that your tuning slides are greased up so that they move freely.
If your mouthpiece is stuck, don’t try to remove it. Bring it to your teacher or to a repair technician and they can remove it with a special mouthpiece remover.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.
Every year, your instrument should be brought to a repair shop for an acid bath. This assures that the slide and tubing are thoroughly cleaned, preventing them from corroding.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: SuperSlick Slide Cream, Tuning Slide Grease, Polishing Cloth, Mouthpiece Brush, Cleaning Snake. ^ Top

FRENCH HORN / ROTOR TUBA

Oil your rotors once a week. Take the valve caps off, and put the valve oil in the center of the rotor. You should also pull the tuning slides out, and drop valve oil down the tubes so it reaches the valves. If your valves are sluggish, oil them every day until they loosen up or take your horn to a repair technician for an acid bath.
Clean your lead pipe once a month. Use a trumpet snake as some horn snakes are too large for the lead pipe.
Wipe off your fingerprints with a polishing cloth when you are done playing. This will preserve the lacquer on your instrument.
Make sure that your tuning slides are greased up so that they move freely.
Always empty all your slides before putting your horn back in the case.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.
Every year, your instrument should be brought to a repair shop for an acid bath. This assures that the rotors and tubing are thoroughly cleaned and prevents them from corroding.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: Rotor Oil, Tuning Slide Grease, Polishing Cloth, Cleaning Snake, Mouthpiece Brush. ^ Top

TRUMPET / BARITONE / EUPHONIUM / VALVE TUBA

Oil your valves every day.
Do not “bang” the mouthpiece into the lead pipe: push it straight it and twist to avoid getting it stuck.
Clean out your mouthpiece with a mouthpiece brush once a week.
Wash your instrument every month or so. Use tepid warm water (hot water will ruin the lacquer) and a little liquid dish soap. Use a “snake” to clean the lead pipe and other tubing. Use a lint-free cloth (no brush) to clean the valves and valve casings.
After cleaning, oil the valves very well. Use slide grease on all slides (if your trumpets third valve slide is not slick enough, apply a drop of valve oil, this should loosen the slide enough to operate with one finger.)
With a soft cloth, clean the fingerprints off of the instrument to keep the lacquer in good condition.
Make sure that your tuning slides are greased up so that they move freely.
Always empty all your slides before putting your horn back in the case.
Vacuum out the inside of the case every few months or when visibly dirty.
It is important to keep all of the accessories properly stored in your case. Loose accessories can damage the instrument. It is also important not to put music in your case as forcing it inside can damage the instrument.
If your mouthpiece is stuck, don’t try to remove it with pliers. Bring it to your teacher or repair technician, who has a special mouthpiece puller.
Every year, your instrument should be brought to a repair shop for an acid bath. This assures that all of the tubing and vales are thoroughly cleaned, preventing them from corroding.

Suggested Maintenance Supplies: Valve Oil, Cleaning Snake, Mouthpiece Brush, Polishing Cloth, and Tuning Slide Grease. ^ Top

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