Sending an instrument to the repair shop for an emergency repair can often be a stressful situation—especially right before a concert, contest, or audition. With eight years of experience repairing instruments and communicating with directors, I have learned a lot about what makes the process successful. Here is a guide for collaborating with your repair shop for these types of repairs.
Examples of helpful descriptions:
- "The pad has a tear and needs to be replaced."
- "Screw fell out."
- "Eb key is bent."
- "The valve is not working properly."
- "A spring fell out."
- "The mouthpiece is stuck."
- "The slide is dented."
- "There is an issue with the water key."
2. Logistics and Finances
● Transportation: Coordinate with your Ed Rep and the store to plan how the instrument will get to the shop.
● Pricing: Be clear about your financial expectations. It is best to set a pre-approved limit for emergency repairs (e.g., "Approved to fix up to $100").
● Estimates: If you require a formal estimate, be sure to approve or decline it quickly. This prevents unnecessary delays when time is a major factor.
3. Setting Realistic Expectations
Repairs take time. If you need a quick turnaround, it is important to evaluate the scale of the damage. The following repairs are generally not realistic in an emergency setting:
● An instrument that has been in storage for 10+ years.
● Crushed brass (bells, tuba bows, or slides).
● Complete re-pads of any kind.
● Cracked oboes or clarinets.
PRO TIPS:
The best way to ensure your instruments stay in tip-top shape is to schedule yearly maintenance during summer and winter breaks. Preventative care makes emergency repairs much smoother:
● A bent key on a fully adjusted oboe is a much faster and cheaper fix than one on an instrument that already needs a full adjustment.
● A dented slide is a faster and cheaper fix on a clean trombone than on one with years of accumulated grime.
Anthony Valentine
OKC Store Manager
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