SOS Repair School

Emergency instrument malfunctions happen, and usually at the worst possible time. Armed with the helpful tips discussed below, you will be much better prepared to tackle difficult situations and help your students so they can continue to perform regardless of the misfortune.

 

The Zip Tie Trick
Keep several sizes of zip ties in your toolbox. If you have an instrument with a broken brace, you can hold it together with a zip tie. (Make sure you place the tail away from the player’s hands so that when you cut it, they don’t get poked.) This will hold the brace in place until you can get it to the service department. This is a much better option than tape because the tech doesn't have to clean up sticky residue.

 

The Multi-Purpose Water Key Seal
Have your road representative get you a selection of self-sticking water key seals. While you can use them to replace missing water key (spit valve) corks, you can also use them to replace the bumpers on saxophone guards or underneath octave and side keys if the cork or felt has fallen off. Just trim them to size with a sharp razor blade.

 

Valve Guide Alignment
Many euphoniums and tubas have plastic valve guides. The valves usually have a large vent hole and a much smaller hole to keep the valve guide in place. If a player complains that the horn won’t play, make sure the valve guide is in the correct location. The valve stem can come loose, causing the guide to spin and enter the incorrect hole on the valve. It’s an easy thing to spot and an easy fix.

 

The Chemical Reaction (Sticky Valves)
If a student complains about sticky valves, ask if they tried a different valve oil (e.g., borrowing from a friend). Mixing petroleum-based oil (like Alisyn or Cass) with a synthetic oil (like Blue Juice) can create a chemical reaction that makes the valve feel slow and gummy. Take a cleaning rod with a rag or cheesecloth, apply isopropyl alcohol, and swab out the valve casing, and wipe down the valve. Most of the time, this will fix the issue. Remind your players not to change oils without cleaning the instrument first.

 

The "Book in the Case" Syndrome
Trumpets have very tight 2nd valve clearance. If your player complains about the 2nd valve sticking all of a sudden, make sure they aren't stuffing books in the instrument case. This puts pressure on the 2nd slide and can jam the valve. Often, this can be fixed by simply pressing the 2nd slide away from the instrument casing. Your road rep can show you how to do this safely. Books go in backpacks, not in the case.

 

Springs and Mouthpieces
Keep a small crochet hook in your toolbox; these are great for resetting unhooked springs on woodwinds. Additionally, make sure you have a functional mouthpiece puller and know how to use it. Tell your players that if they have a stuck mouthpiece, they must come to you. If they use a door frame or pliers, they will cause expensive damage to the braces, and the mouthpiece will still be stuck.

 

Pro-Tip: Keeping a brass mouthpiece truing tool (available from Palen Music Center) is essential. A bent mouthpiece shank causes leaks and can lead to stuck mouthpieces.

 

Grease is Not Universal
Keep extra slide grease and cork grease in your desk, and ensure your students know two things: how to use them and that they are not interchangeable. Cork grease washes off too easily on brass instruments, leading to stuck slides that require a trip to the shop.

 

Knowing how to perform quick repairs to keep your students playing - and knowing when it’s time to send the instrument to the pros - will make your life much easier and less stressful.

 

I hope this helps! If you need help with anything on this list, please reach out to me or your PMC Ed Rep.