The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Repairs!
We live in a world where you can get directions on how to do just about anything on You Tube and Pinterest has made every project seem like a breeze but I am here today to tell you that instrument … Continued
How To Properly Lubricate Your Trombone Handslide
If you ask ten trombonists what the best product and method is for lubricating a trombone handslide you will likely get fifteen very different answers! This is somewhat of a hot-button topic in the professional trombone community – we will … Continued
The Importance of Assembly
It’s the very first step before you even begin to play, assembling your instrument. It’s surprising how many performers are incorrectly doing this first step! Every instrument has weak points and troublesome keys that poke out beyond the joint. It … Continued
“Cheap” Saxophones – Is there such a thing?
As U.S. instrument manufacturers continue to merge with one another or close up shop altogether it’s getting more and more difficult to purchase quality student (and sometimes even intermediate) level instruments. Not long ago we could tell a student’s parent … Continued
Overhaul or Lamp – Brass Edition
Just like with woodwinds we always see lots of “closet / attic” brass instruments coming in to the shop this time of year. We’re all looking to save a little money wherever we can so when it comes to … Continued
Brass Care and Maintenance
As Repair Technicians there are certain maladies we see every day that are totally preventable if instruments are treated with care and properly maintained. In the most recent issue of the School Band and Orchestra Magazine (SBO), there is an … Continued
What’s up with cases?
Are cases really all that important? Yes! Aside from the convenience factor of being able to transport your instrument in a smaller more convenient package, they are also there to protect your horn. The case nesting is cut from protective … Continued
How do you clean an oboe?
How do you clean an oboe? It is one of life’s biggest mysteries. No, not really. But it seems like it must be because I see so many dirty oboes coming through our shop! The most important thing to understand … Continued
What NOT to repair
What Not to Repair A common problem that any musician faces is an emergency instrument repair and perhaps more importantly the question of when to stop and send the horn to a professional repair shop. Below we will offer some … Continued