Introduction
For some preliminary definitions please see this Introduction.
For some guidance about maintaining your instrument and the different levels of servicing/repair available please see my Woodwind Maintenance Guide.
Servicing – scope
- SHORT SERVICE – the basic price covers cleaning and re-seating (as necessary) all pads, to replace missing corks and felts, point lubrication and regulation of the keywork.
- FULL SERVICE – the basic price is as for a short service but also covers stripping down the instrument, functionally cleaning and re-lubricating all moving parts, and thread-locking all pivot screws so they don’t work loose and fall out!
- CHECK & ADJUST – the basic price is to check over and re-regulate the instrument as necessary..
Repairs – scope
- RE-PAD – the basic price is as for a full service but also includes the labour for replacing all pads. N.B. The charge for the pad set is additional.
- OVERHAUL – the basic price is as for a re-pad but also includes a thorough cosmetic clean, tightening all the keywork and re-corking/felting all keys and tenons.
- PLAY CONDITION – there is no basic price as the work required is entirely dependent upon the scope of the damage incurred. Work is charged at an hourly rate.
Additional charges
A more detailed breakdown of what is included in the basic price and what is subject to additional charges is shown in the table below.
| SHORT SERVICE | FULL SERVICE | REPAD | OVERHAUL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove all keywork | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dissassemble keywork (e.g. flute pinned keys, saxophone rollers) | No | Only if sticky{Lab} | Only if sticky{Lab} | Yes |
| Straighten bent keywork | Easily accessible keys only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Functional cleaning (rod screws, hinge tubes, tone holes, bore and pads) | Accessible tone holes and pads only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cosmetic cleaning | Superficial (accessible parts only) | Superficial (all keys and body) | Superficial (all keys and body) | Thorough |
| Tighten keywork | No | Critical keys only{Lab} | Critical keys only{Lab} | All keywork |
| Replace corks, felts | Replace any missing | Replace any missing/damaged | Replace any missing/damaged | Replace all |
| Replace key pearls | Replace any missing{Mat} | Replace any missing/damaged{Mat} | Replace any missing/damaged{Mat} | Replace any missing/damaged{Mat} |
| Replace springs | Replace any broken{Lab,Mat} | Replace any broken{Lab,Mat} | Replace any broken{Lab,Mat} | Replace where necessary{Mat} |
| Adjust spring tensions (the 'action') | Adjusted as necessary for even response | Adjusted as necessary for even response | Adjusted as necessary for even response | Re-adjusted to the customer's requirement |
| Precision level tone holes | For any new pads required {Lab} | For any new pads required {Lab} | Yes | Yes |
| Re-seat re-used pads | Yes | Yes | n/a | n/a |
| Replace pads | As necessary{Lab,Mat} | As necessary{Lab,Mat} | All replaced{Mat} | All replaced{Mat} |
| De-scale and disinfect mouthpiece | As directed{1} | As directed{1} | As directed{1} | As directed{1} |
| Check headcork fit, grease and re-fit (flutes) | Yes | Yes | Yes | n/a |
| Fit new sax neck cork, clarinet tenon corks, flute headcork | As necessary{Lab,Mat} | As necessary{Lab,Mat} | As necessary{Lab,Mat} | Yes |
| Adjust neck to body tenon joint (saxes), headjoint/foot tenons (flute) | As necessary{Lab} | As necessary{Lab} | As necessary{Lab} | Yes |
| Remove and re-seat detachable bell (saxes) | No | As necessary{Lab} | As necessary{Lab} | Yes |
| Regulate & Oil | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carry out playing test | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Check tuning with electronic tuner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1 year guarantee | No | No | Pad work only | Yes |
| Thorough cosmetic clean | n/a | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | INCLUDED |
| Replace all corks and felts | n/a | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | INCLUDED |
| Fit new sax neck cork, clarinet tenon corks, flute headcork | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | INCLUDED |
| Re-adjustment of the action (heavier/lighter) | n/a | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | INCLUDED |
| Use of special pads/resonators | n/a | n/a | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} |
| Replace all key pearls | n/a | n/a | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} | Optional extra{Lab,Mat} |
{Mat} = Additional materials charge applies
{1} = N.B. Ebonite mouthpieces are likely to turn green/brown after treatment. This is due to normal degradation of the material. Please advise if you do not wish the mouthpiece to be cleaned. Restoration of ebonite mouthpieces is available as an additional service. Please enquire.
N.B. All key corks, felts, lubricants, thread lock and adhesives are included in the price.
For indicative prices please see Price Estimates.
