Instrument repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What instrument repair is

A repair technician fixes musical instruments by replacing pads, strings or parts, adjusting setups and restoring playability, in a shop or by mail. People book instrument repair when a wind instrument leaks air, a string instrument buzzes or will not stay in tune, or a key, valve or slide no longer works smoothly.

Signs you need it

  • A woodwind or brass instrument leaks air or has a key or valve that will not seal
  • A string instrument buzzes, sits too high or will not hold tune
  • A key, valve or slide sticks, sounds loud or feels uneven
  • A part is cracked, dented or has come loose
  • The instrument has been in storage and now plays poorly even after cleaning

What the pro does

  • Checks the instrument for leaks, buzzes, loose parts and wear
  • Replaces worn pads, corks, felts or strings as needed
  • Adjusts the setup, such as string height, key height or valve alignment
  • Cleans and oils moving parts so keys and valves work smoothly
  • Tests the instrument and explains what was done and what still needs work

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Instrument type, since woodwinds, brass, strings and fretted instruments need different work
  • The age and condition of the instrument and how many parts need replacing
  • Whether the repair is a simple adjustment or a full overhaul
  • Whether the repair is done in a shop or by mail
  • The parts needed, such as pads, strings, corks or a replacement key
  • Whether a rental or loaner is needed while the instrument is in repair

What a written quote should spell out

  • The instrument, its condition and the problems found
  • Each repair or part to be replaced, listed separately
  • Whether the quote covers only the stated problems or a full setup
  • How the instrument will be shipped or returned if repaired by mail
  • The timeline for the repair and whether the technician will call before extra work

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your experience with my instrument type and brand?
  • Will you tell me what you found and quote it before doing extra work?
  • Do you use original or replacement parts, and what is the difference?
  • How will you test the instrument after the repair?
  • If I send it by mail, how do you protect it in transit?
  • Do you offer a guarantee on the work, and what does it cover?

Red flags

  • Will not tell you what is wrong until you have paid for a full overhaul
  • Says a leak or buzz cannot be checked before the work starts
  • Replaces many parts that do not need replacing
  • Refuses to explain what was done or to return the old parts on request

What you can do yourself

You can clean the instrument after each use, wipe down keys and strings, and store it in its case away from heat and humidity. Do not try to replace pads, corks, valves or the internal parts of a woodwind or brass instrument yourself unless you have been trained. Take the instrument to a technician for leaks, sticking keys, buzzes or any part that is cracked or dented.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to repair musical instruments. Check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure whether a repair business needs a registration, and ask the technician whether they carry business insurance.

Instrument repair questions

Can I repair a leak on my woodwind myself?

Leaks often come from worn pads or loose parts, and fixing them takes training. Take the instrument to a technician and ask how they will find the leak.

Should I ship my instrument for repair?

Shipping by mail can work for many instruments if the technician packs it well. Ask how they protect it and how they handle damage in transit.

How do I book an instrument repair technician on infinibell?

Describe the instrument, the problem and whether you can bring it in or need to ship it. Pick the technicians you want by name. Only the technicians you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer instrument repair remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

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