Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Woodwind
Piccolos, flutes, alto & bass flutes, clarinets & bass clarinets, soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones, oboes, bassoons, renaissance recorders
Brass
Cornets, trumpets, french horns, tenor & baritone horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas
I recommend getting it serviced every 18 months to 2 years.
If the instrument was bought brand new, by 12 months it might need a few adjustments or possibly even a service depending on how frequent the instrument was used.
The average service time is around 2 weeks.
A free hire instrument can be arranged when you enquire so players dont miss any lessons, band tutorials or practices.
All instruments are stripped down and undergo a deep clean and polish, dent removal, replacing necessary pads, corks, water key corks and felts, mechanism adjustments and regulation, pad adjustment and alignment, oiling mechanism & a 3 MONTH WARRANTY
It depends on the brand of instrument maker and the current condition. A 30 year old Yamaha can be bought back to life, easily. If the plating is coming off and parts are missing, unless its worth thousands, then it might not be worth doing it up. It's best to judge once I see the instrument in person.
YES! The case keeps the instrument protected and free from damage, dents and bent keys, which could cost you extra. ALWAYS USE THE CASE
YES! I periodically travel to either Newcastle or the Hunter to drop off and collect work. Payment is done via bank deposit. To arrange a collection please contact us. Also keep an eye out on social media to see when I am next coming up that way
Sometimes, mostly at the beginning and the end of the year while I am doing school pick up and drop offs. If I have enough enquiries I will do a bulk collection. Please keep an eye out on social media to see when I am next coming to Sydney.
Absolutely. Please let me know that you are wanting to send the instrument to me so I know to look out for it. Also please pass on any tracking numbers so I can make sure it gets here safely. Please make sure it is in it's case and packaged as best as possible.
The Following brands I have observed over the years and have found that they DO NOT have stable mechanisms, badly made keywork & parts and do not sustain work done to them so I cannot service them.
Axiom, Slade, Huxley, Livingstone, Lark, Parrot, Bond, Steinhoff, Dolphin, Fonatine, Artiste, Elkhart, Sonata, Beagle, Moller, Vinci, X5, Wisemann Taurus, Zeff, Hanson England, Solo, Castaway
Why have I listed these instruments?
Because it breaks my heart when a instrument of low quality comes in to the workshop and the cost of repairing it out weighs what they paid for the instrument. It means the parents and the players (usually children) are let down and good money was wasted on an instrument which needs to almost be thrown away. Your tutor will be the best person to ask regarding whats the best brand to buy for beginners or feel free to contact me and I will help as best as I can.
If the player is looking for an intermediate or professional instrument again your tutor will be the best person to ask or I can help point you in the right direction.