Repairs
Repairing and revising wind instruments can without any doubt be considered a craft. Years of experience and specialized tools are required to carry out the work properly.
As master repairmen, we have both at our disposal. This, together with a high dose of enthusiasm and a sense of honour for their own craft, leads to outstanding quality. We won't accept less.
We pay the highest possible attention to details. As a final step we test-play the instrument. After that, it should play like new.
Thanks for all the great work you guys did on my horns!! Fantastic!!! - Joe Lovano
Among our clients we count numerous musicians from the top of the jazz-, classical- and pop music scenes both in the Netherlands and from abroad.
Click here to make an appointment.Saxophone overhaul
When revising a saxophone, we first take it fully apart. Possible dents in the body, bell or neck are removed. That is not only done for the beauty of the instrument; a dent can have a huge negative impact on the sound and on how the instrument responds.
After that, the instrument and the keys are, if necessary, polished in order to remove obstinate dirt and the make the sax shine again. Then, the sax and its keys are washed thoroughly. That is followed up by re-padding the keys and to the spots where the keys touch the body, cork is attached.
Before the instrument is reassembled, we always check if there is any play between the keys and the posts. This play will cause a key rattling whilst playing. Moreover, since the key moves in respect to the tone hole, it won't close properly. Once we have removed all play, we put the instrument back together. A light is being used to assure that the keys close completely.
The spring tension of the keys is adjusted whilst putting the instrument back together. We replace malfunctioning springs and make that the keys close precisely. The opening, i.e. the distance from the keys to the instrument, is adjusted. If the keys are too tight, the instrument will have a dull sound, keys that open too much will cause trouble tuning the instrument.
Finally, the saxophone is checked thoroughly. With a light we check if all keys close properly. Then the instrument is played in order to check if all notes are right and if the tuning is proper.
For the revision of student instruments we use the standard pads. For professional instruments we use the highest quality Chanu pads with metal resonators.
Clarinet overhaul
For the revision of a clarinet, first the instrument is disassembled and the cork and pads are removed. The keys will get a silver bath and are polished and cleaned, which will make them look like new. After that, the keys are re-padded with double skin pads, or with leather pads if desired, and corked.
The clarinet is then bathed in almond oil for one night. After that, the wood has fully absorbed the oil.
The instrument is reassembled again. During this process, the keys will be adjusted in such a way, that they close properly. Possible play in the keys is adjusted. The cork on the body of the clarinet is being replaced as well, of course.
After the instrument has been built up it is checked thoroughly and test played.
Flute overhaul
For the revision of a flute, the instrument is first disassembled and the pads and cork removed. The keys and the body get a silver bath and are polished. This will make them look like new.
The keys are padded with pads that are especially designed for the flute in question. When necessary, the pads are elevated with pieces of paper. Thus, they will have the correct thickness to close the hole exactly. The keys get cork or felt is glued on to them. After that, the flute is reassembled. Eventual play in the keys is removed. Part of the reassembling is making the keys perfectly closing and deciding the height of the key carefully- this is important for the tuning.
After the instrument has been constructed completely, it gets a thorough check and is being test played.