GUIDELINES FOR BRINGING AN INSTRUMENT IN FOR REPAIR

DID YOUR INSTRUMENT FALL APART?

BRING IN ALL  OF THE BROKEN PIECES

When your instrument breaks or falls apart, pick up every piece you can find. I will decide if
the part can be fixed or replaced. Most often it is harder and more expensive to replace a
part than fix it. Sometimes a part is unavailable. Let me decide the fate of broken parts.
 

STUCK MOUTHPIECES

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THEM AT HOME!
I WILL REMOVE STUCK MOUTHPIECES FOR FREE!

For trumpets, trombones and other brass, when a mouthpiece is stuck, bring it in for
me to remove.  I have a special jig made specifically for pulling mouthpieces.  Brass is a
very soft metal and can be damaged by pliers and vise grips.  It is also easy to rip the leadpipe
off of the instrument, resulting in the need for extensive repair.  Pulling mouthpieces is a
free service, but repairing damaged leadpipes is not.  If your instrument does not fit in the case
with a stuck mouthpiece, bring the case with you, as it will fit when you leave.

PARTS STUCK TOGETHER?

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THEM AT HOME!

If parts are stuck together on your instrument, bring your instrument in for me
to separate them.  Standard tools found in your garage can permanently damage your
 instrument, resulting in the need for costly repairs.  Many times, I have separated stuck
parts within a few seconds, simply because I have the proper tools and procedure to do so. 
 Parts that have been stuck for years will require more time and know-how.  Parts that are
stuck because of abuse and damage may render an instrument un-repairable.  Bring the
instrument in and I will evaluate it.

IS YOUR SWAB STUCK?

STOP PULLING IT!

Pulling on your stuck swab will only make it more stuck.  Bring your instrument in for
me to remove the swab.  Sometimes, the swab will need to be torn if it has been pulled too
hard and jammed in the instrument.  Do not stick anything sharp in the bore of your
instrument.  I will work the swab out safely.

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