Brass Instrument Repair & Restoration

            I offer all types of Brass instrument repair work, and accept clients from all over the world.  Customers are always welcome to visit my shop in person if location and schedule allows.  Contact us to schedule an appointment and to get driving directions.  Below are some descriptions of the more commonplace repairs needed.  Feel free to look at my Photo Gallery for examples of my work.

Dent Removal – Dents are removed in a number of ways. Reachable dents are in very accessible places and are the easiest to remove.  They can be in slides, the bell flare, and throat of the bell.  Removing them involves manipulation of the metal with a rod or roller and usually doesn't take very long.

Dents in less accessible parts of an instrument can be removed by driving a succession of graduated dent balls underneath and past the dent.  It is more time consuming, but very effective.

Soldering – Broken solder joints are the second most common form of damage that can occur to a brass instrument.  It is best to have them fixed immediately since the exposed solder begins to oxidize immediately, which makes repairing the joint more tedious.  The main causes for broken joints are severe trauma to the instrument, steady pressure on the instrument (such as is caused by keeping music in your case), and poor manufacturing technique.

Stuck Slides and Valves – Stuck slides and valves occur mainly when the instrument is not properly lubricated or when it has been stored for an extended period of time.  Pulling a slide is relatively easy, but having to do so can be prevented with proper maintenance.  If the instrument is going to be put into storage, use a heat-resistant heavy lubricant, such as STP Oil Treatment on the slides and a heavy oil, like 3-in-1 oil, on the valves.  Also, avoid keeping an instrument in places where extreme heat or cold are likely, such as the attic or garage.  This should keep your moving parts from becoming non-moving parts.

Loose Slides – Slides that are too loose can fall out and become damaged.  They can also leak.  It is a relatively simple matter to expand the slide so it fits tighter.

Chemical Cleaning – Occasionally, all brass instruments need to be cleaned out to remove corrosion and dirt.  It should definitely be done at least once a year.  Some people have a more acidic body chemistry which might necessitate more frequent cleaning.  Cleaning is done by taking the instrument apart and dipping it in a mild acid solution to dissolve any corrosion from the inside.  Then the parts are neutralized and snaked out to remove any remaining build-up.  The instrument is then reassembled.  Chemical cleaning also includes all play condition work.

Play Condition Work – Play condition is basically routine maintenance.  It includes lubricating the instrument, adjustment of the valves, and replacing of the strings and, if necessary, the bumpers on rotary valve instruments and the felts on piston instruments.

Polishing – Polishing is basically just a cosmetic repair.  The customer should be aware that polishing removes metal from the instrument and should only be done occasionally.  A light polishing is necessary after soldering and is taken into account in the cost.

Lacquering – At the present time, I only do spot lacquering to cover soldered joints or replace lacquer removed during a repair or modification.