Every time you play, moisture, food particles and limescale get into the instrument. Over the months this builds up into deposits that slow down valves, seize slides and make the sound duller. An annual service resets the instrument to zero.
How to tell it’s time
- The valves are getting sluggish even though you oil them.
- A slide will barely move.
- The instrument smells musty or dark water comes out.
- Response has got worse and the instrument sounds more muffled.
- The last cleaning was more than a year ago.
What happens during the annual service
In my workshop the instrument is completely disassembled, chemically descaled if needed and cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. Valves, slides and mechanism are cleaned, checked and re-lubricated; water keys, corks and felts are checked. Finally I set everything up ready to play and play-test the instrument.
And when is a valve overhaul needed?
If the valves have noticeable play, rattle or run unevenly, cleaning alone is not enough. In a valve overhaul the bearings are also fitted and lapped and the valves fitted. This is especially worthwhile for rotary valve instruments that are played a lot.
What it costs
I work with fixed prices. An annual service costs, for example, €109 for a trumpet with piston valves, €99 for a tenor trombone without valve and €249 for a B♭ tuba with four rotary valves. You can find all prices under Repair prices.
Why it pays off
Deposits and limescale attack the metal over time. Seized slides and worn valves are far more expensive to repair than to look after regularly. One service a year is the cheapest insurance for your instrument.
Between services
Oil the valves regularly, grease the slides and let the instrument dry out open after playing. You can find suitable care products under Care & oils and as a ready-made BrassWerkstatt care kit.
Book an appointment: +49 4931 97 57 780 or see all workshop services. Live further away? Then simply send me your instrument.
