Trumpet repair

Does your trumpet sound dull, is a valve sticking or is the main tuning slide stuck? At BrassWerkstatt in Norden I get trumpets, cornets and flugelhorns back into playing shape – with fixed prices for servicing and honest agreement on anything beyond that.

Typical trumpet repairs

• Valves are sluggish or rattle: cleaning, checking pistons and casings, a valve overhaul if needed.
• Stuck slides: freeing, cleaning and re-greasing the tuning slide or valve slides.
• Dents in the bell or bows: dent removal and re-soldering, charged by time.
• Deposits and limescale inside: chemical descaling and ultrasonic cleaning.
• Rotary valve trumpets: mechanism, linkages and bearings are checked and adjusted.

Fixed prices for trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn

Trumpet & cornet

Type	Annual service	Cleaning + valve overhaul
Piston valves	€109.00	€159.00
Rotary valves (German trumpet)	€139.00	€209.00

Flugelhorn

Type	Annual service	Cleaning + valve overhaul
Piston valves	€119.00	€169.00
Rotary valves	€139.00	€219.00

All prices include 19% German VAT. Exactly what the two packages include – and what is not covered by the fixed price – is explained on the repair prices page.

How the repair works

1. Get in touch: Give me a quick call or write to me about what you have noticed. For dents or damage, a few photos help.
2. Drop it off or send it in: Come to the workshop in Norden or send the instrument well packed in its case. Add a note with your name, phone number and a description of the problem.
3. Assessment: I examine the instrument. If more work is needed than the fixed price covers, I contact you first. You only pay for what we have agreed.
4. Back to you: You collect your instrument ready to play or I send it back to you.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a trumpet be serviced?

If you play regularly, once a year. That keeps the valves and slides moving freely, and small problems are spotted before they get expensive.

What is the difference between the annual service and the valve overhaul?

The annual service is cleaning and care. The valve overhaul adds fitting and lapping the bearings and fitting the valves – worthwhile if the valves have noticeable play or run unevenly.

Can I send my trumpet by post?

Yes. Get in touch briefly beforehand so we can discuss what needs doing. Pack the trumpet in its case and pad the box well.

Is it worth repairing an old trumpet?

Often yes – especially with good brands. Send me photos and I will tell you honestly whether the repair makes sense. Alternatively, I can also buy your instrument.

New trumpet or new mouthpiece?

If a repair is no longer worthwhile: in the shop you will find trumpets and cornets, flugelhorns and a large range of trumpet mouthpieces. I am happy to take your old instrument in part exchange. For care in between there is valve oil and care products.