Tuba repair
I play tuba myself – and I know how annoying a sticky rotary valve is right before a concert. At BrassWerkstatt in Norden I service and repair F, E♭, B♭ and C tubas, helicons and sousaphones. There are fixed prices for servicing, and a clear agreement in advance for everything else.
Typical tuba repairs
- Rotary valves are sluggish or rattle: cleaning, fitting and lapping the bearings, adjusting the mechanism.
- Worn linkages: checking minibal and unibal joints, levers and spindles and replacing them if needed.
- Dents in the bell and bows: this happens quickly with large instruments – dent removal and soldering, charged by time.
- Stuck slides: freeing, cleaning, re-greasing.
- Deposits and limescale: chemical descaling and ultrasonic cleaning so your tuba responds freely again.
Fixed prices for tuba
F/E♭ tuba
| Type | Annual service | Cleaning + valve overhaul |
|---|---|---|
| 4 piston valves | €229.00 | €299.00 |
| 4 rotary valves | €229.00 | €329.00 |
| 5 rotary valves | €249.00 | €369.00 |
| 6 rotary valves | €269.00 | €429.00 |
B♭/C tuba
| Type | Annual service | Cleaning + valve overhaul |
|---|---|---|
| 3 piston valves | €229.00 | €279.00 |
| 4 piston valves | €249.00 | €319.00 |
| 3 rotary valves | €229.00 | €309.00 |
| 4 rotary valves | €249.00 | €349.00 |
| 5 rotary valves | €279.00 | €409.00 |
| 6 rotary valves | €309.00 | €459.00 |
Helicon & sousaphone: annual service €309.00, valve overhaul on request.
All prices include 19% German VAT. Package details on the repair prices page.
How the repair works
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Back to you: You collect your instrument ready to play or I send it back to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send in a tuba?
Yes. Get in touch beforehand so we can discuss the scope and shipping. Large tubas are bulky – well padded in a case or gig bag and in a sturdy box, they arrive safely.
How often does a tuba need servicing?
Once a year if you play regularly. Rotary valves in particular will thank you: they stay quiet and smooth.
What does it cost to repair a dent in a tuba?
Dent removal is charged by time. Send me photos of the area and you will get an estimate in advance.
What is different about a valve overhaul?
In addition to cleaning, the bearings are fitted and lapped, the valves are fitted, and vertical play and valve alignment are readjusted. Afterwards the valve block runs evenly and quietly again.
Tubas and tuba mouthpieces in the shop
In the shop you will find tubas from Melton, B&S, Besson and other brands as well as over a hundred tuba mouthpieces, including the modular SAJA system and Laskey. I am happy to take your old tuba in part exchange.
Appointment or quote
Call +49 4931 97 57 780 or write to sparenborg@brasswerkstatt.de. BrassWerkstatt, Baumstraße 22b, 26506 Norden, Germany – Tuesdays and Thursdays 9–12 am and 2–6 pm, otherwise by appointment.
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