When your instrument has a serious issue we’re here to help. A repair is when a part or system is repaired. An overhaul is when all pads, and parts and systems are repaired at once.
No serious problems? Prevent problems by having annual maintenance done. Visit our Annual Maintenance page.
We work on double reed instruments exclusively.
Our years of experience means your repair will be done quickly, efficiently, and at a minimal cost. Sticky keys, bent key, broken spring, stuck swab, damaged pad, worn out tenon cork, or crack in the wood. We’ve seen it all.
How Much Does It Cost?
Formal, guaranteed estimates are provided when the instrument is in the shop. Informal repair estimates can be given based on photos or comprehensive descriptions.
How Long Does It Take?
Simple repairs may take an hour while an extensive overhaul may take up to three weeks. Length of time needed is determined once the instrument is in our hands. You’ll know in advance before work begins. We can make a preliminary estimate of time based on photos or comprehensive descriptions.
Single Issues:
- Tenon cork replacement – $40 per tenon
- Spring Replacement – $10 each
- Stuck Swab – $50 and up based on severity
- Crack repair – $50 and up based on severity
- Single cork/skin pad replacement – $10 and up
- Straighten/solder bent rods or keys – $50 and up
- Additional issues quoted as necessary
Multiple Issues:
- As above with a 10% discount on 2 or more concurrent issues
Comprehensive Repair:
- Overhaul (Complete Mechanical Restoration)
Average cost: $800 (student instruments) $800 – $1,200 (intermediate instruments) $1,200 – $1,800 (pro level instruments).
All removable metal work is fully disassembled, degreased, hand cleaned, reoiled, and hand buffed. All posts and attached metal work are degreased, hand cleaned, reoiled, and hand buffed. All cork and leather pads are replaced. All tenon corks, key corks, springs, and bumper felts are replaced. The exterior of the body is hand cleaned, oiled, and polished. The interior bore is hand cleaned oiled with a possible combination of sweet almond oil, walnut oil, vitamin E oil, and/or other oils as appropriate, and polished. Light repair of body and finish defects is included. All of the tone holes are examined and cleaned. Any tuning material in the tone holes is replaced if it’s failing. Light repair of the tone holes is included if needed. The instrument is reassembled and fully mechanically adjusted for smooth operation, balanced feel, and correct response. Intonation and tone anomalies are resolved as possible. The instrument is extensively play tested. Basic case cleaning is included. If unexpected, serious issues are found, we will explain fully, offer options, and wait for your approval to resolve them.
About Brian Charles:
Brian Charles, our founder, owner, appraiser, and repair tech, has been a double reed player since the 7th grade. Brian worked at Ponte Music Company in NYC while attending Manhattan and Juilliard Schools of Music as a performance major. He has performed extensively on oboe and bassoon in the NYC area and on tour. His experience with noted repair techs Saul Fromkin and Pedro Rivera led to his fascination with and eventual study of double reed repair. His repair clients include members of major orchestras, doublers, professionals, students, and teachers throughout the US. He offers workshops on double reed repair and reedmaking throughout the country. Brian is available for workshops.
Schedule a Repair:
Email Us or call (603) 356-9890 to set up an appointment.
Annual and basic maintenance is available. Click here for further information.
How To Ship Your Instrument:
