Professional Care and Maintenance for Wind Instruments
Precision mechanics and pure tones: We ensure your wind instrument functions flawlessly and unfolds its full sonic potential through expert technical care.
Wind instruments are highly complex mechanical systems where even minimal inaccuracies in the padding or deposits within the body can significantly impair intonation and the playing experience. Whether it is a woodwind or a brass instrument, the constant exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations makes regular professional maintenance essential to extend the instrument's lifespan and guarantee a precise response.
In our Graz workshop, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. We understand that every instrument possesses its own soul, and we treat every piece with the utmost care. From the gentle cleaning of sensitive surfaces to the complex general overhaul of the key mechanism, we offer solutions tailored exactly to the needs of musicians, students, and professional orchestral performers.
The Path to Perfect Sound Quality: Our Process
Diagnosis and Analysis
Every instrument begins with a free diagnosis. We check the airtightness of the pads, the condition of the springs, and search for mechanical play or signs of corrosion.
Cleaning and Disassembly
Depending on the requirements, the instrument is carefully disassembled. We remove deposits using specialized cleaning agents that do not attack the material, cleaning every single component.
Mechanical Adjustment
This is where the precision work happens: pads are replaced or adjusted, the mechanism is oiled, and the keys are precisely set to their contact points.
Final Inspection and Acceptance
After reassembly, we perform a comprehensive leak test and ensure that the ergonomics of the instrument are once again perfect for the player.
Who is Our Maintenance Service For?
Our services are aimed at a wide spectrum of musicians in Graz and the surrounding region. Particularly for students of the music academy, who rely on the absolute reliability of their instruments, regular maintenance is essential. We also support hobby musicians whose instruments have been stored over the winter months, as well as professional orchestral musicians who demand precise intonation.
Music schools managing a fleet of instruments also benefit from our systematic care, as early maintenance prevents expensive repairs caused by material fatigue or severe corrosion. We treat both modern instruments and cherished vintage pieces with the appropriate respect for the history of the materials.
How the Workshop Collaboration Works
When you bring your instrument to us, we first document its current state. Since the diagnosis is free of charge, you receive an initial assessment directly on-site. Based on this, we create a detailed cost estimate (Smeta), which we present to you for approval. We only begin the work after your explicit consent.
Throughout the entire process, your instrument is kept in our climate-controlled workshop, where we maintain a constant humidity level of 45-55%. This is of critical importance, especially for woodwind instruments, to avoid cracks in the body. Upon completion of the work, you will receive a detailed report of all measures taken.
What You Should Prepare for Your Appointment
To make the maintenance as efficient as possible, we ask that you bring the instrument in its original case. If you have noticed specific problems—such as a particular key that sticks or a note that is harder to trigger than others—please note these or inform us upon delivery.
If you have accessories that should also be checked (e.g., mouthpieces or special ligatures), please bring these as well. Brief information about the last maintenance of the instrument also helps us better assess the wear and tear.
The Result: What You Receive at the End
Upon collection, you will receive an instrument that is in optimal technical condition. In addition to the physical improvement of playability, we provide a written work report. This documents which pads were replaced, where the mechanism was adjusted, and which cleaning steps were performed.
Additionally, we provide individual recommendations for the daily care and storage of your specific instrument to maintain its condition for as long as possible. Upon request, we can provide photos of critical areas before and after the processing so that you can trace the work performed.
Timeframes and Turnaround Times
The duration of the processing depends heavily on the scope of the chosen service. A simple cleaning and pad check can often be completed within a few days. A full general overhaul is more time-consuming due to necessary drying times and the precision required. Generally, our average setup time is about 4 days, though we communicate individually in complex cases.
We value quality over speed. Every adjustment is checked multiple times before the instrument leaves the workshop. Please plan sufficient time, especially before important concert seasons.
Services Not Included in the Care Package
We focus on mechanical and hygienic care. Please note that we do not perform work on materials from protected species (such as ivory or Brazilian rosewood) without valid CITES documents. This is to protect endangered species and is a legal requirement that we strictly follow.
Similarly, we do not carry out repairs on electrical components of wind instruments that have a direct connection to the power grid (230V), unless they are simple signal amplifiers. Purely cosmetic lacquering that goes beyond normal surface care must be requested separately.
Pricing and Value Added Tax
Our prices are transparent and fairly calculated. The amounts indicated in the price table are final prices including the statutory VAT of 20% for private customers. For business customers (B2B), we indicate the net amount separately.
Pricing is based on the labor effort and the materials used (e.g., high-quality pads from specialized manufacturers). Should unforeseen defects arise during the work that go beyond the original estimate, we will contact you immediately before taking further paid steps.
Detailed Scope of Service
- Complete mechanical inspection of all keys and levers
- Professional internal and external cleaning of the body
- Testing and adjustment of pad airtightness
- Lubrication of the mechanism with acid-free special oils
- Control and adjustment of spring tension
- Removal of lime and salt deposits
- Inspection of cork and felt supports
- Final intonation and leak testing
Prices for Wind Instrument Care
| Service | Price incl. VAT | Price excl. VAT | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and Pad Check | 70.00 € | 58.33 € | pro Instrument |
| Full General Overhaul | 250.00 € | 208.33 € | pro Instrument |
All prices include the statutory VAT of 20%. Billing is carried out in accordance with our Terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should a wind instrument be professionally cleaned?
We recommend a professional check at least once a year for active players. For those with intensive daily use or children learning the instrument, a semi-annual rhythm may be useful to maintain the mechanism optimally.
What happens if my instrument does not sound perfect after maintenance?
We provide a 6-month warranty on our craftsmanship. If you find within this period that an adjustment is not optimal, we will correct this free of charge under the warranty.
How do I transport my instrument safely to the workshop?
Always use the original case and ensure the instrument is securely seated. Further tips can be found in our guide: Safe Transport of Instruments.
How long does my instrument remain in the workshop after completion?
After we have informed you of the completion, we store your instrument for a maximum of 14 days free of charge in our climate-controlled workshop.
Would you like to extend the lifespan of your instrument and enjoy a consistent playing experience? We invite you to visit us in Graz or send us an inquiry in advance.