•Can you give me a repair estimate?
Yes we can, but we need to see the instrument in person. All estimates are free and can be done while you wait. What sounds like a complex problem on the phone might be fixed easily or that small dent might lead to other problems.
•My mouthpiece is stuck. What should I do?
BRING THE INSTRUMENT IN. Brass mouthpieces seem fairly simple to fix: grab a pair of pliers and pull, right? WRONG! This can ruin both the mouthpiece and the instrument. Bring it to us. It's easy, quick, and generally inexpensive (especially when compared to repair costs for a broken instrument).
•How often should I bring my instrument in?
You should bring it in to have a repair technician look at it once a year. Just because you bring an instrument in, it doesn't mean that it is going to cost a fortune to fix it. Preventative maintenance is much cheaper and faster than repairing a major problem. If students are trying to play an instrument that is not properly tuned up, they often lose interest because it is harder to play and they will find they are not progressing. A well maintained instrument leads to an enthusiastic musician!
•How much is my instrument worth?
As in the case with repair estimates, we have to see the instrument. One of the major factors in determining how much an instrument is worth is the condition the instrument is in. We can give you verbal or written estimates, but we have to see the instrument in person!
•How long will the repair take on my instrument?
The best time to ask this question is always when you bring it in and have the instrument checked by our staff. Until we know exactly what needs to be done, an accurate estimate is almost impossible. But we do keep a large inventory of replacement parts on hand to minimize the time for most ordinary repairs.
100 Oak Street · Bakersfield CA 93304 · Phone: 661.327.KEYS (5397) · Fax: 661.327.5399
Repair Department FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)