Whether you are just starting to play music or you’re an esteemed professional, there will come a time when you’ll need to get your instrument repaired. And no matter what level you are, you’ll benefit from having a new instrument customized and set up properly so that you are not fighting factory conditions from the beginning.
What can you do to get the most out of your repair technician? The best advice is to find someone trustworthy. You’ll want to read reviews, ask colleagues for recommendations, and ensure you’ve chosen a talented and passionate technician. Additionally, here are some suggestions to have the best experience possible.
Avoid Self-diagnosing Your Instrument’s Issues
Calling your repair technician to say, “I know exactly what the issue is and just need a quick fix” is a good way to not get the most out of your repair technician. You may think you know what the problem is and have an idea as to how long the fix will take, but you may or may not be on the right track. And sometimes, your self-diagnosis can set the technician along an incorrect path—especially if you are adamant about having a particular procedure done that isn’t necessary—which may often result in an insufficient repair or one that doesn’t truly address the problem (not to mention the extra time and money this may waste!).
By taking time to dig in and determine what’s really happening, I can find the source, fix the instrument entirely, and preemptively fix related issues. Plus, more time allows for a better experience overall.
Give Your Technician Time to Diagnose and Repair
One of the best ways to get the most out of your repair technician is to give them enough time to correctly diagnose the issue and complete the needed repairs. Share what you’re experiencing and then let the technician translate this input into their repair. Personally, I like to spend a lot of time with each instrument so I get to know it and understand why it functions the way it does. I thrive on being able to memorize the tendencies of a given instrument and to understand how these tendencies affect the player (either in a good way or in a bad way).
Players also have tendencies themselves and instrument repair is not one size fits all. Therefore, I offer subscription services for ongoing repair and maintenance. I can observe a performer’s technical habits and aesthetic approaches to playing by watching and listening and then I can adjust an instrument accordingly. I can also track how their instrument breaks in and responds to them over time.
Ensure that you are providing enough time for your technician to get your instrument in top condition. There are rarely “quick repairs”; the world of instrument repair should be viewed as an art. In many instances, you may even want to plan for a technician to have your instrument for several days.
Have a Backup Set of Instruments
Whether you are a professional or student, you cannot go long without your instrument—especially if you have a performance coming up! But what if you find a flaw in your main instrument and it needs to go in for a repair?
In this situation, the best solution is to always have a good backup instrument (or in the case of clarinets, a good backup set of instruments). These should be well maintained and ready to jump into first position in the case of an emergency. Don’t bank on the fact that you’ll be able to get the most out of your repair technician by waiting until your instrument breaks to bring it in for repair. Instead, give yourself peace of mind by planning ahead and being prepared.
Treat Your Instruments Well
There’s no doubt you treasure your instruments and intend to treat them well. But it might not be a priority to take good care of your instruments when you are busy performing or doing other things outside of music. Consider, though, that the better care you take of your instrument, the longer it will last and the fewer repairs it will need overall.
Additionally, be sure to schedule routine maintenance for your instrument. Having it cleaned, inspected, and adjusted on an ongoing basis will make the instrument less susceptible to costly, time-consuming repairs and will help you get the most out of your repair technician. Staying on top of your instrument repair and maintenance is also a professional thing to do.
How much should you expect to spend on repairs and maintenance? A good rule of thumb for professionals is to set aside 2.5% of your performance income. To provide a round number, if you make $100,000 a year from playing, expect to spend $2,500 on repairs and maintenance, even if your instrument is brand new.
Get the Most Out of Your Repair Technician at Burke Woodwinds
When you purchase your instruments at Burke Woodwinds, your maintenance and repair calls go to the front of the queue. I always set aside time to work on my clients’ instruments because I value our relationship and know that you want to get back up and running as soon as possible. And if you need a backup instrument, I can help with that too.
