With regular inspection and maintenance, woodwind instruments can last a very long time; often without any major repair costs for several years. It is best to bring your woodwind instrument in for service every 6 months to a year for a routine check/adjustment.
Sometimes, that’s difficult to do. How do you know when things have gone a little far, and repairs are needed?
Minor Repairs
Some instrument parts, such as pads, corks, and other silencing materials, are considered to be consumable. This means that, even when you take care of your instrument, you just may need new pads. Corks may start peeling off. Keys may be clicking louder than usual.
This is fairly normal, and the repair does not cost very much. Most music shops have a repair level called a “Playing Condition,” which includes replacing a few pads if needed.
Major Repairs
If more than half the pads and corks are in rough shape, a qualified technician will likely recommend a full repad. This would cover the cost to replace all clarinet pads, replace all flute pads, replace all saxophone pads, replace all oboe pads, or replace all bassoon pads. This is rarely needed if your instrument is brought in for routine service, but if it has not been played for a while, it may be necessary.
How do I know if my pads are bad?
Difficulty playing
If you are finding it more difficult than usual to play, or if some notes simply won’t speak right, it is likely one or more pads need replacement or adjustment. You may have some clarinet squeaking, saxophone honking, or flute notes hard to play.
Sticky pads
Sometimes, when a woodwind pad is old or dirty, it may stick. The key may come up slowly, or the pad will make a sound when the key is pressed or released. Sometimes a pad can be cleaned, but often it is better just to replace it. Some pads in particular need replacement sooner than others–Saxophone E-flat key and G-sharp key, Flute A-flat key, and Clarinet C-sharp and E-flat keys are a few.
Torn pads or discolored pads
Sometimes, even a quick visual inspection will tell you right away if your pad needs replacement. A tear will almost always cause a leak, making it difficult or impossible to play.
Discoloration is sometimes an indicator of pad age or condition. Though not always a critical sign, sometimes wood clarinet pads turn brown or off-white in color, and in time, the skin of the pad becomes brittle and less flexible, allowing for small leaks.
What can I do at home?
Stay tuned for another upcoming article on clarinet repair at home and general woodwind maintenance schedules. Some maintenance can be done by the player–such as light key oiling, pad cleaning, and oiling your clarinet bore. If in doubt, it is always best to trust a professional instrument repair technician.
Is instrument repair an expense or an investment?
As difficult as it may be, it is almost always worth it to invest in servicing your musical instrument. Particularly if it is a reputable brand, made of quality materials, or has a unique “family heirloom” backstory.
On one hand, music instrument maintenance can be like maintaining a car. Similar to needing an oil change, tire rotation, and topping off your windshield wiper fluid, instruments require some routine maintenance. Brass instrument require regularly oiling valves, greasing slides, and occasional cleaning. Woodwinds require a bit more regular care, and occasionally need corks and pads replaced. If these small routine repairs are ignored, then it could end up costing more in the long run when you truly need new pads.
On the other hand, though, a musical instrument is more of an investment. Vintage music instruments were made of high quality materials, and are often still better than any new instrument on the market. Even if you need new pads, replacing them all could mean many more years of making music.
At Second Wind Music, we provide free estimates, affordable maintenance repairs, and tiered suggestions. We will clearly tell you what to expect spending to get your instrument playing again, and whether or not it is worth the investment. Contact us today to schedule a free repair estimate!