A Sound Investment: Why Yearly Musical Instrument Servicing Matters

Music is more than a pastime; it’s an art form, a language, and a passion. Whether you’re a student, an amateur musician, or a seasoned pro, your musical instrument is your trusted companion on this journey. To ensure it keeps working beautifully year after year, yearly servicing is a must.

At Leisure Coast Wind & Brass, we understand the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of musicianship better than anyone. In this blog post, we’ll explain why having your instrument serviced once a year is a smart decision that benefits both your instrument and your musical goals.

1. Preserve and Enhance Sound Quality

Every instrument has a unique voice, and it’s crucial to maintain its tonal qualities. Over time, wear and tear can impact the instrument’s sound. Regular servicing ensures that your instrument’s sound remains vibrant and true.

2. Prevent Costly Repairs

Think of it like this: taking care of small problems now can prevent bigger, more expensive issues later. When we service your instrument yearly, our expert technicians can spot and fix minor issues before they turn into major repairs. This will not only save you money but it also means you won’t have to be without your cherished instrument for longer periods of time.

3. Extend the Instrument’s Lifespan

“One in three Australians upgrade their smartphones within two years.” (Techguide.com.au)

“Average age of vehicles across Australia increased to 10.6 years.” (Motor Vehicle Census 2021)

Most kitchen appliances have a lifespan of 6-15 years. (Choice.com.au)

Unlike many other items we buy, quality musical instruments have the potential to outlast us if we take good care of them on a regular basis. Think of regular servicing as an insurance policy for your investment in a musical instrument. It’s like giving your instrument a longer, healthier life.

We regularly work on instruments that were manufactured in the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. These instruments are – at a minimum – 65 years old, and serviced regularly since the day they were purchased. But they work. And they’ll continue to work for another 65 years if their owners continue to have them serviced regularly.

However, we also frequently encounter instruments suffering from significant issues caused by the absence of regular servicing. Woodwind instruments might have frozen parts, mouldy pads, dry wood, cracks, and more. Their brass counterparts can present with stuck slides, valves that no longer function, red rot (a structural deterioration of the brass, deep under the surface), and various other problems.

These issues are avoidable with regular musical instrument servicing, which helps keep your instrument in top condition.

4. Maintain Playability

A well-serviced instrument is a joy to play. It responds better to your touch, allowing you to express yourself more effectively through your music. Whether you’re hitting the high notes on a saxophone or crafting intricate melodies on a clarinet, playability matters.

5. Health Check

At their core, woodwind and brass instruments are precisely engineered machines, featuring a complex system of keys, pads, screws, springs, slides, and valves. Regular servicing keeps these components in top shape, and it is not as simple as it may seem.

6. Expert Guidance

Musical instrument repair technicians spend years training to understand exactly how to care for your instrument. It’s a delicate job where even a tiny mistake, like tightening a screw too much or putting a valve in the wrong way, can make your instrument unusable. That’s why we strongly advise against attempting your own repairs or adjustments. It’s likely to end up costing you more in the long run.

For instance, let’s take the stuck trumpet mouthpiece as an example. We’ve seen many “DIY fixes” that ended up causing serious damage, like tearing off the mouthpiece receiver or crumpling the trumpet’s bell because it wasn’t supported properly. In our workshop, it usually takes us under a minute to remove a stuck mouthpiece, without any damage to the instrument or the mouthpiece, and without any cost to you (we remove stuck mouthpieces for free).

Just like most people wouldn’t try to take apart and rebuild the engine of their car, it’s crucial to leave musical instrument repairs to the experts who are trained for this work.

When you bring your instrument to Leisure Coast Wind & Brass for servicing, you benefit from the expertise of our skilled technicians. They can offer valuable insights into caring for your instrument, recommend maintenance routines, and help you optimise your playing experience.

Conclusion

In the world of music, your instrument is like your trusted sidekick, helping you create beautiful melodies to captivate your audience. To keep it in tip-top shape and ensure it continues to shine, annual servicing isn’t just a good idea; it’s a must.

Here at Leisure Coast Wind & Brass, we’re all about the love of music. We’re dedicated to helping you preserve the heart and soul of your woodwind and brass instruments. Our expert technicians are here to make sure your instruments always perform at their best. Don’t wait until a small hiccup turns into a major issue; invest in yearly musical instrument servicing and spare yourself the frustration of an instrument that’s not reaching its full potential.

Remember, your instrument isn’t just a piece of wood or brass; it’s your voice, your artistic expression, and your passion. Treat it with care, and it’ll be your faithful companion, bringing you joy for a lifetime.

Learn more about our Repairs & Servicing here.

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Photo by Lucas Alexander on Unsplash