Wind Instrument Care
Precision maintenance and professional cleaning for woodwind and brass instruments to permanently secure sonic brilliance and mechanical reliability.
Book an Appointment
A wind instrument is a highly complex system consisting of precision mechanical parts, sensitive seals, and acoustically optimized surfaces. Whether it is a saxophone, clarinet, flute, or trumpet, the continuous accumulation of moisture, limescale, and organic residues does not only affect hygiene but leads to a long-term deterioration of intonation and sluggish mechanical response.
In our workshop in Graz, we dedicate ourselves to the care of wind instruments with a focus on value preservation and playing pleasure. We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern cleaning methods to ensure that every valve and key closes exactly and the natural sound of the instrument is fully realized. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs caused by corrosion or material fatigue.
Our Instrument Care Process
The maintenance of a wind instrument follows a strict protocol to ensure no detail is overlooked and the integrity of the material is preserved.
- Diagnosis and Assessment: First, we check the function of all keys, valves, and slides. We look for leaks, mechanical play, or signs of corrosion.
- Disassembly and Deep Cleaning: The instrument is carefully disassembled into its individual components. Using ultrasonic cleaning or manual processes, deposits are removed without damaging the surface.
- Mechanical Optimization: We check spring tension, lubricate the mechanism with specialized residue-free oils, and replace worn pads and seals where necessary.
- Final Inspection and Adjustment: After reassembly, the instrument is tested for leaks and finely adjusted so that it can be handed over to the musician in optimal condition.
Who is our care service for?
Our services are aimed at a wide spectrum of musicians in Graz and the surrounding area. This includes professional orchestral musicians for whom absolute reliability during concert operations is essential, as well as students of music academies or conservatories whose instruments are subject to high daily use.
Amateur musicians and collectors also benefit from our expertise. Especially for instruments that have not been played for a long time, professional restoration is necessary to remove old residues and restore the function of the mechanics. We treat both modern instruments and historical pieces with the required diligence.
How the collaboration works
The process begins with the drop-off of your instrument at our workshop at Jakominiplatz. We perform a free initial diagnosis where we evaluate the condition of the instrument. Based on this, we create a detailed cost estimate, which we present to you before starting any work. We only begin cleaning or pad replacement after your explicit consent.
During processing, your instrument is stored in a climate-controlled environment to avoid material tension. Once the work is completed, we inform you via email or telephone. Upon collection, we are happy to explain the steps taken and provide tips for daily care.
What you should prepare for drop-off
To speed up the process, we ask you to bring the instrument in its original case with all associated accessories (mouthpiece, ligature, case accessories). If you have noticed specific problems — such as a particular key that sticks or a note that is difficult to speak — please note this briefly or tell us during drop-off.
If the instrument is insured, please bring the corresponding documents if we need to take photos of the condition before cleaning for documentation. Please ensure that the instrument is roughly cleared of loose dirt before drop-off.
The Result: What you receive upon delivery
You will receive your instrument back in a technically and hygienically flawless condition. In addition to the physical cleaning, we provide a detailed work report stating which parts were cleaned, lubricated, or replaced. This also serves as documentation for the preservation of the instrument's value.
Additionally, you will receive individual recommendations for the care of your specific instrument model, tailored to your playing style and the climatic conditions in Graz. Upon request, we can provide photos of particularly dirty areas before and after cleaning to prove the effectiveness of the treatment.
Timeline and Appointments
The duration of the care varies depending on the scope of the work. Professional cleaning usually takes a few business days. More complex work, such as a full pad replacement for a saxophone or clarinet, requires more time due to the necessary drying and adjustment phases.
Our average adjustment time is approximately 5 days, although we try to set priorities for urgent orchestral deadlines. Please note that we prioritize quality over speed to avoid compromising the long-term integrity of your instrument.
What is NOT included in standard care
Our care includes cleaning and mechanical maintenance. It does not include extensive dent removal, re-soldering of cracks in the body, or complete relacquering of the instrument. Such work falls under the category of heavy repair and is billed separately based on effort.
Furthermore, we do not perform work on instruments containing materials from protected species (e.g., ivory or certain protected woods) unless valid CITES documents are provided. The electrical overhaul of amplified wind instruments is also not part of our portfolio.
Price Calculation and VAT
The prices for our care services are transparently structured. We offer both flat rates for standard cleaning and billing based on effort for complex pad work. All amounts mentioned in our price list include the statutory Austrian VAT of 20%.
For B2B customers (e.g., music schools or orchestras), we issue the invoice showing the net amount; the payment period in this case is 30 days. Private individuals settle the amount upon collection of the instrument. A detailed breakdown of costs always occurs before the start of the work.
Detailed Scope of Service
The professional maintenance includes a series of specialized steps to ensure that both the aesthetics and the function of the instrument are restored:
- Complete disassembly of mechanical components
- Ultrasonic cleaning of the body and key parts
- Inspection and replacement of worn pads and felts
- Lubrication of all moving parts with acid-free special oils
- Cleaning and polishing of surfaces (lacquered or unlacquered)
- Adjustment of key height and play
- Leak test using vacuum tests or lamp inspections
| Service | Unit | Price incl. VAT | Price excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Cleaning | Instrument | 60.00 € | 50.00 € |
| Pad Replacement and Sealing | Instrument | 150.00 € | 125.00 € |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a wind instrument be professionally cleaned?
Is cleaning safe for very old instruments?
What happens if my instrument shows further defects during care?
How long does my instrument remain in the workshop after completion?
For more information on safely transporting your instrument to our workshop, please read our guide: Safe Transport of Instruments.
All our services are subject to the provisions of our Terms and Conditions. To book an appointment, please visit our Contact page or view the overview of all Services.