Common Instrument Common Instrument ProblemsProblems

By Keren & Michael BarrBy Keren & Michael BarrNorth Georgia Band Instrument ServiceNorth Georgia Band Instrument Service

WoodwindsWoodwinds

Problem: Key is not returning to its resting Problem: Key is not returning to its resting position (either open or closed)position (either open or closed)

Solution: Check to ensure that the spring Solution: Check to ensure that the spring is in its appropriate cradle on the keyis in its appropriate cradle on the key Use a spring hook to manipulate springs in to Use a spring hook to manipulate springs in to

positionposition

WoodwindsWoodwinds

Problem: Saxophone or bass clarinet neck Problem: Saxophone or bass clarinet neck is too looseis too loose

Solution: Check the neck screw – it should Solution: Check the neck screw – it should enter the socket from the side with no enter the socket from the side with no threadsthreads Bundy and Bundy II, some European horns Bundy and Bundy II, some European horns

enter from the player’s left, others from the enter from the player’s left, others from the rightright

WoodwindsWoodwinds

Problem: Instrument is squeaking, out of tune, or Problem: Instrument is squeaking, out of tune, or won’t play properly and there are no signs of won’t play properly and there are no signs of damage to pads or key workdamage to pads or key work

Solution: Check that all joints matchSolution: Check that all joints match If a joint or neck is loose air can leak from the area If a joint or neck is loose air can leak from the area

causing the entire instrument to not play properlycausing the entire instrument to not play properly Check the reed, mouthpiece or ligature for cracks, Check the reed, mouthpiece or ligature for cracks,

chips and other damagechips and other damage

WoodwindsWoodwinds

Problem: Saxophone will not play in low Problem: Saxophone will not play in low registerregister

Solution: Check octave key adjustmentSolution: Check octave key adjustment

BrassBrass

Problem: Air will not flow freely through the Problem: Air will not flow freely through the hornhorn

Solution: Check that all valves are aligned Solution: Check that all valves are aligned properlyproperly Remove valves, insert 3Remove valves, insert 3rdrd, blow, insert 2, blow, insert 2ndnd, ,

blow, insert 1blow, insert 1stst, blow, blow Check condition of valve guideCheck condition of valve guide

BrassBrass

Problem: Air will not flow freely through Problem: Air will not flow freely through Yamaha euphonium or piston tubaYamaha euphonium or piston tuba

Solution: Two holes on top of valveSolution: Two holes on top of valve Small hole is for for guide tabSmall hole is for for guide tab Larger hole is a ventLarger hole is a vent Also applies to Jupiter tubas and euphoniumsAlso applies to Jupiter tubas and euphoniums

BrassBrass

Problem: Trumpet valve has been disassembledProblem: Trumpet valve has been disassembled

Solution: Reassemble in this order:Solution: Reassemble in this order: Insert the valve guide through the side of the spring Insert the valve guide through the side of the spring

barrelbarrel Insert the spring ON TOP of the valve guideInsert the spring ON TOP of the valve guide Screw on the valve stemScrew on the valve stem Place the stem felt over the stemPlace the stem felt over the stem Place the top cap over the stem feltPlace the top cap over the stem felt Screw on the finger buttonScrew on the finger button Consult one of the other valve to check for the proper Consult one of the other valve to check for the proper

orientation of the guidesorientation of the guides

BrassBrass

Problem: Stuck mouthpieceProblem: Stuck mouthpiece

Solution: Use a Bobcat mouthpiece pullerSolution: Use a Bobcat mouthpiece puller VERY user-friendlyVERY user-friendly Will remove 98% of stuck mouthpiecesWill remove 98% of stuck mouthpieces Very safe when used properlyVery safe when used properly

BrassBrass

BrassBrass

Problem: Waterkey is leakingProblem: Waterkey is leaking

Solution: Check condition of waterkey Solution: Check condition of waterkey assemblyassembly Check the waterkey cork and replace if Check the waterkey cork and replace if

necessarynecessary Check for proper spring tensionCheck for proper spring tension Ensure that the screw is properly tightenedEnsure that the screw is properly tightened

BrassBrass

Problem: Horn lever string is brokenProblem: Horn lever string is broken

Solution: Restring according to diagramSolution: Restring according to diagram Take care to properly loop strings under and Take care to properly loop strings under and

over over