Instrument Repairs

When Do I Need To Get My Instrument Repaired?

It is important to pay close attention to your instrument when you are playing it. If something is not working or sounding like it usually does, it is best to ask your teacher about it and they can help determine if it needs to be repaired. There are some small repairs that can easily be done by your band teacher, but others may need to be completed by a professional instrument repair technician.

Things to watch out for: 

• Keys or valves get stuck or don’t move properly

• Part of your instrument won’t come apart 

• If you accidentally drop or knock over your instrument, let your band teacher know so they can look it over

It is a good idea to plan when you will drop your instrument off for repairs. Sometimes repairs can take a while or there are other instruments ahead of yours in line to be completed first. Planning to drop off your instrument during a break from school when possible (eg. summer months or March Break) will help avoid you being without your instrument for a period of time while you have band rehearsals. 

Why Should I Take My Instrument In For A Yearly “Check-up”?

Even if you do not notice any problems with your instrument, it is a good idea to bring it in for an annual maintenance check. This can sometimes help avoid problems before they occur. Repair technicians can catchthings liek loose springs, keys, rust or wear on the inide of the instrument, and more. The summer months are a perfect time to take your isnturment in for a yearly check-up since you won’t need to worry about being without your instrument during any point of the school year.

How Do I Get My Instrument Repaired? How Much Will It Cost?

If you are renting your instrument from Long and McQuade, they provide a school instrument protection plan with all school rentals for $2/month. If you opted in to this plan with your rental, you can take your instrument to Long and McQuade anytime for repairs or maintenance at no extra cost. If you purchase your instrument or opted out of the protection plan with your rental, you can still take your instrument in to be repaired for a fee. See the Long and McQuade band instrument repair pricing list here. 

If you have an instrument loan from Halifax Regional Arts (loan program based on financial need), and repairs are required on your instrument, let your teacher know. It will need to be returned to the instrument loan centre for repairs. These repairs will be completed at no cost to students/families.