Woodwind Repairs

Booths Music is proud to have been providing woodwind repairs and services in Bolton since the 1800s. Please click below for more information.

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A service on a woodwind instrument can mean the difference from a wheezy, thin sounding and hard to blow (what my grandpa would call) gas pipe to a free flowing, precisely accurate and perfectly intonated instrument.

If a key or pad is badly fitted or the regulation on an instrument is poor then the task of playing this instrument will be twice as hard as it should be, if not impossible.

It is imperative that everything locks up correctly and no air is allowed to escape from the keywork, this being the end result of the woodwind repairs service.

A Typical Woodwind Instrument Service

Firstly, all necessary keywork being removed from the instrument enables the cleaning and de-greasing of the tubing and soundhole rims.

Individual keys can then be inspected and cleaned. Pads can be revitalised and any cork replaced. It is now a good time to check the condition of all the springs and if necessary renew them.

Once cleaned and prepared for re-assembly, all rods, pivot points and screws are lubricated. This step is essential to the smooth operation of the keys. At this point, the keys are ready to be reassembled back onto the instrument, which gives us a chance to assess the seating of the pads and the individual spring tension to each key. A not too strong but not too weak balance must be achieved to generate an even consistency of pressure throughout the range of keys.

The next step is to check the condition of any pads, felts or corks. When we they are assured to be in good order and back on the instrument, we can then move onto the most important area to any woodwind instrument’s wellbeing – regulating the keywork. Many keys have a duty to work in unison with one or several others. Therefore, it is essential they all work in harmony. The fine balancing of the keys is majorly important.

Finally, after a pressure test and a final polish are completed, the renewed life to your woodwind instrument can now be enjoyed to the full.

Whether you require a saxophone service, flute service, or clarinet service, these points must be addressed during all woodwind repairs to ensure the instruments’ optimum playability.

What’s more, a thorough clean (including a careful check that no excess keyoil has leaked onto the instrument) as well as a final pressure check to confirm that all the keywork locks up perfectly will mean your flute service, clarinet service or saxophone service is complete.

Recent Reviews

"My six year old flute was beginning to sound breathy and it was getting hard to play top notes clearly (I thought it was me). Tony serviced my flute last week. It sounds like a brand new flute! It sings again 🎶. Tony replaced a faulty key pad and sorted out the cork mechanism which was moving around. Thank you so much. I’ll be back again next year for its next service"

Alison Fieldhouse

Facebook review

"Just visited the shop after my Flute had slightly broken the day before my Grade 7 exam! The folks there were lovely and reassuring that I would be able to get it fixed, and I did!! I can’t thank them enough for saving the day, especially Tony, and they even offered to do it free of charge! Fantastic people with a fantastic service. I am extremely grateful to them and cannot recommend the shop enough. Thank you!! 5 stars from me"

Laura Moss

Facebook Review

"I am writing to thank you for your repair of my clarinet that my mum (Susan) brought in for repair. My son Gabe (9) had his first lesson today in New York State. I am thrilled with your repair - it feels even better that when my parents bought it for me back in 1984!! Gabe is so excited to learn. Thanks! Zoe"

Zoe Berko

Direct review

"It’s so great that we have this amazing music shop in Bolton. They do instrument repairs, they even repair oboes. Thank you so much to Tony for making such an effort to repair my oboe quickly in the middle of a stressful week. Such friendly, helpful staff."

Jackie Tomlinson

Facebook Review

See also our recent Facebook and Google Reviews

Cost of Woodwind Repairs (inc. VAT)

Flute service – £120.00 (inc. vat)

Clarinet service – £120.00 (inc. vat)

Saxophone Alto – £175.00 / Tenor £195.00 (inc. vat)

Oboe / Bassoon – Price on Inspection

Prices are including VAT and necessary pad replacements. We have done some characterful and interesting instruments of great diversity within our service criteria for customers, whether it’s for flute, clarinet or saxophone we would love to have the opportunity to improve its overall playability.

We can arrange to have your instrument picked up for woodwind repairs and redelivered for a £5.00 each way trip within the local areas (see below). Farther afield would have an additional cost.

Depending on workroom activity normal turnaround is usually within three days. We are happy to quote for any other repair or upgrade you may require to any instrument.

Useful pages – tips for SAXOPHONE MAINTENANCE | FLUTE MAINTENANCE.

Instrument Collection Service

Instrument repairs with the convenience of pick-up and return.

Pickup and return days are currently the mornings of Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the service is available for those in Bolton and its surrounding areas. Please click below for more information.