Repair Services
Behind the Bench — Repair Department
Need Your
Instrument Repaired?
Every musician deserves an instrument that works with them. Our expert technicians keep brass, woodwind, and orchestral instruments in peak condition — so you can focus on the music.
Every musician deserves an instrument that works with them, not against them.
Over time, everyday playing can lead to wear, small adjustments, and hidden issues that affect tone, response, comfort, and confidence. Whether it is a sticky valve, a leaking pad, a slipping peg, or bow hair that has seen better days, even minor problems can make making music harder than it should be. Our maintenance and repair services help keep brass, woodwind, and orchestral instruments performing at their best, so players can focus less on the instrument fighting back and more on enjoying the music.
Sometimes the problem is not the player, it is the instrument. Small issues like leaks, sticking parts, worn strings, or bow hair can make great playing much harder than it should be. If your instrument feels harder to play, sounds different than usual, or starts making noises it should not make, it may be time for maintenance.
Select Your Instrument Category
Here are ways to recognize when it may be time for brass instrument maintenance:
- Valves feel sticky, slow, or do not move smoothly
- Slides are hard to move or stuck
- Air leaks that make the instrument feel less responsive
- Buzzing or rattling sounds that should not be there
- Notes feel harder to center or slot than usual
- Tone sounds thin, stuffy, or uneven
- Water keys do not seal properly
- Mouthpiece gets stuck
- Dents affecting airflow or playability
- Loose braces, caps, screws, or parts that vibrate
- Tuning becomes more difficult than normal
- Corrosion or buildup inside the instrument
Here are ways to recognize when it may be time for woodwind instrument maintenance:
- Pads leaking air
- Keys sticking or moving sluggishly
- Notes that suddenly do not speak clearly
- Squeaking, squealing, or chirping more than normal
- Difficulty moving between registers
- Keys feel bent, misaligned, or out of adjustment
- Springs feel weak or broken
- Corks are worn, loose, or missing
- Tenons feel too tight or too loose
- Airy, fuzzy, or unstable tone
- Clicking, rattling, or mechanical noise from keys
- Cracks in the body or damage to the mouthpiece
- Reed setup feels unusually difficult even with a good reed
- Instrument feels harder to play than it used to
Here are ways to recognize when it may be time for orchestral string maintenance:
Includes violin, viola, cello, and bass.
- Strings sound dull, false, or do not stay in tune
- Pegs slip or stick
- Fine tuners are hard to turn or not working well
- Bridge is leaning, warped, or out of place
- Buzzing, rattling, or wolfy sounds
- Seams open or glue joints begin to separate
- Cracks in the instrument
- Fingerboard feels uneven or worn
- Notes do not speak clearly or evenly
- Instrument feels harder to play or less responsive
- Soundpost issues affecting tone and response
- Chinrest or tailpiece feels loose
- Excess wear around the nut or saddle
- Tone becomes muted, thin, or less resonant than usual
Here are ways to recognize when it may be time for bow maintenance:
- Bow hair is stretched, dirty, or missing in spots
- Bow needs excessive rosin or still slips on the string
- Hair does not grip evenly
- Stick looks warped or no longer tracks straight
- Frog feels loose or unstable
- Screw is hard to turn or not functioning smoothly
- Unusual rattles or vibrations
- Tip plate or other parts are loose or damaged
- Bow feels unbalanced or harder to control
- Bow no longer pulls a full, clean tone
Ready to Get Your
Instrument Performing?
If your instrument isn’t playing like it should, we’re here to help. Visit your nearest location or call to talk with our team about maintenance, adjustments, and repair options.
Request a RepairQuality Instrument Repair Services
Professional, personalized service from experienced technicians who treat your instrument with the care it deserves
At Heid Music, we understand how important your instrument is to you—whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a lifelong musician. Our experienced repair technicians are here to help keep your instrument in top playing condition with service you can trust.
State-of-the-Art Repair Facilities
Our fully equipped, climate-controlled repair shops are designed for precision, safety, and quality. From brass and woodwinds to strings and percussion, our shops are set up for professional-grade results.
Decades of Experience
Our team of experienced technicians brings decades of combined knowledge to every repair. Whether it’s routine maintenance or complex restoration, your instrument is in the best hands.
Competitive Turnaround
Our efficient repair process helps minimize downtime, with turnaround times that balance quality craftsmanship and timely service.
What Our Customers Say
“I highly recommend their wonderful luthier, Kara McCanna! I will always trust her with my instrument. She is incredibly kind, attentive to detail, and supportive of all of your needs!”
“I sent my professional F tuba in to get a chem. flush and was VERY pleased with the quality work received. Marty Vajgrt is a great technician. I’ll be headed back with my CC tuba soon.”
“Fantastic customer service, not only got my guitar looked at sooner than expected, but made adjustments and gave a detailed inspection. Top notch service. Don’t hesitate to bring your gear to Matt. He knows his stuff and does it all with a smile!”
Behind the Bench
Instrument Repair
with Adam
Join Adam, Heid Music’s Repair Manager, as he brings band instruments back to life in real-time. From brass to woodwinds, these livestreams showcase the intricate process of diagnosing issues, making precise adjustments, and restoring instruments to peak performance.
Whether you’re a band student, director, or just curious about the craftsmanship behind your favorite instruments, this playlist offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the repair process. Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to never miss a livestream!
Watch the Full PlaylistFrequently Asked Questions
Most repairs require time for proper evaluation and service. While minor adjustments may be possible on the spot, most instruments will need to be checked in for repair. We'll provide an estimate within 3 business days if requested.
We perform a quick assessment at check-in, but detailed estimates are typically provided within 3 business days by our repair team. You can approve repairs up to a specific dollar amount during check-in to expedite service.
We're happy to discuss general pricing and services, but a physical evaluation is required for an accurate estimate. Once your instrument is checked in, we'll provide a formal estimate within 3 business days.
Loaner instruments may be available depending on location and inventory. Please contact your local Heid Music store for availability and eligibility.
Absolutely! We service instruments regardless of where they were purchased, as long as they are brands we support. If your instrument is not serviceable, we'll help you explore rental or purchase options.
Bring your instrument to any Heid Music location. We'll check it in under your account, assess its condition, and begin the repair process. Be sure to bring all components (e.g., mouthpiece, neck) and a case if possible.
Appraisals are not part of our standard repair services. Please contact your local store to inquire about appraisal availability.
Yes, we stand behind our repair services. If you have concerns after your repair, please reach out to the store where the service was performed.
We perform warranty work for brands we carry. Please bring your proof of purchase and warranty documentation when checking in your instrument.
Ready to Get Your Instrument Serviced?
Visit your nearest Heid Music location or request a repair to learn more about our services.