Are you experiencing challenges when attempting to play your instrument? Does the sound seem off? It may be time to have it assessed for repairs. As you go about this process:
- Establish a regular relationship with a repair technician - Find someone who specializes in your instrument and build a relationship with them. Going to a different technician each time means you're dealing with a new set of eyes and new perspective, and a record of all repairs likely won't be available.
- Realize that timelines for repairs can vary - Duration of repairs vary based on the scope of work. On this note, realize that the shop may not have every replacement part available and will need to order specialized components in this case. Considering these factors, certain repairs can be done that same day, while others may take weeks. For longer jobs, consider asking the music store or your teacher for a loaner instrument to continue practicing and making progress.
- Tell your technician everything that's wrong with the instrument - This should extend from larger damage to smaller concerns, as all may be behind your instrument's sound and playability issues. The technician will keep these points in mind as they assess your instrument.
- Don't be afraid to discuss the estimate - After the assessment, you'll receive an estimate for all work that needs to be done. However, realize that as the job unfolds, the technician may find more repairs need to be addressed and may update the initial amount.
- Reduce future repairs through preventative care - Whatever instrument you play, learn the proper maintenance routines to extend its lifespan. Address worn-out parts and buildup on a regular basis rather than deal with an emergency later. Consider scheduling in yearly repairs or professional cleaning for this purpose.