Services & Pricing

This service mostly fits student-level instruments in relatively good condition, and consists of a basic “tune-up”. I’ll check out the entire mechanism, make adjustments as needed, and may replace some some pads and corks if needed. This job typically runs 1-3 hours, so the labor costs range from $100-300 plus supply charges. Some common supply charges are below. Please bear in mind that these are the charges for these items as part of a larger job. 

Tenon cork: $18

Saxophone neck cork: $30

Flute crown cork: $20

Bladder, cork,or synthetic pads: $12 each

Leather pads: up to $24 each

A more thorough “tune-up” suitable for professional and intermediate level instruments. The mechanism will be disassembled, hinges wiped to remove old lubricants, mechanisms will be fitted to ensure smooth and consistent action, and the mechanism will be re-lubricated. Necessary adjustments will be made, pads and corks will be replaced as needed, and silver keys will be polished as much as possible without damaging pads. For saxophones and flutes, the body may be washed. Clarinets and double reeds may have the body and tone holes wiped down by hand to remove buildup. This job can run 3-8 hours depending on the prior condition of the instrument, so anticipate labor charges from around $250 to around $650, plus supply charges as outlined above.

This job is suited to student-level instruments or pro-level instruments in good mechanical condition, and includes replacing all pads (and typically all corks) on an instrument, plus cleaning as needed. A repad doesn’t usually address fine mechanical issues such as precise key fitting and alignment, but does address major issues like bent mechanisms. Supply charges are rolled into the price of a repad, so for student-level instruments, total costs can range from $400 (for plastic student-level clarinets) to $960 (for tenor saxophones). For professional level instruments, supply costs will tend to be higher, so costs can range from about $550 to over $1000.

Disassembling the entire instrument, degreasing, ultrasonically cleaning all parts (the shop has a 90-gallon ultrasonic cleaner that can accomodate everything up to tubas), reassembling and lubricating, replacing waterkey corks, valve felts or bumpers, and springs as needed. Chem clean prices typically range from $120 for student level trumpets to $250 for double horns. Euphoniums and tubas typically start around $200 and can be as high as $500. For silver- or gold-plated instruments, polishing may be added as an optional service, and typically increases the price by $100 to $200 depending on the condition of the plating. Common add-on services are below.

Solder joint: $25 each

Stuck slide: $25, or more if the time required is greater than 15 minutes

Dent work: billed by time in 15-minute increments. The hourly rate is $100, or $25for every 15 minutes.

Phillip McKenna is a Registered Piano Technician and owns True Key Tuning based out of Phoenixville.

Mike Haney operates The Guitar Doctor in Exeter and performs all manner of repairs for all fretted string instruments.

George’s Music in Spring City can handle minor repairs and set-ups for guitars, basses, and other fretted string instruments. They also have other locations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.

Frank Saam at Taylor’s Music in West Chester is a graduate of the International School of Violin Making in Cremona, Italy, and can handle all manner of repairs to orchestral string instruments. He also operates his own shop based in Magnolia, NJ.

Rich and Tina Gervasi at ACE Electronics Repair in Phoenixville specialize in repairing home electronics, amplifiers, and other audio equipment.