1. Common Instrument Problems By Keren & Michael Barr North Georgia Band Instrument Service

2. Woodwinds Problem: Key is not returning to its resting position (either open or closed) Solution: Check to ensure that the spring is in its appropriate cradle on the key Use a spring hook to manipulate springs in to position Use a spring hook to manipulate springs in to position

3. Woodwinds Problem: Saxophone or bass clarinet neck is too loose Solution: Check the neck screw – it should enter the socket from the side with no threads Bundy and Bundy II, some European horns enter from the player’s left, others from the right Bundy and Bundy II, some European horns enter from the player’s left, others from the right

4. Woodwinds Problem: Instrument is squeaking, out of tune, or won’t play properly and there are no signs of damage to pads or key work Solution: Check that all joints match If a joint or neck is loose air can leak from the area causing the entire instrument to not play properly If a joint or neck is loose air can leak from the area causing the entire instrument to not play properly Check the reed, mouthpiece or ligature for cracks, chips and other damage Check the reed, mouthpiece or ligature for cracks, chips and other damage

5. Woodwinds Problem: Saxophone will not play in low register Solution: Check octave key adjustment

6. Brass Problem: Air will not flow freely through the horn Solution: Check that all valves are aligned properly Remove valves, insert 3 rd, blow, insert 2 nd, blow, insert 1 st, blow Remove valves, insert 3 rd, blow, insert 2 nd, blow, insert 1 st, blow Check condition of valve guide Check condition of valve guide

7. Brass Problem: Air will not flow freely through Yamaha euphonium or piston tuba Solution: Two holes on top of valve Small hole is for for guide tab Small hole is for for guide tab Larger hole is a vent Larger hole is a vent Also applies to Jupiter tubas and euphoniums Also applies to Jupiter tubas and euphoniums

9. Brass Problem: Trumpet valve has been disassembled Solution: Reassemble in this order: Insert the valve guide through the side of the spring barrel Insert the valve guide through the side of the spring barrel Insert the spring ON TOP of the valve guide Insert the spring ON TOP of the valve guide Screw on the valve stem Screw on the valve stem Place the stem felt over the stem Place the stem felt over the stem Place the top cap over the stem felt Place the top cap over the stem felt Screw on the finger button Screw on the finger button Consult one of the other valve to check for the proper orientation of the guides Consult one of the other valve to check for the proper orientation of the guides

11. Brass Problem: Stuck mouthpiece Solution: Use a Bobcat mouthpiece puller VERY user-friendly VERY user-friendly Will remove 98% of stuck mouthpieces Will remove 98% of stuck mouthpieces Very safe when used properly Very safe when used properly

12. Brass

13. Brass Problem: Waterkey is leaking Solution: Check condition of waterkey assembly Check the waterkey cork and replace if necessary Check the waterkey cork and replace if necessary Check for proper spring tension Check for proper spring tension Ensure that the screw is properly tightened Ensure that the screw is properly tightened

14. Brass Problem: Horn lever string is broken Solution: Restring according to diagram Take care to properly loop strings under and over Take care to properly loop strings under and over