Band Instrument "Quick Fix" Repair Solutions

Band Instrument “Quick Fix” Repair Solutions

Gregory Biba

Written by a Band Director for Band Directors


Save time and money and end frustration with these quick fixes!

The next time you encounter a stuck trumpet mouthpiece, trombone hand slide trouble, or a fuzzy-sounding clarinet, skip the long drive to the repair shop and the associated service fees— and consult Band Instrument “Quick Fix” Repair Solutions instead. In an easy-to-follow, intuitively organized format, this manual provides essential repair techniques and instrument maintenance suggestions. Many repairs are so easy that you and even your students can perform them with basic knowledge and instruction. The condensed and simplified instructions in the manual guide you through each repair step-by-step. The instructions are supplemented by 60+ photos and illustrations and organized in a convenient spiral-bound flip-book format. Each instrument discussed in the guide is thoroughly labeled in the appendix. Written by a K–12 band director with many years of emergency instrument repair experience, this is a must-have reference. Gregory Biba is Director of Bands in the Waupaca (Wisconsin) Public Schools.


Gregory Biba

ISBN-10: 1-57999-597-7 ISBN-13: 1-978-57999-597-3

G-6901 $price

GIA Publications, Inc.www.giamusic.com


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BBaanndd IInnssttrruummeenntt ““QQuuiicckk FFiixx”” RReeppaaiirr SSoolluuttiioonnss


Gregory Biba

GIA Publications, Inc.Chicago

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Band Instrument “Quick Fix” Repair Solutions: Written by a Band Director for Band DirectorsGregory Biba

Cover, layout, and design: Joel A. Sibick

GIA Publications, Inc.7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago 60638Copyright © 2006 GIA Publications, Inc.All rights reserved.Printed in the United States of America

G-6901ISBN-10: 1-57999-597-7ISBN-13: 1-978-57999-597-3www.giamusic.com

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UUNNIITT 11:: BBRRAASSSS IINNSSTTRRUUMMEENNTTSSCChhaapptteerr 11:: GGeenneerraall CCaarree

Minimum Essential Tools and Accessories for the Repair and Maintenance of Brass Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Stuck Mouthpiece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Cleaning the Mouthpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Straightening the Mouthpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Stuck Tuning Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Water Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Valentino Water Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Amado Water Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CChhaapptteerr 22:: PPiissttoonn VVaallvvee IInnssttrruummeennttssTTrruummppeett//CCoorrnneett,,EEuupphhoonniiuumm//BBaarriittoonnee,,TTuubbaa

Cleaning and Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Cleaning the Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Oiling the Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Valve Caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25The Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Placement of the Valve Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Valve Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Valve Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Valve Adjustment Corks and Felts. . . . . . . . . . . . 29Valve Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Water-Key Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Additional Troubleshooting Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

CChhaapptteerr 33:: SSlliiddee IInnssttrruummeenntt TTrroommbboonnee

Cleaning and Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Hand Slide Trouble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Smashed Crook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

CChhaapptteerr 44:: RRoottaarryy VVaallvvee IInnssttrruummeennttFFrreenncchh HHoorrnn

Broken Valve String/Oiling the Valves (Temporary) . . . 39Lever Arms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Valve Restringing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Additional Troubleshooting Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

UUNNIITT 22:: WWOOOODDWWIINNDD IINNSSTTRRUUMMEENNTTSSCChhaapptteerr 55:: GGeenneerraall CCaarree

Minimum Tools and Accessories for the Repair andMaintenance of Woodwind Instruments. . . . . . . . . . 48

Cleaning the Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Cleaning the Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Repairs and Maintenance on the Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Cracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Loose Tenon Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Tenon Recorking – Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ContentsIIlllluussttrraattiioonnss .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. iixxFFoorreewwoorrdd .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. xxii ii ii

vii

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The purpose of this book is to introduce both teachers and students to basic maintenance and minorrepair techniques associated with the most common problems of different band instruments. Findingthe quick fix solution to any repair will save valuable rehearsal or lesson time and could potentially saveparents money on repairs, as well as allowing the band director to use budget money on only necessaryrepairs.

Repairs typically sent to a repair shop are often simple and could instead be handled easily by theband director or a student.

Sometimes repair and maintenance manuals are too technical and complicated. More condensed, simplified instructions will help lead directors or students through repairs in a step-by-stepprocess. Remember, any time you attempt a repair, to make sure the instrument’s condition will beimproved, not worsened.

When directors show students how to handle their own minor or emergency repairs, it will enablethe young musicians to learn how to care for their own instruments.

The recommended repair tools can be obtained from any qualified repair technician; a basic kit isavailable from GIA Publications.

—Greg Biba

Foreword

xiii

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1

UNIT 1BRASS INSTRUMENTS

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3

To keep brass instruments out of the repair shop, students need to be reminded that cleaning certain partsof the instrument on a regular basis is essential. Damaging moisture comes in the form of condensationcreated when warm air meets cold brass. Saliva comes in much smaller amounts. The metal becomes corroded from the resulting oxidation reaction. The lead-pipe is a common area where small pink spotsappear outside the tubing. These red spots, called red rot, develop from the process of the copper andnickel in the brass separating through corrosion. Always remind students to remove the mouthpiece fromthe instrument when it is not being played. Also encourage students to clean both the mouthpiece andlead-pipe with lukewarm water and a mild liquid soap (Dawn, ERA, etc.). Each student should have aschedule of cleaning and oiling valves, slides, springs, and mouthpiece.

Chapter 1General Care

BrassGeneral

Care


PPiissttoonn VVaallvvee IInnssttrruummeennttss::TTrruummppeett//CCoorrnneett,,

EEuupphhoonniiuumm//BBaarriittoonnee,, TTuubbaa

TToooollssValve brushAAcccceessssoorriieessValve oil

Three sets of bottom valve springs (one for each: trumpet, cornet, euphonium/baritone,tuba)

Assorted valve stem felts for the above instruments

Valentino water key corks for the above instruments

Trumpet mouthpiece JamStopper (G & D Enterprises)

Toothpaste

SSlliiddee IInnssttrruummeenntt::TTrroommbboonnee

TToooollssTrombone snake or brush

AAcccceessssoorriieessSlide oilValentino water key corksTrombone Slide Bow

Protector (DEG Music)—prevents crook from getting smashed

RRoottaarryy VVaallvvee IInnssttrruummeenntt::FFrreenncchh HHoorrnn

TToooollssScrewdriver with thin-tipped

blade

AAcccceessssoorriieessRotary valve oilSeveral feet of braided,

30-pound test fishing line

5

Minimum Essential Tools and Accessories for the Repair and Maintenance of

Brass Instruments

BrassGeneral

Care


PPrroocceedduurree::

1. Make sure to support the braces and tubing as you grasp the instrument securely under one arm.2. With one hand, pull on the mouthpiece and twist; with the other hand, tap the mouthpiece

receiver with a rawhide mallet. Grinding one end of a rawhide mallet to a “V” helps you to more accurately hit the right point for freeing mouthpieces. (See Figure 1.1, Figure 1.2, and Figure 1.3.)

7

Stuck Mouthpiece

FFiigguurree 11..11.. RReemmoovviinngg SSttuucckk

MMoouutthhppiieeccee bbyy TTaappppiinngg oonn RReecceeiivveerr

((TTrruummppeett))



((FFrreenncchh HHoorrnn))



((TTrroommbboonnee))

WWoorrddss ooff wwiissddoomm:: When working with the trombone—1. Be certain to lock the slide.2. Strike on the mouthpiece receiver, NOT the cork barrel.

BrassGeneral

Care


33

6. Remember that half of the large breatherhole is exposed (Figure 2.5).

7. Tighten the valve stem (if needed).8. Put valve cap back on over the valve stem

and screw on the finger buton.9. Reoil the valve if needed.

10. Click the valve back in place.

Additional Troubleshooting OptionsPistonValveInst

FFiigguurree 22..55.. TToopp ooff VVaallvvee BBrreeaatthheerr HHoollee IIss EExxppoosseedd

((EEuupphhoonniiuumm))


When there is a broken valve string, which is a very common problem, it is often because a valve is stuck and the musicianforcibly depresses the valve key.

Oiling the valves should be done at least every few weeks. This canbe done by removing the valve cap and oiling the exposed shaft asit is rotated (Figure 4.1).

39

Chapter 4Rotary Valve Instrument

French HornBroken Valve String/Oiling the Valves (Temporary)

Rotary ValveInst

French Horn

FFiigguurree 44..11.. OOiilliinngg EExxppoosseedd SShhaafftt

((FFrreenncchh HHoorrnn))


To oil the top bearing, the following procedureshould be used:


1. Loosen the stop arm head screw aboutthree turns.

2. Lift the stop arm head enough so the oilcan run in on top of the bearing surface(Figure 4.2).

40

Oiling the Valves (Temporary)

FFiigguurree 44..22.. OOiilliinngg TToopp BBeeaarriinngg ((FFrreenncchh HHoorrnn))


Valve action can be greatly improved if thelevers are as close to the stop arm as possible(Figure 4.3). (Being parallel to the rotor shaft isvery important.)

Lever A is in the correct position for effectivestringing. Reminder: never adjust the height ofthe three keys by bending the key paddles.

41

Rotary ValveInst

French Horn

Lever Arms

FFiigguurree 44..33.. LLeevveerr AArrmm PPoossiittiioonniinngg ((FFrreenncchh HHoorrnn))


The string used should be woven rayon or nylonand of 30–50-pound test fishing line. Tie thestring as shown, with the string wrapping underitself to lock it under the screws (Figure 4.4).

When stringing, tighten the stop arm screw lightly to hold the lever while you finish stringing.


1. Loosen both the stop arm screw and the key lever screw and remove the brokenstring.

2. Cut a piece of string to seven or eight inches.3. Tie a double knot in one end.

42

Valve Restringing

double knot

key extensionlever

loop string clockwise around key lever screw

feed string throughkey extension lever hole

continue circling the stop arm head

1

6

5

4

stop arm head

valve adjustmentcork 2

stop arm screw3

2

FFiigguurree 44..44.. PPrrooppeerr RReessttrriinnggiinngg ((FFrreenncchh HHoorrnn))


UNIT 2WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS


One of the most important reminders for any woodwind player is to get rid of as much excess moisturefrom the instrument as possible.

Moisture appears in the form of condensation from the breath and saliva in the mouth. When water isabsorbed into a wooden instrument, the body swells and shrinks unevenly because the inside dries out moreslowly than the outside. One of the reasons wood cracks is because the natural oils evaporate around thetone holes and in the bore. Sudden temperature changes also put stress on the wood.

If wood becomes too dry, it will pull away from the metal key posts, causing them to become loose.If one of these posts is supporting a needle spring, the tension from the spring can cause the post to turn,thus binding the keys. (Tenon rings can also become loose when wood dries out and retracts.) Some otherreasons students should always swab out all sections of the instrument and avoid any exposure to sudden temperature changes are to keep the bore of the instrument clean and to draw moisture away from the pads, which extends the life of the pad and prevents residue buildup. Also, whentone holes change shape, joints shrink and don’t fit, steel rods rust, and keys become bound.

47

Chapter 5General Care

WoodwindGeneral

Care


Left-Hand Lever KeysLocated on the lower joint on the left-hand side are two long lever keys, which play the middle of thestaff B-natural and C-sharp as well as below the staff low E and F-sharp (Figure 6.8).

If the action is noisy, it is probably due to the fact that the fish skin, at the point at which the ends ofthe two long lever keys and the ends of the horizontal key arms join, is lost or has worn out (Figure 6.9).

63

Common Adjustment Problems

WoodwindClarinet

FFiigguurree 66..99.. EElliimmiinnaattiinngg NNooiissyy AAccttiioonn wwiitthh

FFiisshh SSkkiinn PPaadd,, PPllaassttiicc TTrraasshh BBaagg,, PPllaassttiicc

FFoooodd WWrraapp,, oorr TTeefflloonn TTaappee ((CCllaarriinneett))

FFiigguurree 66..88.. LLeefftt--HHaanndd LLeevveerr KKeeyyss LLooccaatteedd

oonn LLoowweerr JJooiinntt ((CCllaarriinneett))


Testing and Adjusting for Leaks

Oboes are very touchy. A certified repair technician should service an oboe if you are not

completely comfortable making necessary adjustments.


1. Press down R1 with the thumb.l With the index finger of your right hand, press L2. Notice that L-a is lowered with this action.l Insert the feeler gauge under L-a, press L2, and withdraw the gauge, hopefully with an even

drag. If the drag is uneven, the key (L-a) is not seating. Locate the small adjustment screwthat controls this key, and turn it about one-quarter (clockwise) turn.

l With the feeler gauge, check to see if key L2 is seating. If not, the adjustment screw for L-a has been turned too far and should be backed off slightly.

l Continue checking until both keys are seating.

Chapter 7Oboe

Repairs and Maintenance

71

WoodwindOboe


Octave MechanismIf the instrument fails to sound any notes in the lowregister and only those in the high register, theoctave mechanism needs adjusting.

To check the adjustment, play A and G above thestaff. When G is played, the octave key on the neckshould be down (closed). When A is played, theoctave key should be up (open).

When the octave ring is bent, the octave key onthe neckpiece will be held open all the time. Toensure that the octave key will operate correctly,bend the ring back in place while holding the padcup down (Figure 8.1).

Hold the pad cup down while pushing the octavering in slightly.

79

Common Adjustment Problems

WoodwindSaxophone

FFiigguurree 88..11.. NNeecckk:: OOccttaavvee MMeecchhaanniissmm AAddjjuussttmmeenntt

((SSaaxxoopphhoonnee))


PPrroobblleemm:: AArrmmssttrroonngg//kkeeyy bbeellooww AA--ffllaatt kkeeyy iiss ssttuucckk

SSoolluuttiioonn:: Long rods run the length of the body.As you follow the long rods to thebottom end of the body, notice thatthe longest rod that is closest to thefoot joint (E-flat key) has a smallscrew in the end (Figure 9.1). Thisscrew is in the end of the longest rod,nearest to the E-flat key of the footjoint, and it is too tight and bindingwithin the rod. Thus, loosen thescrew very slightly until the A-flatkey pad is loose enough to move freely.

103

WoodwindFlute

FFiigguurree 99..11.. KKeeyy BBeellooww AA--ffllaatt KKeeyy IIss SSttuucckk ((FFlluuttee))

LLoooosseenn tthhee ssccrreeww iinn tthhee eenndd ooff tthhee

lloonnggeesstt rroodd aanndd cclloosseesstt ttoo tthhee

ffoooott jjooiinntt EE--ffllaatt kkeeyy


APPENDIX


115

side C pad

side B< pad

A< pad

side B< key

side C key

side F# keyside E</B< key

third-ring padB/F# pad

F#/C# keyE/B key

F/C pad

E/B pad

second-ring pad

first-ring pad

F/C lever

E/B lever

F#/C# leverC#/G# key

E</B< trill keythird ring

B/F# key

A</E< key

A</B< pad

F/C key

F#/C# pad

second ring

first ring

A< key

A key

A pad

Clarinet

thumb ring

connection

side F# pad

side E</B< pad

C#/B# pad

E</B< trill pad

register key


116

side B< pad

connection

side B< keyside F# keyside E</B< key

B/F# pad (not shown)E</B< trill pad (not shown)

F#/C# key

E/B key

bell E< keyF/C padE/B pad

side C key side C pad

C#/G# key

A pad

bell E< pad (not shown)F#/C# pad (not shown)A</E< pad (not shown)

F/C keyA</E< key

G/D keyB/F# key

B</F pad/keyA/E pad/key

B/F# “third-ring” pad

C#/G# pad

C/G pad

F#/C# lever

F/C leverD/A “second-ring” helper pad

E</B< trill key

D/A “second-ring” pad/key

E/B “first-ring” pad/keyA< keyA key

E/B “first-ring” helper pad

A< pad

E/B lever

Bass Clarinet

register pad (lower)

thumb pad/key

side E</B< padside F# pad

G/D pad (not shown)

register key


118

altissimo F# pad

body octave padhigh E pad

B helper pad

alternative altissimo key

B pad/key

Bis keyA key

G key

B< key

A padG pad

G# padconnection

high E key

side C keyaltissimo F# key

E pad/keychromatic F# key

D pad/keyE< key

bell C key

bell C pad

E< pad

bell C# pad

bell B padbell B< pad

F helper padbell B< key

bell B key

bell C# key

G# keyF palm key

D palm key

E< palm key

palm D pad (not shown)

palm E< pad (not shown)

palm F pad

neck octave pad

Saxophone

octave key side B< key

F pad/key


Band Instrument "Quick Fix" Repair Solutions

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