Located in Shin-Okubo, known as the "Town of Musical Instruments," our shop is staffed by a repair team with proven expertise that has earned the trust of even the most uncompromising professional musicians.
While we simply call it "repair," there are many different approaches. It is nonsense to think that as long as the instrument produces sound, that is enough. It is true that some repair shops do view the mere production of sound as their ultimate goal.
However, at Kubokan, our approach to wind instrument repair prioritizes one question above all else: "Is this the result the musician truly wants?"
Because instruments are tools, it is the mission of the Kubokan repair team to “tune” them so that musicians can produce the sounds they desire and play the music they envision.
Of course, this does not apply to used instruments.
At Kubokan, after purchasing an instrument from a customer, we completely disassemble it to assess its condition. Since wind instruments accumulate rust and grime from moisture caused by the player’s breath, we use chemical cleaning agents to remove all dirt from the entire instrument, restoring it to a pristine state.
While it’s possible to temporarily mask stiffness in the sliding mechanisms by applying oil, Kubokan does not tolerate this. We identify the root cause—whether it’s rust, dirt, warped tubing, or poor design and assembly—and adjust the instrument accordingly.
The key to repairing used instruments is “how to restore the instrument to a neutral state.”
We strive to ensure that players can experience the instrument’s tone and character with an unbiased perspective and make an informed choice.
Our mission at Kubokan—and our responsibility—is to ensure that instruments you no longer need are passed on to the next musician in need in perfect condition.
Now, while this may sound a bit formal, our staff are very unique and, at the same time, very friendly.
Please feel free to consult us about anything, no matter how small.
We’ll work with you to find the best solution.
Wind Instrument Repair
What is Kubokan's "Wind Instrument Repair"?
Why Okubo Gakki Repairs is the Choice
The peace of mind that comes from seeing the repair work
The repair booth on the wind instrument floor is located in a corner of the sales area. Since all our repair staff also serve as sales staff, we work right next to you, where we can see the faces of our customers. There are no partitions or walls. By integrating instrument selection with adjustments and repairs, we can offer a wide range of recommendations in response to your inquiries.
Listening to Your Needs
Our repair staff will speak with you directly and propose repair methods tailored to your needs. If you have specific requests, such as “I’d like this part fixed this way,” please let us know.
If you feel “something isn’t quite right” but aren’t sure what to ask for, we’ll perform a full inspection focusing on the problematic areas. We’ll inform you of any parts that may require future repairs and explain the instrument’s current condition.
Please feel free to consult us even if you’ve been using your instrument for a long time without ever having it adjusted, or if you’d simply like us to assess its current condition.
Feel free to bring in vintage or rare instruments as well.
For over 30 years, our shop has handled a wide variety of instruments, from historic masterpieces to the latest high-end models. We don’t just restore vintage instruments to a functional state; we strive to perform adjustments that enhance their functionality while preserving their original character and atmosphere.
Additionally, the most common request for brass instruments is internal cleaning. We’ll clean instruments that have been used for years or have been sitting unused for a long time to the same standard as the used and vintage instruments we sell.
Repair Fees
Items marked with a ★ in the table below are covered free of charge during the warranty period. (However, if the issue is caused by an accident after purchase, requires part replacement, or is requested by someone other than a customer who purchased the instrument from us, a fee will apply.) *Prices shown do not include tax.
・Regular inspections and adjustments are free of charge during the warranty period. However, repairs will be charged if the malfunction is caused by an accident after purchase, if the repair involves part replacement, or if the request is made by someone other than a customer who purchased the instrument from our store.
・Please make a reservation when requesting adjustments or repairs. Before visiting our store or shipping your instrument, please contact us by phone or email to inform us of the instrument type and the nature of your request.
・Please use the prices listed in the tables as a general guide. We will provide individual quotes for instruments not listed, so please feel free to contact us.
・Depending on the instrument, we may not be able to return it on the same day it is received. In such cases, we will hold the instrument and notify you of the repair estimate and estimated completion date at a later time.
・Once we begin repairs, it may become necessary to modify or add to the scope of work. In such cases, we will proceed with the work once we have received your approval for the changes.
・Shipping costs for items brought in for adjustment are the customer’s responsibility, regardless of whether the instrument was purchased from our store or is a general repair request.
・If you have our warranty card, please bring it with you (or include it in your package).
*All prices shown are Sales Tax.
*Additional fees may apply depending on the manufacturer, the condition of the instrument, and the parts used. Prices vary depending on the condition, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
*Repairs and adjustments typically take a few days, but please feel free to contact us if you need your instrument back sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Wind Instrument Repair Acceptance and General Services
Q. Can you repair wind instruments purchased at other stores?
A. Yes, of course. We are happy to service instruments purchased elsewhere, regardless of the manufacturer or when they were purchased. If you’re unsure whether an older instrument can be repaired or would like to assess the condition of an instrument you’ve inherited, please bring it in for a consultation. Our expert staff will carefully evaluate it for you.
Q. How much do wind instrument repairs cost, and how long do they take?
A. Costs and turnaround times vary depending on the instrument’s condition and the nature of the repair, but we offer free estimates in-store. For simple adjustments, we can often return your instrument within a few days; however, if a full adjustment or overhaul is required, we typically need to keep the instrument for several weeks to a month. For detailed pricing estimates, please refer to the price list on this page or feel free to contact us by phone or chat.
Q. Do I need to make an appointment for repairs?
A. Yes, we recommend making a reservation to ensure a smooth experience. We tend to get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. If you contact us in advance, we can set aside time for you to consult directly with our repair staff, allowing us to perform a quick on-site diagnosis and provide an estimate efficiently. Even in the event of a sudden problem, please call us first to discuss your needs.
Woodwind Instrument Repairs (Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet)
Q. How often should I bring my saxophone in for repair (tuning)?
A. We recommend having your saxophone serviced (adjusted) on a regular basis, about once every six months to once a year. This is because saxophones have a complex structure, and the condition of the pads can change easily even when the instrument is not being played. Regular balance adjustments dramatically improve playability and help prevent major repairs.
Q. I dropped my clarinet and it cracked. Can it be repaired?
A. Yes, while “repairing cracks in the body” is one of the most technically demanding aspects of clarinet repair, we are fully capable of handling it. We will assess the condition of the crack and recommend the best course of action, such as gluing or pinning. We specialize in restoring older instruments, so please consult with us before giving up on your instrument.
Q. My flute isn’t producing sound as easily as it used to. Is it broken?
A. The most common issues we see with flute repairs are “difficulty producing sound” and “keys that won’t move.” These are primarily caused by gaps in the pads or an imbalance in the mechanism. At our shop, we perform precise balance adjustments to restore the flute’s original delicate tone.
Brass Instrument Repairs (Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn)
Q. The pistons on my trumpet won’t move, or the slide won’t extend.
A. Please do not force it; simply bring it to our shop as is. For trumpet repairs, we use specialized tools to remove stuck slides and adjust pistons. Additionally, since dirt inside the slides is often the cause, we also recommend a "slide cleaning" service using a specialized cleaning solution.
Q. The slide on my trombone isn’t moving smoothly. Can this be fixed with an adjustment?
A. Yes, it can be fixed. In trombone repair, slide adjustment is the most critical factor affecting playability. We correct any warping and fill in dents to ensure smooth movement. We also repair dents caused by dropping the slide.
Q. Can you adjust the rotors or replace the cords on my French horn?
A. Yes, we can. We frequently receive requests for horn repairs involving malfunctioning rotors or broken or worn-out strings. By cleaning and greasing the interior of the rotors and replacing the strings, we can significantly improve the instrument’s playability.
Repairs for Large Instruments (Euphonium, Tuba)
Q. Can you repair dents on large instruments like euphoniums and tubas?
A. Yes, we do. Because euphoniums and tubas are large instruments, they are prone to being bumped, and we frequently receive requests to repair significant dents in the bell or U-tube. At our shop, we use specialized tools designed for large instruments to restore them to their original shape as closely as possible.
Q. I live far away. Can I send a large instrument, such as a tuba, to your shop for repair?
A. Yes, we accept instruments for repair via shipping (shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility). Since instruments like tubas can be difficult to transport, many customers choose to ship them to us. To prevent damage during shipping, please contact us in advance if you have any concerns about how to pack your instrument.