Our shop, located in Shin-Okubo—known as the town of musical instruments—is staffed by a repair team with proven expertise, trusted even by professional musicians who demand perfection.
Repairs come in many forms. It's nonsense to think that just producing sound is enough. Indeed, some repair shops do treat producing sound as their sole goal.
HoweverKubokanWhen it comes to wind instrument repair, I always prioritize whether that's the answer the player wants.
Because instruments are tools, they must be "adjusted" to enable the player to produce the desired sound and create the music they envision.KubokanThe mission of the repair team.
Of course, this does not apply to used instruments.
KubokanAfter purchasing an instrument from a customer, we first disassemble it completely to inspect its condition. Since wind instruments accumulate rust and grime from moisture in exhaled breath, we perform a chemical cleaning to remove all dirt from the entire instrument, restoring it to a pristine state.
Even if the pull-out tube is somewhat stiff, applying oil can make it work.KubokanOf course, we won't allow that. We'll determine whether the cause is rust or dirt, pipe distortion, or poor design and assembly, and make the necessary adjustments.
The key to repairing used instruments lies in restoring them to a neutral state.
We strive to ensure performers can experience the instrument's tone and character with an unbiased perspective, enabling them to make their selection.
Our mission is to ensure that instruments no longer needed are passed on to the next musician who needs them in perfect condition.KubokanThat is the responsibility.
Well, this has turned into quite a formal piece of writing, but the staff are very unique individuals and also incredibly friendly.
Please feel free to consult us about anything, no matter how small.
We will work with you to find the best solution.
Wind Instrument Repair
KubokanWhat is "Wind Instrument Repair"?
Okubo GakkiWhy Repair is Chosen
The reassurance of seeing the repair work
The repair booth for wind instruments is located within the sales area. All repair staff also serve as sales staff, so we work right nearby where we can see our customers' faces. There are no partitions or walls. We integrate instrument adjustments and repairs with instrument selection, offering comprehensive advice in response to customer inquiries.
Listening to your requests
Our repair staff will speak with you directly and propose repair methods tailored to your needs. If you have specific requests, such as "I want this part fixed this way," please let us know.
If you're feeling off and unsure what to request, we'll focus on the problematic areas and perform a full inspection. We'll inform you of any parts that may need future repairs and provide details on the current condition.
If you've been using it for a long time but have never had it adjusted, or if you'd like us to check its condition, please feel free to contact us.
Feel free to inquire about vintage and rare instruments.
For over 30 years, our shop has handled a wide variety of instruments, from historic masterpieces to the latest high-end models. We strive not only to restore vintage instruments to playable condition, but also to carefully preserve their original character and feel while upgrading them to be more functional.
Additionally, the most common request for brass instruments is internal cleaning. We will clean instruments that have been used for many years or have been stored away for a long time, just as we do for the used and vintage instruments we sell.
Repair Fee
The table below★Items marked with an asterisk will be serviced free of charge during the warranty period. (However, charges will apply if the malfunction is caused by an accident after purchase, if parts replacement is required, or if the request comes from someone other than the original purchaser at our store.) *Prices shown exclude tax.
・Regular inspections and adjustments are free of charge during the warranty period. However, charges will apply for malfunctions caused by accidents after purchase, cases requiring part replacement, or requests from customers who did not purchase the item from our store.
・When requesting adjustments or repairs, please make an appointment. Before visiting our shop or shipping your instrument, please inform us by phone or email of the instrument type and the nature of your request.
・The fees listed in each table are for reference purposes only. For instruments not listed, we will provide individual quotes upon request. Please feel free to inquire.
・Depending on the instrument, same-day repairs may not be possible. In such cases, we will take the instrument in for repair and provide you with an estimate and estimated completion date at a later date.
・In some cases, changes or additions to the repair work may become necessary once we begin the repair process. Should this occur, we will proceed with the work once we have received your approval for the changes.
・Shipping costs for adjustment requests are the customer's responsibility, regardless of whether the item was purchased from our store or is a general request.
・If you have our warranty card, please bring it with you (or enclose it).
※All prices shown include tax.
※Additional charges may apply depending on the manufacturer, instrument condition, and parts used. Prices vary based on condition, so please feel free to contact us with any questions.
※Repairs and adjustments generally require several days, but please feel free to inquire if you need it done quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wind Instrument Repair: Acceptance and General Services
Q. Can you repair or service wind instruments purchased from other stores?
A. Yes, absolutely. We gladly accept instruments purchased elsewhere, regardless of manufacturer or purchase date. If you're wondering, "Can this old instrument be repaired?" or "I want to know the condition of an inherited instrument," please bring it in for an initial consultation. Our expert staff will carefully assess it.
Q. How much does it cost to repair a wind instrument, and how long does it take?
A. Pricing varies depending on the instrument's condition and the required repairs, but we offer free estimates in-store. Simple adjustments can often be completed within a few days. However, for comprehensive adjustments or overhauls, 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 an appointment for repairs?
A. Yes, we recommend making an appointment for a smoother experience. Weekends and holidays can be particularly busy. If you contact us in advance, we can schedule time for you to consult directly with our repair staff, allowing for a quick on-site diagnosis and smooth estimate provision. For sudden issues, please call us first for consultation.
Woodwind Instrument Repair (Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet)
Q. How often should I have my saxophone serviced (adjusted)?
A. Saxophone Repair recommends regular maintenance every six months to a year. Saxophones have complex structures, and the condition of the pads can easily change even when not played. Regular balancing adjustments dramatically improve playability and prevent major repairs.
Q. I dropped my clarinet and it broke. Can it be repaired?
A. Yes, while "repairing cracks in the clarinet body" requires advanced technical skills, our shop can handle it. We will assess the condition of the crack and propose the optimal solution, such as adhesive bonding or pinning. We also specialize in restoring vintage instruments, so please consult with us before giving up.
Q. My flute is becoming difficult to play. Is it broken?
A. The most common issues we receive for flute repairs are "difficulty producing sound" and "keys not moving smoothly." These are primarily caused by gaps in the pads or imbalance in the mechanism. At our shop, we perform precise balance adjustments to restore the flute's original delicate resonance.
Repair of Brass Instruments (Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn)
Q. The trumpet pistons won't move, or the slide won't extend.
A. Please do not attempt to force it open; simply bring it to our shop. For trumpet repairs, we use specialized tools to extract stuck tubes and adjust pistons. Since internal buildup is often the cause, we also recommend a "tube cleaning" service using a specialized cleaning solution.
Q. My trombone slide isn't moving smoothly. Can it be fixed with an adjustment?
A. Yes, it can be repaired. In trombone repair, slide adjustment is the most critical aspect affecting playability. We correct slide warping and remove dents to ensure smooth movement. We also handle dent removal if the slide has been dropped.
Q. Can you adjust the rotary valves or replace the strings on my horn?
A. Yes, it is possible. At Horn Repair, we frequently receive requests for rotary valve malfunctions and broken or replacement strings. Cleaning the rotary valve mechanism, applying grease, and replacing the strings significantly improves operability.
Repair of Large Instruments (Euphonium, Tuba)
Q. Can you repair dents on large instruments like euphoniums and tubas?
A. Yes, we handle repairs. Euphonium and tuba repairs are common due to the instruments' size making them prone to bumps and dents, with frequent requests for significant dent repairs on the bell and U-shaped tube. Our shop uses specialized tools designed for large instruments to restore them as close as possible to their original shape.
Q. Since I live far away, can I send large instruments like a tuba to your shop for repair?
A. Yes, we also accept repairs via shipping (shipping costs are the customer's responsibility). Since transporting items like tubas can be difficult, many customers choose to ship their instruments to us. To prevent damage during transit, please contact us beforehand if you have any concerns about packaging methods.