Located in Shin-Okubo, known as a town for musical instruments, our shop is comprised of a repair team with proven skills, supported by professional musicians who refuse to compromise on quality.
There are many different types of repairs. Simply getting sound out is nonsense. While it's true that some repair shops consider getting sound out their goal, that's not always the case.
HoweverKubokanWhen it comes to repairing wind instruments, our primary consideration is whether "that's the answer the player is looking for."
Because musical instruments are tools, it's important to "adjust" them so that the player can produce the sound they want and play the music they want to play.KubokanThat's the repair team's mission.
Of course, this does not apply to used instruments.
KubokanAfter purchasing the instrument from the customer, we completely disassemble it to check its condition. Since wind instruments accumulate rust and dirt due to moisture from the breath used, we use chemicals to clean the entire instrument and make it completely clean.
Even if the tuning slides are a little stiff, you can compensate for it by applying oil.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 then make adjustments.
What's required when repairing used instruments is "how to restore the instrument to a neutral state."
We strive to ensure that performers can appreciate the tone and individuality of each instrument from a neutral perspective and make informed choices.
Our goal is to pass on unwanted instruments in perfect condition to the next musician who needs them.KubokanAnd that is responsibility.
Although this has been a rather formal description, the staff members are all very unique and yet very friendly.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, no matter how small.
We will work with our customers to find the best solution.
Wind instrument repair
KubokanWhat is "wind instrument repair"?
Okubo GakkiReasons why our repair service is chosen
The peace of mind that comes from being able to see the repair work being done.
The repair booth on the wind instrument floor is located in a corner of the sales area. All of our repair staff also work as sales staff, so they can see the faces of our customers as they visit us and work very close by. There are no partitions or walls. We don't separate adjustments/repairs from instrument selection, and we offer a wide range of suggestions to address our customers' inquiries.
We will listen to your requests.
Our repair staff will speak with you directly and propose a repair method that meets your needs. Please let us know if you have any specific requests, such as "I want this done this way."
If you're experiencing issues and aren't sure what to request, we'll perform a thorough inspection focusing on the problematic areas. We'll then inform you of any areas that might require future repairs and assess the current condition of your device.
Please feel free to contact us if you've been using it for a long time but have never had it adjusted, or if you'd like us to take a look at its condition.
Vintage and rare instruments are also welcome.
For over 30 years, our shop has handled a wide variety of instruments, from historical masterpieces to the latest high-end models. We don't just aim to get vintage instruments into a playable state; we strive to upgrade them to be more functional while preserving their original character and atmosphere.
Furthermore, the most frequent request for brass instruments is internal cleaning. We will clean your instrument, whether it has been used for many years or has been dormant 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, if the cause of the malfunction is due to an accident after purchase, or if parts replacement is required, or if the request is made by someone other than the customer who purchased the product from our store, there will be a charge.) *Prices shown are exclusive of tax.
*For minors, requests will generally be limited to consultation and condition check only. Repairs that cannot restore the item to its original condition or expensive repairs will only proceed after obtaining parental consent.[terms of service]）
• Regular inspections and adjustments are free of charge during the warranty period. However, if the malfunction is caused by an accident after purchase, requires parts replacement, or is requested by someone other than the customer who purchased the product from our store, there will be a charge.
Please make a reservation if you wish to request adjustments or repairs. Please inform us of the type of instrument and the details of your request by phone or email before visiting or sending your instrument to us.
Please use the prices in each table as a reference only. 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 repair and return it on the same day. In that case, we will keep the instrument and inform you of the repair estimate and expected completion date at a later date.
・In some cases, it may be necessary to change or add to the repair work once we have begun the repair process. In such cases, we will proceed with the work only after receiving your approval for the changes.
- Shipping costs for items sent for adjustment will be borne by the customer, regardless of whether they were purchased from our store or are general service requests.
If you have our store's warranty certificate, please bring it with you (or enclose it).
*All prices shown areSales Taxis.
*Additional charges 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 with any questions.
*Repairs and adjustments generally take several days, but please contact us if you need it urgently.
FAQ
Regarding the acceptance and general services for wind instrument repairs.
Q. Can you repair or service wind instruments that I purchased from other stores?
A. Yes, of course. We are happy to service instruments purchased elsewhere, regardless of the manufacturer or purchase date. If you're unsure whether an old instrument can be repaired, or if you want to know the condition of an instrument you inherited, please bring it in. Our expert staff will carefully diagnose it.
Q. How much does it cost and how long does it take to repair a wind instrument?
A. The cost varies depending on the condition of the instrument and the repair required, but we can provide a free estimate in-store. Simple adjustments can be completed within a few days, but if a complete adjustment or overhaul is necessary, it will typically take several weeks to a month. For detailed pricing information, please see 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 for smoother service. Weekends and holidays, in particular, can be busy. If you contact us in advance, we can reserve time for you to speak directly with our repair staff, and we can provide a quick diagnosis and estimate on the spot more smoothly. Even in the case of an urgent problem, please contact us by phone first.
Woodwind instrument repair (saxophone, flute, clarinet)
Q. How often should I have my saxophone repaired (adjusted)?
A. For saxophone repairs, we recommend regular adjustments every six months to a year. This is because saxophones have a complex structure, and the condition of the pads can easily change even when not being played. Regular balance adjustments dramatically improve playability and can prevent major repairs.
Q. I dropped my clarinet and it broke. Can it be repaired?
A. Yes, among clarinet repairs, "repairing cracks in the instrument's body" requires advanced skills, but we are able to handle it. We will check the condition of the crack and propose the most suitable treatment, such as gluing or pinning. We also specialize in restoring older instruments, so please consult us before giving up.
Q. My flute is becoming difficult to play. Is it broken?
A. The most common flute repair requests we receive are for issues such as "difficulty producing sound" and "keys that won't move." These are mainly caused by gaps in the pads or imbalances in the mechanism. At our shop, we perform precise balance adjustments to restore the flute's original delicate sound.
Brass instrument repair (trumpet, trombone, horn)
Q. The pistons on my trumpet won't move, or the tuning slides won't come out.
A. Please bring it to our shop as is, without trying to force it to move. In trumpet repair, we use specialized tools to remove stuck tubing and adjust pistons. Also, since dirt inside the tubing is often the cause, we recommend "tube cleaning" using a special cleaning solution.
Q. The slide on my trombone isn't moving smoothly. Can it be fixed with adjustment?
A. Yes, it can be repaired. In trombone repair, slide adjustment is the most important part that affects playability. We correct any distortions or dents in the slide to ensure smooth movement. We also repair dents caused by dropping the slide.
Q. Can you adjust the rotary valves on my French horn and replace the strings?
A. Yes, it is possible. In horn repair, we frequently receive requests for rotary valve malfunctions and broken or replaced strings. Cleaning and greasing the inside of the rotary valve and replacing the strings will significantly improve its operability.
Repair of large musical instruments (euphonium, tuba)
Q. Can you repair dents in large instruments such as euphoniums and tubas?
A. Yes, we do offer that service. Euphonium and tuba repairs are common because, due to their large size, they are prone to being bumped, and we frequently receive requests to repair large dents in the bell and U-tube. At our shop, we use specialized tools for large instruments and restore them to their original shape as closely as possible.
Q. Since I live far away, can I send large instruments like tubas to your shop for repair?
A. Yes, we accept repairs via mail (shipping costs will be borne by the customer). Tuba repairs, for example, can be difficult to transport, so many customers choose to use our mail-in service. To prevent accidents during shipping, please contact us in advance if you have any concerns about packaging.