Located in Shin-Okubo—known as the “Town of Musical Instruments”—our shop is staffed by a repair team with proven technical expertise that has earned the trust of even the most uncompromising professional musicians. While the term “repair” may seem straightforward
, there are many different approaches. It’s nonsense to think that simply producing a sound is enough. It’s true that some repair shops view the mere production of sound as their ultimate goal. However
, Kubokan, our approach to wind instrument repair prioritizes one question above all else: “Is this the result the musician truly wants?”
Since musical instruments are tools, the mission of the Kubokan repair team is to “adjust” them so that musicians can produce the sounds they desire and perform the music they envision. Of course
, this does not apply to used instruments.
Kubokan, after purchasing an instrument from a customer, we completely disassemble it to assess its condition. Because 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 “cover up” slightly stiff sliding mechanisms by applying oil, we Kubokan of course, do not tolerate this. We carefully diagnose the cause—whether it’s rust, dirt, a warped tube, or a flaw in the design or 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 musicians can experience the instrument’s natural tone and character with an unbiased perspective and make an informed choice.At Kubokan, our responsibility
is to ensure that instruments you no longer need are passed on to the next musician in need in perfect condition.
While this may sound a bit formal, our staff members are very unique and, at the same time, very friendly. Please feel free to consult with us about even the smallest details
. We’ll work
with you to find the best solution.
Wind Instrument Repair
What Is Kubokan’s “Wind Instrument Repair”?
Why Choose Okubo Gakki Repairs
The Reassurance of Seeing
the Repair Work
The repair booth on the wind instrument floor is located in a corner of the sales area. Since all of our repair staff also serve as sales staff, we work right next to you—face-to-face with every customer who visits. There are no partitions or walls. We don’t separate instrument adjustments and repairs from the instrument-selection process, allowing us to offer a wide range of suggestions 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’re thinking, “Something doesn’t feel quite right, but I’m not sure what to ask for,” we’ll perform a comprehensive inspection, focusing on the problematic areas. We’ll let you know which parts may need repairs in the future 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 state where they produce sound; we strive to perform adjustments that upgrade them to be more functional while preserving their original character and atmosphere.
In addition, the most common request we receive for brass instruments is internal cleaning. Whether it’s an instrument you’ve played for years or one that’s been sitting unused for a long time, we’ll clean it to the same standard as the used and vintage instruments we sell.
Repair Fees
Items marked with a ★ in the table below are performed free of charge during the warranty period. (However, charges will apply if the issue is caused by an accident after purchase, if it involves part replacement, or if the request comes from someone who did not purchase the instrument from us.) *Prices shown do not include tax.
・Regular inspections and adjustments are free of charge during the warranty period. However, there will be a charge if the issue is caused by an accident after purchase, if the repair involves part replacement, or if the request comes from someone who did not purchase the instrument from our store. ・Please make a reservation when requesting adjustments or repairs
.Please contact us by phone or email to inform us of the type of instrument and the nature of your request before visiting our store or shipping the instrument to us. ・Please use the prices
listed in each table as a general guide. For instruments not listed, we will provide a custom quote, 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 date.
・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 as soon as we receive your approval for the changes.
・Shipping costs for instruments brought in for tuning—whether purchased from our store or brought in for general service—are the customer’s responsibility.
・If you have our warranty card, please bring it with you or include it with your shipment.
*All prices shown Sales Tax. *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 if you have any questions.
*Repairs and adjustments generally require a few days, but please feel free to contact us at any time if you need your instrument back urgently.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information on Wind
Instrument Repair Services
Q. Can you repair wind instruments purchased at other stores?
A. Yes, of course. We’re happy to service instruments purchased elsewhere, regardless of the manufacturer or when they were purchased. Even if you’re unsure whether an older instrument can be repaired or want to assess the condition of an instrument you’ve inherited, please bring it in for an initial evaluation. Our expert staff will carefully assess it for you.
Q. How much do wind instrument repairs cost, and how long do they take?
A. This varies depending on the instrument’s condition and the nature of the repair, but we can provide a free estimate in-store. For simple adjustments, we can usually return your instrument within a few days; however, if a full adjustment or overhaul is required, we generally need to keep the instrument for several weeks to a month. For detailed price 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 particularly busy 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 for a quick on-the-spot diagnosis and a prompt estimate. Even in the event of a sudden problem, please call us first to discuss your situation.
Woodwind Instrument Repairs (Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet)
Q. How often should I bring my saxophone in for repair (adjustment)?
A. We recommend regular adjustments for your saxophone about once every six months to once a year. This is because the saxophone has a complex structure, and the condition of the pads can change easily even when the instrument isn’t 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 clarinet repairs, we are able to handle it at our shop. We’ll 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 has become difficult to play. 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 seized tubes and adjust the pistons. Additionally, since dirt inside the tubes is often the cause, we also recommend a “tube 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 rotaries on my French horn or replace the strings?
A. Yes, we can. For French horn repairs, we frequently receive requests to address rotary valve malfunctions or broken/replacement strings. Cleaning and greasing the interior of the rotary valves, along with replacing the strings, significantly improves 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’re prone to being bumped, and we frequently receive requests to repair significant dents in the bell or U-tube. We use specialized tools designed for large instruments to restore them as closely as possible to their original shape.
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.