Shop Inspection

It is rare to find a brand new instrument fresh out of the box that does not need adjustment. Most instrument factories are great at manufacturing the instruments but when it comes to the final intricate setup they either lack the necessary skills or do not devote necessary time, especially on woodwinds, to set up the instruments to their optimum playing condition.

Since I am a professional repair technician first and foremost, I have the ability to adjust the instrument so that it plays perfectly out of the case when you receive it. Prior to shipment, instruments are inspected, adjusted and play tested by me personally so that when you receive them they will be PERFECT.

Clarinets need to have the joint corks sanded for easy assembly, keys must be adjusted so that they function together properly, all air leaks in pads must be eliminated, springs must be tensioned just right, saxophone necks and flute joints must fit snug but not too tight or too loose. Trumpet valves must work flawlessly, slides must be lubricated and any defects must be spotted. ETC.

So, don't be alarmed if you see the odd fingerprint, or any minor signs of a bit of cork grease, oil or sanding dust on your brand new instrument. It just means that I have fully checked out your instrument and performed all necessary work to prepare it for you. Its a sign that your instrument has been adjusted to play flawlessly. Sometimes I spend up to an hour on an instrument before we pack it and ship it to you. Even very minor adjustment problems can make your instrument play badly or not at all. Since I can't go with the instrument I must make sure that the instrument is flawless before it leaves my shop. I know that even a very minor problem can prove to be frustrating for you since I can not be there to correct it.

After all the necessary adjustments are completed, I play test instruments thoroughly prior to shipment.