Four Easy Ways to Reduce Trumpet Repair Bills

1) Play the trumpet regularly

Like most mechanical devices, a good trumpet will actually last longer if it is used regularly. If your trumpet sits for weeks or months without use, the lubricating oils dry up, leaving a gunky residue that can't always be cleaned at home.

2) Pay Attention to your Trumpet!

Every time you pick up your trumpet, move the slides, fiddle with the valves, and verify that everything feels right.  If you notice a small problem, let your teacher know, or bring it into our shop for a free evaluation. Small problems are much easier, quicker (and cheaper) to fix than big ones.

3) Keep your instrument clean

Let's Face it...there's a lot of saliva moving through a properly played trumpet. Your mouth should be clean before you start to play. Sugars and acids from food and drinks can cause permanent damage if they are blown through your trumpet. Trumpets should be given a bath at home once a month by the player. We can teach you how to clean your instrument safely, and outfit you with the proper cleaning accessories. Even with the best care, if the valves start to hang up, or your trumpet just isn't playing right, you might want to bring it in for a bath. Our ultrasonic cleaning tank can gently shake loose the accumulated gook you can't reach at home.

4) Keep it in the case (or on a stand).

We see lots of dents and dings on trumpets. Some are just cosmetic, but others can affect the way the trumpet plays. Handle your horn like a newborn baby when taking it out of the case, but spank it hard when you play! If you have a good quality trumpet, we can usually massage the dents out of it here at McClellan.

If the unexpected happens, here's a rough guide to how much we'll charge you to fix it:

(Bring it in for a free estimate, anyway).

Ultrasonic Cleaning  $60

Stuck Slides $15 each

Valve Repair  From $25 per valve

Resolder Brace/Flange $15 - 20

Remove CA Glue or Tape Residue $25 - 50