Contact Me
Due to my unpredictable schedule of picking up and dropping off instruments around the Treasure Valley, it is always best to call or email me first before stopping by the shop. I sure don’t want to miss you!
lisa@boisebandinstrumentrepair.com
Phone
+1 (208) 440-3464
Address
8075 Caswell St
Boise, ID 83714
band instrument repair, flute repair, saxophone repair, tuba repair, trombone repair, instrument repair, clarinet repair, trumpet repair, french horn repair, flute repair boise, saxophone repair boise, tuba repair boise, trombone repair boise, instrument repair boise, clarinet repair boise, french horn repair boise, band instrument repair boise
Our mission statement
A child shouldn’t have to learn on an instrument that doesn’t work properly. A musician should have complete confidence in the functionality of their instrument when performing.
For All Musicians
Are you a student or parent of a student studying band? Are you a professional brass or woodwind musician? We serve all levels and needs for band instruments, from minor repairs all the way to Straubinger-certified pad replacements and upgrades. Let's get the conversation started and see what I can do for you today!
what i specialize in
All Brass and Woodwind Instruments
I repair flutes, piccolos, clarinets, bass clarinets, saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor and baritone), oboes, bassoons, trumpets, baritones, tubas, sousaphones, trombones, double french horns, single french horns, and all other brass and woodwind instruments.
Here are some of my services:
For Woodwinds: Re-pads, cleaning, adjusting and oil
For Brass: Ultrasonic cleaning, dent work, valve work, trombone slide repair (alignment).
I am also the only Straubinger Certified technician in Idaho.
Idaho’s Only Private Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank
I use an ultrasonic cleaning tank to demolish the tough deposits that form on the inside and outside of band instruments. These tanks are industrial quality, and work hard on the deposits while leaving your instrument in pristine working condition. If you want the best band instrument repairman in all of Idaho, you’ve come to the right place. I’m a life-long instrument repair expert, and I’m ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work on my instrument?
I work on all brass and woodwind instruments, including piccolos, flutes, clarinets, bass clarinets, saxophones (alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone), oboes, bassoons, trumpets, trombones (tenor and f-attachment/bass), french horns (single and double), baritone/euphoniums, and tubas.
Do I need to be local to Idaho for you to work on my instrument?
No, you don't. I work on instruments from all over the United States. As one of the very few license Straubinger experts, I have worked on flutes from Washington, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and more. If you would like me to work on your flute, simply mail it to Boise Band Instrument Repair 8075 Caswell St Boise, ID 83714 and I will get it taken care of for you!
How often should my instrument be brought in for repair?
It is a personal decision. I believe that if the instrument is functioning well, there is no need for it to be brought in for repair. If the keys or valves are sluggish or sticky, it may be time to bring it in for a cleaning, oiling and check up. If you have an important performance or audition and you want to be confident that your instrument is functioning well, then it might be a good idea to bring it in.
How long will it take for my instrument to be repaired?
This is a difficult question to answer. Each repair can vary in length of time necessary to do the job properly. There can be unforeseen problems that can add significant time to the repair. I will always be concerned with doing a high quality repair over doing many repairs quickly that are not repaired properly and will more than likely need to come back in for additional work. I try to be aware of customers special needs for performances or for school and get everyone taken care of as quickly as possible.
A part has broken off my instrument, now what?
If a part or brace has come unsoldered, it can be soldered back on. If a key breaks, it will need to be brazed of silver soldered back together. Brazing is much stronger than soft solder. A key gets a good deal of use and pressure so it requires a stronger connection than just a brace holding two pieces together. If a part may need to be replaced in the future, that is another reason for using soft solder rather than brazing wire. The part will be much easier to remove and replace.
If I am cleaning a brass instrument, what temperature should the water be?
The water should only be lukewarm. If the water is too hot, it can damage the lacquer on the instrument.
I cleaned my trumpet and now it won't make and sound and I can't get air to blow through it, what is wrong?
When the instrument was put back together, the pistons were most likely put back in incorrectly. The pistons and the casings are numbered 1,2 and 3. 1 will always be in the casing nearest the mouthpiece and 3 will always be in the casing nearest the bell. The holes in the piston need to line up with the ports in the casing. If not, then the air cannot flow through the instrument properly.