Instrument Inspection Checklists

At Music & Arts, we treat every instrument as if it were our own. Each repair receives a thorough assessment. Our evaluation includes a multi-point checklist to ensure that the customer is provide a detailed estimate for the instrument, including case and accessories. Please see below for our assessment & inspection checklists for winds and strings.

• Brass Maintenance Inspection

  Before starting the Assessment Checklist:

  • Verify serial number, instrument, and customer repair ticket details all match
  • Review requested services and begin assessment of instrument to see if an estimate is required

  Initial Assessment Checklist:

  • Inspect instrument for grime, lime scale/calcium build up, and other dirt/debris
  • Assess for Damage
    • Structural (Impedes playability)
    • Aesthetically (Does not impede playability)
  • Inspect and account for all parts
  • Check that all solder joints are secure
  • Check Slides
    • Tuning slides should move easily
    • Kick slides should move easily with appropriate finger pressure
  • Valves need to move freely
  • Play Test as condition allows to further assess functionality/playability
  • Inspect case for damage, cleanliness, and functionality
• String Maintenance Inspection

  Before starting the Assessment Checklist:

  • Check that pegs turn smoothly, fit correctly, and string holes are not too close to peg wall. Ensure strings are not over-wrapped on shaft
  • Instruments fitted with Caspari pegs- check that all tuners function properly, turn easily, hold tune, and not slip.
  • Check to be sure peg cuffs are securely attached and peg head screws are snug
  • Inspect that nut is functional- correct height, ensure notches not too deep and angled back into peg box. Notches are evenly spaced and centered
  • Fingerboard and neck are clean of tape and residue, and falls within acceptable parameters for warping, twisting and back-bowing
  • Check that the instrument is structurally sound.
    • Identify, open seams, loose fingerboards and cracks
  • Sound post fits and is in the correct position
  • Bridge position is correct, Feet are properly fitted; cant, height and arch, and string notches are correct and functional
  • End pin is fitted properly
  • Tailpiece
  • Fine tuners should not touch top of instrument due to low projection
  • Fine tuner nuts are tight against tailpiece and tuning screws are sitting even and at half-mast
  • On-string fine tuners are pushed back to touch the saddle on the tailpiece
  • All tuning screws turn freely, don’t rattle and function correctly
  • Strings should be clean of excess rosin build up and are free of dings, kinks and frays
  • Inspect for dings, chips, and blemishes in instrument, touched ups must be sealed with the proper color to match original tint of instrument as best as possible
  • Polished, but not oily
  • Instrument has been cleaned thoroughly of dirt and rosin buildup
  • Instrument is tuned close to proper pitch
  • Chinrest is correct size, not cracked, chipped, etc.
  • Not touching tailpiece or top of instrument and is tight and secure.
  • Inspect bow and ensure that it is clean, with ample hair
  • All components of bow are in working order
  • Inspect case for damage, cleanliness, and functionality
• Woodwind Maintenance Inspection

  Before starting the Assessment Checklist:

  • Verify serial number, instrument, and customer repair ticket details all match
  • Review requested services and begin assessment of instrument to see if an estimate is required

  Initial Assessment Checklist:

  • Inspect instrument for grime, lime scale/calcium build up, and other dirt/debris
  • Assess for Damage
    • Structural (Impedes playability)
    • Aesthetical (Does not impede playability)
  • Check that all solder joints are secure
  • Inspect and account for all parts, corks, and pads
    • Pads/Corks that are torn, frayed, badly stained or covered in debris will need to be replaced
  • Check for proper regulation and unwanted lost motion
    • All keys should move freely and quietly
  • Play Test, as condition allows, to further assess functionality/playability
  • Inspect case for damage, cleanliness, and functionality