• 01204 522908
  • info@boothsmusic.co.uk
  • 17 Churchgate, Bolton
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Bolton Instruments Repairs

Woodwind Reparis

“Booths Music is proud to have been providing woodwind repairs and services in Bolton since the 1800s. High-quality woodwind repairs can make the difference between an instrument that feels unresponsive, thin-sounding and difficult to play, and one that is free-blowing, accurately intonated and a pleasure to perform on.” 

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Saxophone Restoration - Guitar Setup on Gibson les paul - Booths Instrument Repairs
Flute Service Bolton

Poorly seated pads, worn keywork or incorrect regulation can make playing unnecessarily hard – and in some cases almost impossible. Our woodwind repairs service is designed to restore your instrument from a hard-to-blow gaspipe (as Tony’s grandpa used to call them) to one with optimum playability and performance. See more information on specific services on the saxophone, flute and clarinet. 

Typical Woodwind Repairs and Services

At Booths Music, our woodwind repairs focus on ensuring that every key seals correctly and that no air escapes through the keywork. Airtightness is essential for tone, tuning and ease of playing, and achieving this is the core goal of any successful woodwind repair.

As part of a full woodwind repairs service, all necessary keywork is carefully removed, allowing for thorough cleaning and de-greasing of the tubing and tone hole rims. This process removes dirt, residue and old oils that can compromise pad seating and airflow. Each individual key is then inspected and cleaned, with pads revitalised where possible and corks replaced as required. At this stage, the condition of all springs is checked and renewed if necessary to ensure reliable and even key action.

Consistent Pressure & Control

Once cleaned and prepared for reassembly, all rods, pivot points and screws are carefully lubricated. This step is essential for smooth, quiet and responsive key movement. The keys are then reassembled onto the instrument, allowing for detailed assessment of pad seating and individual spring tension. Achieving a balance that is neither too strong nor too weak ensures consistent pressure and control across the entire key system.

The next critical stage of our woodwind repairs is the regulation of the keywork. Many woodwind keys are designed to operate together, meaning precise adjustment is required for them to function in harmony. Fine regulation ensures accurate sealing, dependable response and evenness throughout the instrument’s full range. This careful balancing of the keys is one of the most important aspects of any woodwind repair.

The Final Polish

Finally, every instrument undergoes a pressure test and final polish. This confirms that all keywork locks up perfectly and that the instrument is completely airtight. A thorough clean is also carried out, including a careful check to ensure no excess key oil remains on the instrument. The result is a woodwind instrument that feels revitalised and ready to be enjoyed to its full potential.

Recent Reviews

"My six year old flute was beginning to sound breathy and it was getting hard to play top notes clearly (I thought it was me). Tony serviced my flute last week. It sounds like a brand new flute! It sings again 🎶. Tony replaced a faulty key pad and sorted out the cork mechanism which was moving around. Thank you so much. I’ll be back again next year for its next service"
Alison Fieldhouse
Facebook review
"Just visited the shop after my Flute had slightly broken the day before my Grade 7 exam! The folks there were lovely and reassuring that I would be able to get it fixed, and I did!! I can’t thank them enough for saving the day, especially Tony, and they even offered to do it free of charge! Fantastic people with a fantastic service. I am extremely grateful to them and cannot recommend the shop enough. Thank you!! 5 stars from me"
Laura Moss
Facebook Review
"I am writing to thank you for your repair of my clarinet that my mum brought in for repair. My son had his first lesson today in New York State. I am thrilled with your repair - it feels even better that when my parents bought it for me back in 1984!! My son is so excited to learn. Thanks! Zoe"
Zoe
Direct review
See also our recent Facebook and Google Reviews
"It’s so great that we have this amazing music shop in Bolton. They do instrument repairs, they even repair oboes. Thank you so much to Tony for making such an effort to repair my oboe quickly in the middle of a stressful week. Such friendly, helpful staff."
Jackie Tomlinson
Facebook Review

Whether you require woodwind repairs for a saxophone, flute or clarinet, the same high standards and detailed processes are applied to ensure optimum playability, tone and reliability. If your instrument feels harder to play than it should, sounds thin or uneven, or simply needs professional attention, our experienced workshop team at Booths Music is here to help.

Instrument Repairs Enquiries

Simply enquire about an instrument repair by either phoning us on 01204 522908 or filling in the enquiry form below.

Cost of Woodwind Repairs (inc. VAT)

Flute service – £130.00 (inc. vat)

Clarinet service – £130.00 (inc. vat)

Alto Saxophone – £199.00 / Tenor £225.00 (inc. vat)

Oboe / Bassoon – Price on Inspection

Prices are including VAT and necessary pad replacements. We have done some characterful and interesting instruments of great diversity within our service criteria for customers, whether it’s for flute, clarinet or saxophone we would love to have the opportunity to improve its overall playability.

We can arrange to have your instrument picked up for woodwind repairs and redelivered for a £5.00 each way trip within the local areas (see below). Farther afield would have an additional cost.

Depending on workroom activity normal turnaround is usually within three days. We are happy to quote for any other repair or upgrade you may require to any instrument.

Useful pages – tips for SAXOPHONE MAINTENANCE | FLUTE MAINTENANCE.

Instrument Collection Service

Instrument repairs with the convenience of pick-up and return.

Pickup and return days are currently the mornings of Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the service is available for those in Bolton and its surrounding areas. Please click below for more information.

Arrange a Pickup

See Also

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Woodwind Repairs

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