So, your instrument isn’t working quite the way you would like or you’ve noticed something has changed that doesn’t allow the instrument to play correctly. Now you need to take it to a technician but don’t know what to say. Here are a few pointers to help you explain what the issue is to your technician.
1) Identify where the issue starts.
This could be as simple as no notes sound. If some notes do sound, play the instrument up to the point where the notes start to become resistant or non existent. Once you’ve found this, write down where you can sound notes until. For example, my instrument won’t sound above a G.
Why is this important?
It gives an indication of where to look first. No notes from the instrument could be an octave pad not sealing correctly. Having this information will help speed up the diagnosis of your instrument.
2) Identify any unusual noises.
Metallic or rattle type of noises can be the smoke to a fire. If you have noticed a key has started to clink and clak as you press on it, this could indicate regulation material has fallen off your instrument.
Why is this important?
Knowing that the player has noticed a particular noise on their instrument, again allows the technician to observe that area closely and speed up diagnosis.
3) Explain the story.
Detailing what you were doing at the time preceding noticing an issue can help the technician hypothesise how your instrument got into the condition you bring it to them in. Often this can be a case of instruments being knocked off their stands and you the player coming back to your instrument with an issue. If this is the case, make sure you detail: what side you found your instrument laying on, any dents/cracks that weren’t there before, and follow through the previous steps above.
Why is this important?
Being able to hypothesise how your instrument became that way is very important for a technician, as it allows them to work backwards and create a clear plan as how to return your instrument back to good playing order once more.
Summary
If you follow these three simple steps, you will be helping your technician to quickly diagnose your instrument and restore it back to good playing order.
Remember to:
Identify where the issue starts.
Identify any unusual noises.
Explain the story.
