Woodwind Instrument Repair Services – Sleister Music

At Sleister Music, our experienced technicians perform exacting woodwind instrument repair, cleaning, and maintenance for flutes, piccolos, clarinets (plastic and wood), oboes, bassoons, and saxophones of all sizes. Whether you’re a student, educator, or performer, we offer everything from routine cleanings and play condition adjustments to full repads and complete overhauls.

We proudly serve school band programs and individual musicians in Central Iowa and beyond, ensuring every instrument leaves our shop playing its best.

📄 For detailed pricing, download our 2025 Woodwind Repair Price List (PDF).

Cleaning Services

Our Woodwind Cleaning Service restores your instrument’s cleanliness, performance, and appearance.

Includes:

• Complete disassembly and inspection

• Ultrasonic cleaning for flutes, saxophones, and plastic clarinets

• Manual cleaning and oiling for wooden instruments

• Gentle cleaning of keys and pad surfaces

• Polishing of silver flute bodies

• Reassembly, lubrication, and case vacuuming

Post-cleaning adjustments and pad regulation available as needed.

Play Condition Work

Our Play Condition service brings an instrument back into reliable playing condition without the cost of a full repad or overhaul. Each job is customized to the instrument’s needs.

May include:

• Light cleaning and inspection

• Pad adjustments or replacements

• Key regulation to remove leaks

• Straightening of bent keys

• Cork replacements on tenons, necks, or headjoints

• Minor soldering, dent work, or crack repair

Every play condition job is unique — we’ll provide an estimate based on your instrument’s specific needs.

Repad Services

A Repad fully refreshes your instrument’s key sealing and feel by replacing all pads and corks and re-regulating the keywork.

Includes:

• Removal of all pads and corks

• Full cleaning and inspection

• Replacement of all pads, corks, and tenon/neck fittings

• Regulation and adjustment of keywork

• Polishing and mechanical corrections as needed

Recommended when pads are worn, leaks are widespread, or consistent sealing can’t be achieved through adjustments alone.

Overhaul Services

A Complete Overhaul restores an instrument to like-new condition — ideal for heavily used or vintage instruments.

Includes:

• Everything from a full repad

• Key fitting and pad cup leveling

• Replacement of all silencing corks and felts

• Dent removal (for metal instruments)

• Buffing and polishing of keys and body

• Tone hole and mechanism repairs as needed

Designed for players seeking maximum performance and reliability from their instrument.

Additional Services

We also offer:

• Cork replacement (tenon, neck, headjoint)

• Key repair, replacement, or fabrication

• Crack repair and pinning for wood instruments

• Soldering and dent removal

• Regulation adjustments after settling

Our Quality Assurance

Every repaired instrument undergoes:

1. A complete play test and inspection

2. A two-day settling period

3. A final play test and sign-off

Your instrument is returned only when it passes two consecutive inspections and meets our shop’s standards.