Inspects instrument, moves mechanical parts, or plays scale to determine defects. Unscrews and removes rod pins, keys, pistons, and other parts. Removes soldered parts, using gas torch. Reshapes parts, using handtools.
Removes dents, using mallet or burnishing tool.
Fills cracks in wood instruments, using either of following methods. Solders patches over cracks in brass instruments, using silver solder, and files patched area to contour of instrument. Resolders parts, using silver or soft solder. Operates lathe to cut off end of metal tubing, or solders attachments onto tubing to improve instrument's tone or intonation. Washes metal in lacquer-stripping solution and cyanide solution to remove lacquer coating and tarnish.