At Ikebe Musical Instruments, Wind Bros & Trumpet Station stores, we check the appearance and condition of ordered items before shipping them out, so that you can pick up and enjoy your instrument as soon as it arrives (*). Please see how we perform these checks in our stores.
*Excludes items sold as-is
The process from placing an order to the product being shipped.
1.picking
We pick items from our inventory, which is carefully stored in the store.
[point]Upon receiving an item, we first inspect its appearance and functionality before storing it in strict storage.
2.Instrument adjustment
Our dedicated repair staff carefully inspects each instrument and makes adjustments so that you can enjoy it immediately upon arrival. At this time, any items with scratches, damage, malfunctions, or other defects are not shipped; instead, a different instrument is selected and adjusted again.
3.packing
We pack your valuable products using appropriate cushioning materials to prevent accidents and damage during transit. Finally, we use a dedicated system to verify that the products are correct before shipping.
Pre-shipment instrument adjustments
-Wind instruments -
[In the case of the Saxophone (woodwind instrument)]
2-1.Appearance & Functionality Check
We will check the exterior of the product, including the body and neck , for any scratches or paint defects.We will also check that all parts are functioning correctly.
neck : This is the only removable part of the saxophone body. On some high-end models, it is sold separately as an option, and differences in material, finish, and taper shape can produce different tonal characteristics.
2-2.Key balance check & readjustment
We will check if there are any problems with the key balance and readjust it if necessary.
key balance : The parts where multiple keys move in conjunction are finely adjusted to cover the holes simultaneously, and these also require periodic balance adjustments.
[point]Although musical instruments are inspected by the manufacturer before shipment, temperature and humidity fluctuations during storage can affect their adjustments. Our shop ensures that instruments are in perfect condition when delivered to our customers by checking them before shipping.
2-3.Neck cork adjustment
If you have a specific request, we will adjust the neck cork to match your mouthpiece and replace it if necessary.
mouthpiece : This is the part that is held in the mouth when playing. It comes in various materials and shapes, and is changed to suit the musical genre and playing style.
[point]Because the diameter of the shank (insertion hole) of a saxophone mouthpiece varies depending on the manufacturer and model, using a mouthpiece other than the one included may not fit properly. This is an important step unique to our shop, where our dedicated repair staff adjusts the mouthpiece.
2-4.Finishing
After a final check of the exterior, if there are no problems, we clean the entire saxophone body with a dry cloth or instrument polish (cleaner) and check for any included accessories. Finally, we stamp the manufacturer's warranty and our company's check card and prepare for packaging.
instrument polish : This is the part that is held in the mouth when playing. It comes in various materials and shapes, and is changed to suit the musical genre and playing style.
We do not perform all tasks; we only perform the necessary tasks according to the individual animal's condition.
[In the case of theTrumpet (brass instrument)]
2-1.Checking the surface of the tube
We carefully check for any scratches, dents, or paint defects that may have occurred during manufacturing or transportation.
[point]Because inspection standards vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, our shop has established its own standards and conducts thorough checks.
2-2.Checking the operation of the piston and tuning slides.
We will check the operation of the piston valve and main tuning slide's movable parts, as well as the operation of the buttons, caps, and water key .
piston valve : When you hold the instrument, the valves closest to you are called the first piston, second piston, and third piston. You press each valve with your right index, middle, and ring fingers, respectively, and use your little finger on the finger rest to stabilize the instrument. All pitches are produced by operating these three valves.
main tuning slide's movable parts : Also known as a tuning slide, it is used to adjust the overall tuning of the instrument by inserting and removing it. There is a water key at the bottom, which is used to drain any water that accumulates during playing.
water key : Now we'll drain the moisture that accumulated during the performance.
2-3.Checking the condition of the inside of the pipe and cleaning the inside of the pipe.
All piston valves , main tuning slide's movable parts , and caps are removed, and the pipes are cleaned while checking the condition of the inside of the pipes to ensure that no manufacturing debris or iron filings remain.
[point]Because dust and iron filings from the manufacturing process can affect the piston's operation, we carry out the work meticulously .
2-4.Assembly / Oiling and greasing
We will perform another function check, apply appropriate slide grease , valve oil , etc. to each part, and then assemble it.
slide grease : This grease is used on the main tuning slide/second tuning slide, and on the first tuning slide/third tuning slide if there is no trigger. It comes in various types, including finger-applied, stick, and gel types. Choose a grease that suits your preferred maintenance method and your instrument.
valve oil : It is used in the piston section. There are various types of valve oil, so find the one that suits you based on its viscosity, composition, etc.
[point]Because we carefully follow this process, you can enjoy it immediately upon delivery!
2-5.Finishing
Apply a finishing coating agent and wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
Finally, prepare the manufacturer's warranty and pack the item.
We do not perform all tasks; we only perform the necessary tasks according to the individual animal's condition.
Regarding packaging
1. Place the instrument in a case and wrap it with bubble wrap or cushioning material. If using the box the manufacturer uses for shipping, add cushioning around the neck and under the body to prevent damage.
2. Pack the item in a shipping cardboard box. If the item moves around inside, fill any gaps with cushioning material.
The shipping cardboard box shown is just an example. We use different cushioning materials and packaging boxes as needed.
Names and Terminology of Musical Instrument Parts
Saxophone
Mouthpiece：is the part you put in your mouth when playing an instrument. They come in various materials and shapes, and you can change them to suit your musical genre and playing style.
Neck : This is the only removable part of the saxophone body. On some high-end models, it is sold separately as an option, and differences in material, finish, and taper shape can produce different tonal characteristics.
Key : When playing, you press the keys with your fingers to cover the holes. (Some keys have a structure where the holes open when pressed.)
The part that actually covers the holes is called a "key cup," and the holes (tone holes) are covered with parts called "pads." Pads are consumables; as they deteriorate, they can tear or harden, causing air leaks, so they need to be replaced regularly. Furthermore, in parts where multiple keys move in conjunction, fine adjustments are made to ensure that they cover the holes simultaneously (key balance), and this also needs to be adjusted regularly.
Trumpet
Mouthpiece : Sound is produced by vibrating your lips and blowing air into this part. There are various combinations of diameter and depth, which are important factors affecting ease of playing and tone quality. However, when choosing your first mouthpiece, we recommend selecting a standard size.
Piston Valves / Finger Rest : The piston valves are called the 1st piston, 2nd piston, and 3rd piston, starting from the one closest to you when you hold the instrument.
You press each valve with your right index, middle, and ring fingers, respectively, and rest your little finger on the finger rest to stabilize the instrument. All pitches are produced by operating these three valves.
Valve slide (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) : Pressing the pistons changes the path of the tubing, thereby changing the pitch.
Trigger : These are used to hold the instrument firmly and stably while playing, and also for adjusting the pitch. The common way to hold the instrument is to place the thumb of the left hand on the first tuning slide finger rest and the ring finger on the third tuning slide finger rest ring.
Water key : The main tuning slide, also known as the tuning slide, is used to adjust the overall tuning of the instrument by inserting or removing it. A water key is located at the bottom, which is used to drain any moisture that accumulates during playing.
Bell : Sound will come out from here. The characteristics of the sound will differ depending on the size, shape, material, and rim shape of the bell.
[Terminology]
Valve oil : is used in the piston area. There are various types of valve oil, so find the one that suits you based on its viscosity and composition.
■ Viscosity: Low
This is ideal for new instruments or when you want to prioritize piston return.
■ Viscosity: Medium
If you're unsure, this viscosity is a good place to start.
■ Viscosity: High
This is preferred for larger instruments such as euphoniums and tubas, rather than just trumpets.
Slide grease : is used on the main tuning slide/second tuning slide, and on the first tuning slide/third tuning slide if there is no trigger. It comes in various types, including finger-applied, stick, and gel types. Choose a grease that suits your preferred maintenance method and your instrument.
Tuning Slide Oil : Used on the first and third tuning slides with triggers.
It has a higher viscosity than valve oil, allowing for smoother movement of the tuning slides. Use oil with the appropriate viscosity for your instrument to ensure stress-free operation of the tuning slides.
Swab : After playing, thoroughly remove any moisture from inside the instrument. Leaving too much moisture inside can cause mold, rust, and seizing.