Instrument Repair
Expert Oboe and English Horn Repair Service
Welcome to Laubin Instrument Repair
At Laubin, we believe every oboe and English horn deserves exceptional care. With decades of specialized experience, our master technicians treat each instrument with the attention to detail it deserves—whether it’s your first student model or a treasured professional instrument.
Our Repair Philosophy
We understand the deep connection musicians develop with their instruments. That’s why we approach each repair with meticulous care and respect, ensuring your oboe or English horn returns to you in optimal playing condition. Our goal is simple: to help your instrument become the best version of itself so you can continue making beautiful music for years to come.
Our Comprehensive Services
Standard Repair and Maintenance
- Complete mechanical overhauls
- Key adjustment and regulation
- Pad replacement and seating
- Cork replacement
- Tenon work and fitting
- Crack repair and prevention
- Professional cleaning and oiling
- Tone hole repair
Padding Options
Laubin oboes traditionally feature a blend of skin and cork pads. We offer several options to suit your playing preferences:
- Traditional skin pads for authentic tone
- Premium cork pads for durability
- Modern Gortex pads for consistent performance
Specialized Modifications
- Comfortable thumb rest retrofitting
- F# extension installation
- Philly D modifications
- Third octave enhancements
- Ergonomic customizations for player comfort
The Repair Process
- Initial Evaluation: Our specialists carefully assess your instrument upon arrival.
- Detailed Estimate: We provide a comprehensive breakdown of recommended repairs and associated costs.
- Personalized Consultation: We discuss options and priorities based on your needs and budget.
- Expert Repairs: Our master technicians perform all necessary work with precision and care.
- Final Inspection: Each instrument undergoes thorough testing before returning to its owner.
Consignment Program
Give your instrument a second life through our consignment program:
- We evaluate your instrument and provide a repair estimate to prepare it for sale.
- Upon your approval, we complete all necessary repairs.
- Once repairs are paid for, we add your instrument to our consignment inventory
For older instruments where repair costs may exceed resale value, we’ll work with you to explore alternatives:
- Consigning “as is” for parts
- List as a “fixer-upper”
- Offering as a practice instrument for technicians-in-training
Convenient Shipping
We make getting your instrument to and from our workshop simple:
- Request a prepaid shipping label for instruments within the US
- Full insurance coverage during transit and while in our care
- Competitive shipping rates thanks to our high shipping volume
Ready to Get Started?
Our team is standing by to help restore your instrument to peak condition. Choose any option below: