Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions | Submit a Question

Q: What is a Certified Musical Instrument Repair Technician?
A: A Certified Musical Instrument Repair Technician has to complete a long series of tests to ensure that their repairs are reliable and correctly done. They also study how instruments work and why they break. These technicians need to be trained and certified through an educational facility or must be a certified member of a recognized association like NAPBIRT (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians-USA/Canada) or NAMIR (National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers-UK/Europe). Apprentices don't count! You should NEVER trust your instruments) in the hands of an uncertified technician. Ask the technician before you agree to them "fixing" your instrument(s).

Q: Where does one study to become a Musical Instrument Repair Technician?
A: There are only a few schools in North America that offer musical instrument repair courses. The only Canadian facility is Keyano College in Fort MacMurray, Alberta. One fine institute in the US is Badger State in Elkhorn, WI. Both offer expert training and certificates for their graduates.

Q: What is the difference between the euphonium and the baritone horn?
A: Let me set the record straight. They are NOT the same instrument and they are NOT interchangeable! The difference is NOT the number of valves or the bore size or the instrument size. Most wind instruments are based on a 'tapered tube' design. The more dramatic the taper the darker and smoother the sound. The baritone horn is what I call the mule of the low brass family, the trombone produces a brighter (more punchy) sound and the euphonium produces a much darker (more mellow) sound. The Baritone is basically caught in the middle. It was originally used in marching bands for its projection capabilities and lost popularity at the same time.

Check out the Yamaha web site to see some design differences that may help you tell them apart. (The instruments there are only one manufacturer's style and although they are well known styles they may not always be the same). For more info see our contact page and ask us!