How do I get on the schedule to get something fixed?
To make it easier for people with less back and forth, I have added a scheduling module to my website. Select the service you want and grab an available time that works for you. If you have questions about what is the best course of action, or if you need to schedule something beyond what the calendar shows, drop me an email through the Contact page.
The times available are all early morning. What do I do if that time doesn’t work?
The COA/Annual Service times are general place holders for the day so that I do not overbook my schedule. They will all show up as 8:30-9:30 appointment times. We will arrange a drop off time that is convenient for both of us as the date approaches. For Consultation and Flex Repair slots, the time you select is the time you show up.
How long do repairs take?
Speaking in a general sense, a COA repair requires 2-3 days to process and Overhauls require 2-3 weeks. These times can be longer or shorter depending on circumstances and details of each particular instrument. A COA/Annual Service repair on an instrument I have never seen before may take longer—plan on a week. Flex repairs are designed for small incidental repairs that pop up unexpectedly. They can conceivably be done while you wait or in a 24 hour period, but every situation is unique. If you have an antique instrument that needs parts fabricated, it can take a long time and often has an undefined timetable.
How far out are you scheduling?
Due to the recent retirement of several technicians in the National Capital Region, JWS has retooled the scheduling process to be able to serve more musicians in need. Overhauls are no longer driving the scheduling bus and taking up all of the time. Limited overhaul spaces will be offered in a calendar year, so please email to find out the next available opening.
For less involved repairs and annual service appointments, please visit my scheduling page to see what is available right now. Depending on what you need and the time of year I may be booked up for a couple of months or I may have something next week.
What if I need it fast?
“Fast” is subjective, as is “no hurry”. The best thing to do is first define the emergency and need. Is this a “I’m subbing with the Boston Pops in 3 days and my English Horn tipped over!” emergency? Or is it a “I haven’t had my instrument in the shop since before the pandemic and it’s not playing well.”
Because of the high demand for my services, I guard my available emergency repair time very closely. An emergency often means to service your instrument, I have to push other repairs out of the way and cut into family/personal time. This means Overtime rates of time and a half will be charged for the duration of your repair from drop off to invoicing.
There are often times when I have gaps between tasks where I can fit things. If you have flexibility in your need and your schedule, it may not require actual emergency treatment and pricing. Do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions on availability and options to best get your instrument functional again.
How much do repairs cost?
Due to the recent retirement of several technicians in the National Capital Region, JWS has retooled the scheduling process to be able to serve more musicians in need. Overhauls are no longer driving the scheduling bus and taking up all of the time. Limited overhaul spaces will be offered in a calendar year, so please email to find out the next available opening.
For less involved repairs and annual service appointments, please visit my scheduling page to see what is available right now. Depending on what you need and the time of year I may be booked up for a couple of months or I may have something next week.
How do I pay?
I do my invoicing through Square and completed repairs will have an invoice emailed that has a secure link for payment. You may use that link in your pajamas, pay with a credit card number by phone during regular hours, or pay in person when you pick up by card, check, or cash. (If paying by cash, please have exact change. I do not keep a cash box on hand for change.) If shipping your instrument, you may use the remote credit card/transfer options or drop a check in the mail.
Do you require a deposit?
JWS is now requiring a deposit in order to be confirmed on the repair schedule. Details are listed in the shop policies as well as in the description of service on the calendar app.
For Wiseman custom case orders, I do require a minimum deposit of 50% at time of invoicing from Wiseman with the balance due when the case arrives at my shop. Any tariff charges that are created between the time of order and the time of deliver will be added to the open invoice or invoiced separately.
If you are ordering another retail item I do not have in stock, prepayment is required.
How do I buy something from you?
My online store is in development. Until it launches, basic email is the best way through the Contact page. Be clear about what you want, include all of your shipping/contact info (never send credit card info through emails), and I will either reach out with further details/questions or send you an invoice through Square.
Can I ship an instrument to you for repair?
Yes you can, and people send me instruments all the time rather than driving multiple hours. Plan ahead so that the instrument arrives on or before your scheduled repair date. Make sure you have adequate insurance on the instrument. My insurance does not cover inbound items. I have never had an instrument disappear or be damaged, but insurance is a good idea.
The most important thing other than proper packing is that I know it is coming. Send me an email through the Contact page for complete instructions.
Have more questions?
Use our online form and we’ll answer your questions via email.
Pricing & Policies
How to schedule, pricing and shop policies
