Bassoon Repair & Specialist Services

Big Sky Bassoon provides specialized repair and maintenance services for bassoons. The shop is owned and operated by Dorian Antipa, a professional bassoonist and trained band instrument repair technician. While Mountain West Music services all woodwind and brass instruments, Big Sky Bassoon focuses on the specific mechanical and structural needs of the bassoon.

Dorian holds a DMA from the Hartt School and a Band Instrument Repair degree from Minnesota State College Southeast, with continued professional collaboration through Paul Nordby Bassoon Repair. Instruments are serviced for local and out-of-state clients, with bassoons shipped in from across the U.S.

Routine Bassoon Maintenance

Regular maintenance is recommended every 12–18 months, depending on use, environment, and playing demands.

Standard Bassoon Service Includes:

Disassembly of keywork as required
Cleaning of body and mechanisms
Replacement of worn corks, felts, and bumper materials as needed
Key fitting and regulation
Leveling and sealing leaking pads
Spring replacement or adjustment as needed
Light bore oiling for wooden instruments
Play testing

Pad replacement billed per pad as required.

Bassoon Repair & Restoration

Big Sky Bassoon handles both common and complex bassoon repairs, including structural and mechanical work specific to the instrument.

Bassoon-Specific Services Include:

Crack pinning and crack repair
Tenon cork replacement and tenon repair
Tone hole repair or replacement
Boot joint rot repair and stabilization
Key fitting to restore proper tolerances
Key height and regulation adjustments
Custom key modifications
Addition of auxiliary keys
Bore oil immersion treatment

Setup Adjustments & Custom Work

Adjustments are made with attention to response, regulation, and mechanical reliability. Work is tailored to the player’s instrument, repertoire, and use (student, academic, or professional).