Who is a musical instrument mechanic and what do they do? This job includes the manufacture, adjustment, tuning and repair of musical instruments. These mechanics usually specialise in dealing with particular kinds of instruments – keyboard instruments, brass, drums, string instruments, accordions and harmonicas.
What are the activities of the musical instrument mechanic job? Preparing materials for the manufacture of instruments, machining and hand working of wood, felt, leather, metal and other materials, such as ivory and plastics by cutting, milling, drilling, grinding and polishing, producing different finishes by staining, varnishing and polishing, assembling musical instruments, adjusting the various mechanisms of musical instruments, incl. adjustment of piano & upright piano actions, tuning of instruments and repairs.
Where is it done and under what conditions? In the environment of musical instrument manufacturers’ workshops, repair/service shops, concert-halls, churches, and private houses, where in principle, there should be few problems with the working environment.
What tools/equipment do they use? Machine tools, polishing machines, grinders, presses, saws, hand tools and fixtures for fine craft work and assembly and the skill of their own hands.
What do you need to succeed? You need vocational training, manual dexterity, technical imagination, accuracy, an ear for music, aesthetic sensitivity and ability to learn.