E.Y. Thorley Enterprises is a repair and restoration facility that caters to the needs of both student and professional woodwind players. Located in Middletown, New Jersey, we offer everything a simple "play condition service" to full mechanical and cosmetic restorations. Owner and chief technician Elisabeth Fowler has more than 25 years of experience as a woodwind specialist.

"Play Condition Service" is the most basic of services offered. The play condition service starts with a complete examination of the instrument's physical condition. A list of problem areas is compiled and discussed with the customer. Repairs that are absolutely necessary to get the instrument back into playing condition are made and the customer is advised as to what remaining problems exist. Because the condition of customers instruments vary, the exact services performed for a play condition service will be determined on a case by case basis. The purpose of the play condition service is to get the instrument working again as soon as possible, it is NOT intended as a substitue for a necessary mechanical restoration!

"Mechanical Restoration" is the next level of service. The process begins with a complete inspection of the instrument. The condition of the instrument is discussed with the customer and the best course of action is decided. At this level of service, it is presumed that all pads, cork, and felt will be replaced. Springs are replaced on an as needed basis unless otherwise agreed upon. On metal bodied instruments, deep dents and those dents that interfere with the operation of the key mechanism are removed. All other dent work is addressed with the customer and will be removed as requested. If a wood bodied instrument is cracked, the customer is advised as to the severity and location of the crack, and the options available to make the repair. As the instrument is being disassembled for cleaning, the fit of each key is checked and adjusted as required. All body components and keys are thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Wood bodied instruments will be oiled upon customer request. During reassembly, new pads, cork, and felt are installed and the mechanism is adjusted and regulated. The end result is an instrument that plays as "like new" as possible, but may have some remaining cosmetic imperfections.

"Cosmetic Restoration" services may include cleaning and polishing tarnished silver plate, relacquering, and plating of keys. The services required vary on a case by case basis. E.Y. Thorley Enterprises does not perform plating or lacquering services in house. We use highly skilled and trusted firms to handle that portion of the restoration. All disassembly and prep work required before lacquer and plating is done in our facility. This way, we know that keys fit correctly BEFORE the parts are lacquered or plated.

Tut, our quality control supervisor, keeps us on our toes! He especially likes inspecting 40mm saxophone pads that have just been removed from an instrument (Cat Frisbee's?).

We service customers by appointment only. Drop us an email describing your instrument and the work you wish to have performed. Include both a daytime and evening phone number, the best time to call, and we'll call you to discuss your requirements.