Bore Cleaning
Bore cleaning is an essential maintenance process for wind and brass musical instruments. The bore is the main tube or channel that air travels through in an instrument. When repair technicians mention bore cleaning, they're referring to the thorough cleaning of this internal pathway to remove buildup, prevent corrosion, and maintain the instrument's sound quality. This is similar to how a plumber might clean pipes, but requires specialized knowledge of delicate musical instruments. Other terms that mean the same thing include "internal cleaning" or "bore maintenance."
Examples in Resumes
Performed regular Bore Cleaning maintenance on brass instruments for local school district
Specialized in Bore Maintenance for vintage woodwind instruments
Developed efficient Internal Bore Cleaning procedures for repair shop workflow
Typical job title: "Instrument Repair Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Instrument Repair Technicians
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach training junior technicians in bore cleaning procedures?
Expected Answer: A senior technician should discuss creating detailed cleaning protocols, safety procedures, proper tool usage, and methods for checking work quality. They should mention experience in teaching others and establishing workshop standards.
Q: What would you do if you encountered severe internal damage during a routine bore cleaning?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate decision-making process, including assessing repair options, communicating with customers about costs and timeline, and knowledge of when to recommend instrument replacement versus repair.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What cleaning solutions do you prefer for different types of instruments?
Expected Answer: Should show knowledge of appropriate cleaning products for brass versus woodwind instruments, understanding of material sensitivities, and awareness of health and safety considerations.
Q: How do you identify and address bore corrosion issues?
Expected Answer: Should explain inspection techniques, early warning signs of corrosion, preventive measures, and treatment options for different levels of damage.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools are needed for bore cleaning?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential cleaning tools like bore brushes, cleaning rods, swabs, and basic solutions, and explain their proper use.
Q: What safety precautions do you take when cleaning instrument bores?
Expected Answer: Should mention wearing appropriate protective gear, proper handling of cleaning chemicals, and basic instrument care to prevent damage during cleaning.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic bore cleaning techniques
- Knowledge of cleaning materials and tools
- Simple maintenance procedures
- Basic instrument handling
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced cleaning techniques
- Problem identification
- Chemical knowledge for different materials
- Preventive maintenance planning
Senior (5+ years)
- Training and supervision
- Complex repair solutions
- Workshop management
- Quality control procedures
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of different instrument materials and their cleaning requirements
- Lack of awareness about proper cleaning solutions and their effects
- Careless handling of instruments during cleaning process
- No understanding of safety procedures with cleaning chemicals
