How to Tell if a Dent Should Be Removed from My Trombone
A dent on a trombone is incredibly common — one slip while assembling, a knock during rehearsal, or the classic “put it down for two seconds and someone walks into it.” But not every dent needs urgent repair, and some can safely be left alone. At Woodwind London, we repair dents on student and professional trombones every week, and the most frequent question we hear is: “Do I actually need to get this dent removed?”
Here’s how to tell.
1. Check if it’s affecting the slide
The outer slide and inner slide are precision-aligned. Even a small dent in the outer tube can disrupt airflow or cause friction. Signs you need repair:
Slide feels slower than usual
A slight “catching” sensation
Air noise (“wooshing”) where it didn’t exist before
If your slide performance has changed, the dent should be removed.
2. Look at the dent location
Some areas are more critical than others:
Dents that usually must be fixed:
Outer slide tubes
Corks/receivers near alignment points
Tuning slide crook (affects airflow and tuning)
Dents that are often cosmetic:
Bell flare dents and creases
Small dings on the tuning slide sleeves
Minor bell bow dents not touching bracing
If in doubt: location matters more than size.
3. Has tone or response changed?
A dent in the wrong spot can constrict airflow and make playing feel “stuffy,” resistant, or uneven across registers. This is especially noticeable for intermediate or pro players.
4. Does it look sharp or creased?
Sharp dents can put stress on the metal and may worsen over time — especially on thin-gauge bells.
5. If the trombone is valuable, repair is worth it
A clean, undented instrument keeps its value. Repair is fast, inexpensive and makes selling or upgrading far easier.
When to get help
If you’re unsure, bring your trombone to Woodwind London in Muswell Hill. We offer quick dent removal, slide alignment checks, and student-friendly pricing.
