49-9063.00 · Task explorer
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 24 tasks, including 12 marked Core and 12 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2025.
24 tasks shown
Core · Task 11866 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Adjust string tensions to tune instruments, using hand tools and electronic tuning devices.
Core · Task 11871 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Compare instrument pitches with tuning tool pitches to tune instruments.
Core · Task 11865 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Play instruments to evaluate their sound quality and to locate any defects.
Core · Task 11867 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Disassemble instruments and parts for repair and adjustment.
Core · Task 11873 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Repair or replace musical instrument parts and components, such as strings, bridges, felts, and keys, using hand and power tools.
Core · Task 11870 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Reassemble instruments following repair, using hand tools and power tools and glue, hair, yarn, resin, or clamps, and lubricate instruments as necessary.
Core · Task 11868 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Inspect instruments to locate defects, and to determine their value or the level of restoration required.
Core · Task 11875 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Shape old parts and replacement parts to improve tone or intonation, using hand tools, lathes, or soldering irons.
Core · Task 11872 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
String instruments, and adjust trusses and bridges of instruments to obtain specified string tensions and heights.
Core · Task 11869 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Repair cracks in wood or metal instruments, using pinning wire, lathes, fillers, clamps, or soldering irons.
Core · Task 11874 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Polish instruments, using rags and polishing compounds, buffing wheels, or burnishing tools.
Core · Task 11877 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Mix and measure glue that will be used for instrument repair.
Supplemental · Task 11878 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Align pads and keys on reed or wind instruments.
Supplemental · Task 11880 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Solder posts and parts to hold them in their proper places.
Supplemental · Task 11881 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Remove dents and burrs from metal instruments, using mallets and burnishing tools.
Supplemental · Task 11879 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Adjust felt hammers on pianos to increase tonal mellowness or brilliance, using sanding paddles, lacquer, or needles.
Supplemental · Task 11891 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Remove irregularities from tuning pins, strings, and hammers of pianos, using wood blocks or filing tools.
Supplemental · Task 11896 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Strike wood, fiberglass, or metal bars of instruments, and use tuned blocks, stroboscopes, or electronic tuners to evaluate tones made by instruments.
Supplemental · Task 11876 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Make wood replacement parts, using woodworking machines and hand tools.
Supplemental · Task 11884 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Refinish instruments to protect and decorate them, using hand tools, buffing tools, and varnish.
Supplemental · Task 11898 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Assemble and install new pipe organs and pianos in buildings.
Supplemental · Task 11885 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Deliver pianos to purchasers or to locations of their use.
Supplemental · Task 11882 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Wash metal instruments in lacquer-stripping and cyanide solutions to remove lacquer and tarnish.
Supplemental · Task 11887 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert
Refinish and polish piano cabinets or cases to prepare them for sale.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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