Front Range Instrument Repair

Something that people may not realize: I could not be more grateful to have found a passion and vocation that really suits me, and my appreciation of the changes that have occurred over my almost 3 decades of doing this work. I’m aware that I and my skills have grown exponentially in this time, and that there will always be more to learn

As an apprentice, the fundamentals seemed endlessly daunting and tedious at times. I’ve learned that never ends

As a barely experienced tech, I realized how little I knew without a mentor around to lean on; but I did have the gumption to persist and ask questions and sought further guidance, from those willing to aid

As a slightly more experienced tech, I realized how much I’d learned and further realized how much more I needed to know. I also started to see those who valued what I do and those who didn’t

As a yet more experienced tech, my desire to achieve better results than I was prior capable of grew more - even if satisfactory to the client

Ad nauseum, these perceptions/considerations remain. As I say to clients with regularity and verbatim: talk to me in a year and I’ll say how much I sucked last year. This will persist. If I don’t learn something every day - no matter how seemingly small - I’m not paying attention

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was from Ed Manteufel. If you knew him, he was a kind man, RIP. He told me that being a tech makes you notice all of the details; to the point that you bring those observations into your personal relationships. Leave that at your shop door. As a tech, we are to repair things, but relationships are not the instruments we breathe new life into. If you treat your relationships like you do an overhaul, you’ll only and unnecessarily alienate people. Sound advice

As I approach 30 years of repair and restoration, I love that I get to tinker until I’m happy, and that my client is happy. Music is a language that unifies and those that make music speak that language best when their instrument is as it’s supposed to be, or better than they knew it could be

To all of you, thank you

Getting close(r). I’ll never be truly satisfied, even if it’s very improved/undetectable

This is a vintage Doc Severinsen Getzen model that is in for overhaul. Of all the issues and wear, this is the most notable: 1st valve casing impact dent from the trigger assembly being disengaged while tensioned. I brazed in silver solder for the void. Filing has begun. Once it’s very near level with the casing arc, I’ll dress to shape. Once it’s off for plating, you’d never know this occurred. “After” photos will be shared but before plating. Then “after” photos once plating is complete (in a few months)

We will be closing at 5:30 today to see a performance. Have a great weekend!!!!

I received this text from a very exacting client this weekend. We were discussing a challenge they claimed to be having. Upon chatting with some techs I confer with at times, they ratified what I thought about what was shared with me from my client. I don’t receive these often and don’t seek them, but I’m flattered that she offered what she did. No matter how much any tech knows, there’s always more nuance to be considered and acknowledged; even if your thought process is apt. Grateful 🙂

I’ll be out of the shop for some classroom time today. I’ll head out at 12:45 and return at 3:30

Just a head’s up regarding today: I have a meeting from 11:30-1:00 and am flirting with a cold. I may be a little less accessible, so I can preserve my energy for the meeting and complete 1 service. And I’ll be sure to wear gloves and sanitize what I’m working on and have notified the client that they may want to wait a few days to pick it up

Spending the day on a bass flute (major COA and pads, as needed) and English horn that was in rough shape. They’ll be completed shortly and playing wonderfully, as they can and should