Klarinet Archive - Posting 000027.txt from 1996/07

From: Doug MacDonell <dougmac@-----.ORG>
Subj: Re: Repair info
Date: Tue, 2 Jul 1996 01:52:05 -0400

Steve:

After reading your letter over several times, I'm not entirely sure I
understand what you mean. Since my name is on the header, I assume that you
are implying I am witholding information about instrument repair. Perhaps so.

I will freely admit the my income is from repairing instruments. Maybe I am
a little protective of it. Like yourself, I gave up time of my life and not
inconsiderable expense to learn something. I also have about $10,000 worth
of tools, parts and supplies with which I ply my trade. ($1,500 in sax
pads, alone... the little buggers are getting expensive.) Unlike you, I am
self-employed, and very busy. I have neither the time nor the inclination to
teach instrument repair. When somebody comes into my shop and wants to know
how to install the pads on their clarinet, I frankly am not really eager to
sit down and explain materials and methods. Sure, I could charge for it,
but I prefer to do the work myself. I also continually read, experiment and
research ways to improve my technique, and I'm pretty good at what I do.
How many people would call their doctor and ask them how to stitch their own
wounds? ("Suture self," says the doctor.)

You also mentioned that people should try their own repairs. I say fine...
go ahead. But honestly: when somebody brings something they "screwed up"
into your shop, are you glad to see them? How many badly damaged trumpet
leadpipes have you seen with deep plier marks on them? (I pull stuck
mouthpieces for free.) The other aspect is: Do you think it's fair that
people should try all of the easy jobs themselves, and only take the
difficult, frustrating ones to the repair shop?

You are at a university, which is a source of information, both privately
and publicly funded. You are being paid to show anybody anything you can.
I own a very small business. My income depends entirely upon what I do with
my hands and my brain.

Sorry if I have misinterpreted what you said in your posting. Let me know,
please, if I am really off base. I look foward to hearing more from you.

Doug MacDonell

>Scott, Fred, Doug and all:
>
>As a professional repair technician, clarinetist and educator I find the
>idea of hiding information from other musicians appalling. I will show
>anyone how to repair anything just as I would show anyone how to play the
>clarinet. I think Scott hit it on the head when he mentioned payment for
>lessons in repair. I think this is only fair. I am, of course, paid to
>teach. I would not suggest that people give away years of research,
>practice and experience. I do feel that the University is a source of
>information and that I am obligated to "hand out free samples."
>
>We have repair courses on the books here and, as mentioned, there are other
>reputable schools where one can learn repair. There are even one or two
>week seminars where one can learn basic repair.
>
>Don't be afraid to try a repair...know your limitations. If you screw up,
>you can always bring it to your Instrument Repair Technician. Don't ask
>someone to do something for free if what you are asking concerns his/her
>livelihood. Don't you hate it when someone asks "could you JUST play this
>or JUST repair that?"
>
>Steve.
>
>Steve Prescott
>Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
>Indiana State University
>mipresc@-----.edu
>
>