Klarinet Archive - Posting 000942.txt from 1998/08

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Brannen
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998 23:44:43 -0400

>>Bill Brannen is an expert repairman and clarinet tech who lives in

Evanston, IL. He does service to all clarinets that make them play as

well as they are able to mechanically. I highly recommend his

work...however, his prices have gone through the roof....especially for

bass clarinets. I have a new Buffet Bass that I was going to have done

until Lisa Argeris told me it is now $697. Of course, his work is great,

but that is simply too much - even for someone who believes in what he is

doing. In my opinion, he will soon price himself out of the

market......there are other very competent techs out there now....and I am

beginning to look elsewhere.<<

Value is where you can find it. Brannen may be the most expensive initially,
but his work has a unique quality. IT LASTS. I bought my last new b-flat
instrument a little over 3 years ago and had it serviced by Brannen. Since
then, I have had NO work done on anything but silencing the lever keys and
adjusting the bridge (well under $100 worth of repairs). I have used the
instrument in demanding professional situations almost every day. Still seals
as tight as the day he worked on it. I have had similar success with my bass
clarinet (as much as can be expected with such a capricious mechanism). Before
I went to Brannen for the first time, I always seemed to spend at least $100
per year per instrument. Not only has Brannen turned out to be cheaper in the
long run for me, I also know I can rely on my instruments mechanically. Plus,
he stands behind his work. I wish he lived in New York!

David Hattner, NYC

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