 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Markael
Date: 2008-01-25 01:50
The person I used to go to for repairs and adjustments moved to Colorado. He did a very good job overhauling my clarinet and bass clarinet.
So, recently when I had an accident with my clarinet and bent a key or two, I had to take it to the local Music and Arts store for repairs. Actually, the repair job was satisfactory and reasonably priced. But it took a long time. As luck would have it, all this took place at the same time as the store got rid of their shop and began sub-contracting the work.
My axes are in pretty good shape now. It might be adequate in the future for me to go to the shop in Harrisonburg for repairs. But it would be nice to know if anybody knows of any good techs in the Charlottesville area.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-01-25 12:08
Markael,
David's exodus to Colorado has been greatly felt all across the area, but he is accepting instruments if you are willing to ship. One of my student's horns went out there for about $20.
If you are interested in his current contact info, please email me offboard.
The repair tech's put out of business by Music & Arts now have their own shop near Albemarle High School. Email me again for more info.
In the valley, Shen Valley Music has been the best option (better than M&A). However, they too are experiencing upheaval: the owner/proprietor passed away, and their most experienced repair tech (I can't remember if it's their Brass or WW guy) has left the business.
Good luck...my instruments are being shipped for a while.
James
Gnothi Seauton
Post Edited (2008-01-25 12:15)
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2008-01-25 12:42
A little bit farther than you might want to go, but I recommend Glen Swizer at Valley Repair in Salem VA.
He's done excellent basic work on my Buffet and Rossi clarinets, including altering keys and pinning cracks.
B.
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Author: bahamutofskycon
Date: 2008-01-25 15:45
Not sure where exactly you are, but Brenda's Shoppe is in the Winchester/Woodstock area. Her number is 540-459-7722. I've never had my personal horns repaired by her (I used Chuck Levin's usually), but she's done good work for Shenandoah Univ.
Steve
EDIT - scratch that, I just saw that you're in the "Charlottesville area." Brenda's Shoppe wouldn't work. Sorry.
Post Edited (2008-01-25 15:47)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-01-25 16:05
Actually, here in C-ville we're all ready to cast far afield for good work. So all suggestions given around VA will be appreciated, even if only for students (and band directors for that matter).
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2008-01-25 16:18
If you don't mind a little drive (maybe combined with a shopping trip or . . . ), the you might check with David Spiegelthal in Centreville. He's a regular here, hiding out somewhere on this BB. He has done several clarinets for me, and I have shipped them from Arkansas to him.
Of course, sometimes he has threatened to shoot me, as I have sent him some real oddball things to fix, like old 6-key flutes and HP boxwood clunker clarinets. It's all bark, though, no bite, as he's willin', somewhat like Barkus!
Eu
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-01-25 17:15
I was wondering when David [Spiegelthal's] name would come up...I just didn't know how much work he does (or would like to take on) and didn't want to volunteer his name.
James
Gnothi Seauton
Post Edited (2008-01-25 18:41)
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2008-01-25 18:59
Gulp! James, I may find out more about that bite if I erred. Eu (lying low!)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-01-25 19:15
...Well I doubt he's going to kill you for good publicity!
James
...especially if we're dying for good work here in Central Va!
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2008-01-25 19:26
James,
I'm bummed to hear about the upheaval at Shen-Valley in Harrisonburg. Before I got connected to Dave S., I took my horns there for overhauls (my mom lived in Harrisonburg) -- even though I live 2 miles from Chuck Levin's! The prices in H'burg are a lot lower, the work comparable to what you get in Wheaton, Md.
Do let us know how things shake out at Shen-Valley. I started going there when I was in high school band back in the 1970s. They've always had plenty of businesses.
-- C.
P.S. Waynesboro used to have a nice shop back in the day. I suppose it's gone now.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-01-25 19:46
C.
I must confess that the info I have is second hand from several of the music directors with whom I work. I haven't called there myself because I didn't want to be rude ("Hey, I heard that you guys have chaos over there...") and I have no rapport with them (I don't use their service myself).
Even though Shen-Valley is over 45 minutes away in a different geographic region, they had a repair tech take a van over here to the piedmont and made "house-calls", repairing what they could and taking away what they couldn't.
Great service.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Dan1937
Date: 2008-01-25 20:21
Not in Central VA, but I use (exclusively) Lee Lachman in College Park, MD, who works by appointment only, and does superlative work at a very fair price. Lee is a former lead alto in the Airmen of Note, and plays all the woodwinds, so he knows all the instruments intimately. Shipping is not all that expensive, or you can go in person.
If further info is needed, please contact me privately.
Dan
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Author: Markael
Date: 2008-01-26 01:14
Thanks to all for the good information. I will write it all down.
James, I think I have current information on Dave in Colorado. With any luck we won't have to be so drastic as to send our axes so far away.
As for Shen Valley, I had someone there do a little work on my bass clarinet when I first bought it. I found no fault with the work, though it was no nearly as involved or expensive as the thorough overhaul Dave did. The folks there are accommodating, and it is nice to go to a place where you can talk to the techs.
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Author: Burt
Date: 2008-01-27 19:58
I was satisfied with the work done by David Wilson in Charlottesville (434-975-1989).
Also, Ron Horton in Pamplin (434-352-9610), who does the work for Longwood Univ., but I've never dealt with him.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-01-27 22:01
It just occured to me that I should mention (for those interested) that David is not permanently gone from the area.
He has also been planning to make a trip back in the coming months to keep his clientele happy. Those who might need to make use of him could either contact him directly, or email me and I will let you know in advance when he is planning to come.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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