 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: moose6589
Date: 2004-06-29 07:46
Hi,
I haven't posted here for a long while because everything's been going smoothly, but recently, my teacher told me that I should send my clarinet to the Brannens for repairs because they are great.
The Brannens are definitely excellent repair technicians, but after searching on the board for a bit, I came up with a price range of $400-500 for an overhaul, and suffice to say, I got afflicted with sticker shock. I know that it's probably worth it, but right now, I don't think I need the absolute best repair in the industry to satisfy my needs because I'm still only in high school.
So, having said all that, are there any cheaper overhaul services you can think of that are still of pretty good quality? I'm looking for something in the price range of $250 or less. Thanks for all the help!
-Richard
Post Edited (2004-06-29 07:47)
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Author: msloss
Date: 2004-06-29 12:16
You get what you pay for.
My first experience with the Brannens was in high school myself (an alarmingly long time ago) and I have never regretted the decision. It is an investment in elevating your clarinet to its true potential. The same could be said for Chadash and many of the other fine technicians that have been mentioned on the Board.
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Author: coasten1
Date: 2004-06-29 15:36
Complete overhauls in my area (NW Chicago) from various instrument shops start around $300 and up for Bb clarinets, so the Brannens are not that much more. Plus, you are getting a superior job done to your clarinet for the extra money.
I had my clarinet serviced by the Brannen's and I cannot complain about the work they did.
Tony
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-06-29 16:04
You could inquire about overhaul prices at JY Woodwind in New York (Jimmy Yan - he's listed in the retail section of this site). I know he charges $60/hour for normal repairs. If he spends four hours with your horn, you'll get great service for less than $250.
Last time I was there, he was working on a horn sent to him from Hawaii, so he does deal with UPS, etc.
Give him a call.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-06-29 16:37
'You get what you pay for"
Not necessarily true. It depends on the pricing policy, which could be anything from:
"I am semi-retired and am doing this for the pleasure of being of service to a not-too-well-off somebody, as much as anything else, so I'll charge a nominal fee. I have all the time in the world to do a job that is as close as possible to perfection."
to:
'I charge by the hour, at a rate that allows me to live comfortably if I work full time, and which is fair to the customer. "My efficiency and productivity is excellent, so you get outstanding value for money."
to:
"I charge fixed prices for every job. If your particular instrument is well made and well looked after, and takes half the time of some others, then too bad. You are subsidising the other customers who are careless with their purchase and care, and lining my wallet well in the process, thanks"
to:
"With the help of my BS I'll screw the customer for everything I can get out of him, irrespective of the quality of my work. I'll take shortcuts wherever possible. This approach nicely supports my living in extravagant luxury. There are sufficient new players coming on, with naive parents, that this approach will work until I retire."
Locally, I find that almost the reverse is true, It tends to be the less thorough, less competent technicians who screw the customer most. Astonishingly, they are still in business.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2004-06-29 17:45
Well, I can't speak for your techs Down Under, but the Brannens have a client list second-to-none, which is ample testimony to the quality and value of their work. I not only trust my own experience, but also those of the premier woodwind musicians in this country. So I stand by my statement -- in their case, as well as those of the other recognized craftsmen, you do get what you paid for.
People who overcharge and underdeliver won't command a premium for long (or a client list for that matter). Word gets around, in part thanks to forums like this one.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-06-29 19:34
Three major repair shops in my hometown (central CA) charge between$160-$180 (USD) for clarinet overhauls and they all do very good work. They use quality materials (pads and cork) and recommend follow up adjustments for a year as a free service. The independents do good work too and charge a bit less ($130-$150 range) but not all of them are as accountable as the major leaguers.
You get what you pay for, true, for the most part. But, consider that what you may be paying for with some techs is their higher operating costs (overhead), not necessarily better materials, work or service.
Most of us [speaking for myself of course] if we're wise, do indeed shop "sticker price" as well as service and reputation.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: JoeMich
Date: 2004-06-30 02:06
It all boils down to simple and straight forward logic, sometimes characterized by the following:
"If you want nice, fresh oats you have to pay the price. However, if you can be satisfied with the oats after they have been through the horse, that comes a little cheaper!"
Think about it; still want to save a $100 on servicing a $1500+ instrument??
Suggested alternative: check out a board sponsor = John Butler!ron b wrote:
>
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Author: JessKateDD
Date: 2004-06-30 05:16
John Butler works on my instruments. His prices are reasonable, and his work is solid.
As for the Brannens and Jimmy Yan, I have never heard a negative word said about their work from anyone. They are quite simply the best in the business. They are worth the money, especially if your instruments are your livelihood.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2004-06-30 06:28
All three of my instruments have been serviced by the Brannens.
All play exceedingly well.
Aside from the "basic" work they have done, they have inquired every time about specific needs I have.
Their prices for basic upkeep after initial overhaul are quite fair. The overhaul is from the ground up...complete rebuild of the intrument.
However...chicago area and in need of an overhaul? You could look into Sayre...
http://www.sayrewoodwinds.com
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-06-30 11:56
Even parking a car in the Chicago area is expensive.....but not as expensive as a traffic ticket. Recommending Brannens certainly is a safe option.....as is also carrying your instrument to the shop vis a vis shipping it.
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Author: fredackerman
Date: 2004-07-01 22:56
John Butler is terrific... He restored two of my professional horns and they are now perfect! My Selmer BT a Clarinet which I love is going to him next week. Wish all my dealings were so pleasant from start to finish.
Fred
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Author: peking moon
Date: 2004-07-02 11:16
If you are in the NYC area - I will attest that Jimmy Yan is simply the best. He is honest - an extrememly talented repairman and on top of it all - he gives equal treatment to all his clients: from the no-name student to the top professionals in the business. He confided in me once - I treat students even better than these guys (as he pointed to his wall adorned with autographed photos) - because students need more help!
You wont be sorry visiting Mr. Yan.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-07-02 14:26
Peking:
I heartily second your post!
+ there's a parking lot just about next door to his building (although I've only taken the subway there - but I know people are always concerned about traffic and parking).
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Author: LeOpus1190s
Date: 2004-07-02 15:56
I like Rick Sayre as well. Though my horns are brannenized I take them to Rick Sayre every once in a while because Mr. Sayre is about an hour closer to me (traffic in chicago is hell).
I wouldn't say Rick Sayre is cheaper though. Brannens charge around 400 dollars to service an R-13 and 30 dollars to tune it up.
Last time i checked my friend paid 500 dollars per horn and about 50 dollars per horn to tune up.
Also the Brannen's are EXTREMELY busy. I would be surprised if you got an apointment with him at before september even if you tried. Good luck with your hunt.
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Author: woodwind650
Date: 2004-07-03 00:58
morrie backun has established himself as a master technician. suprised no one mentioned his name here. he can be contacted via his website.
http://www.backunmusical.com
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-07-03 01:14
And the cheaper alternatives are ...
not Jimmy or Morrie or Rick, though they're all reputed to be master technicians in the same league as the Brannens.
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Author: William
Date: 2004-07-03 15:13
I have all of my clarinet repairs/adjustments done by my favorite local repairperson, Mary Jones, who works in the wind repair department of the Ward-Brodt Music Mall here in Madison, WI. She has done everything from complete overhauls (ex--gold plating of one of my R13s) to unscheduled emergency "just-before-the-big-gig" quick repairs and I have never been disappointed, nor overcharged for her work. If you are in our "neck of the woods" and are in need of clarinet repair, I highly recommend her services. (BTW, Ward-Brodt--one of the largest music stores in the Mid-West--also has fine, separate string and electronic instrument repair departments that also have reputations for good work.)
My choice--Mary Jones, woodwind specialist, Ward-Brodt Music Mall, Madison, WI, USA.
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