 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: runner
Date: 2015-12-20 18:07
Hi,
The instrument repairman works in a room next to my private studio. I had an issue with my alto sax during a lesson. I panicked since I had to play it for a concert a few days later. He worked on it immediately and returned it to me a few minutes later. It was a missing cork and a few other "issues."
My question: What should I give him as a Christmas present? I briefly mentioned to one of the salesclerks about a potential bill. He was most vague.
I feel something like a $25 gift card for his efforts. Is that acceptable?
Bob K
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2015-12-20 18:32
I would give him the $25 gift card and then ask to pay him for his work. That's just me.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: GLHopkins
Date: 2015-12-20 19:48
You should have offered to pay him as soon as you had gotten the instrument back. If he replaced the cork and took care of the other "issues" I don't think a $100 tip is out of line. He helped you out of a bind, and you should show gratitude. He may say that is too much, or may even refuse to take money for helping you out, but not offering to pay him when you received your instrument back was bad form in my opinion.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-12-20 21:11
Runner, a $25 gift certificate is a nice idea.
Whenever I visit my tech and he does one of these nice things, I always take him out for lunch/dinner either than day. some evening, or in the future. When I do business with him (reeds, instruments, etc.) since he is also a dealer, I never haggle on the price.
Goodwill goes both ways.
HRL
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2015-12-21 03:21
Do you know that he likes a particular thing? I often bring my repair tech coffee K-cups because she charges me very little/nothing for most of my work. I know she likes coffee, and it keeps her going through the day. I also know that she likes making lamps and what not out of old/destroyed instruments. I bought a few on eBay once to bring to her to turn into a lamp.
If you know of any hobbies that he has, that would be a very meaningful gift.
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2015-12-21 05:55
Find out what his favorate restaurant is. Get a gift certificate there. It means that you put some thought into it.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: runner
Date: 2015-12-21 07:14
I did get him his favorite Vodka last year. I really didn't have time during the lesson to negotiate and the store closes promptly at 6:00 when my lesson is over. I do pay my bills. I will find out the price (I think the store will wave it and consider it a Christmas present). I will make the gift card if I can find out his favorite restaurant.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2015-12-21 19:47
Runner -- my apologies if my post implied that you don't "pay your bills". It sounds like you have a wonderful relationship with the store/technician. That's an incredibly valuable arrangement.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: runner
Date: 2015-12-22 01:33
No need to apologize. BTW, I called the music store to ask our repairman his favorite restaurant. I was hoping it would have been a nationwide chain establishment. He named one that was a one-of-a kind one 50 miles away. I have cousins that actually live nearby, so I get to visit them.
Bob K
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2015-12-22 02:32
I know I've put $20 on my repair guy's table and walked away (while he's telling me 'no charge'). He's always saved my butt with my emergency repairs. And for that...he's a lifesaver!
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: runner
Date: 2015-12-22 16:37
Sounds like my repair guy to a tee. Those repair people have saved our butts often.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-22 17:40
There really is a special relationship between a player and their technician. Our gratitude must always be a tangible part.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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