 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tdinap
Date: 2007-09-01 05:28
I've searched the site for good repair people in the NY/NJ area, and obviously found a wealth of information. I just have a few questions to help clear things up.
I have a stellar recommendation from a friend for Alex Kalpachi, at 701 7th Ave in the city. My friend loves the work Alex did, and I have tried his clarinet since and really like it. However, on a search, the only reference to Alex I can find is a post by this friend about two years ago. Anyone else ever worked with him?
My friend had a pretty extreme overhaul, costing over $600. I'm just looking to get the action on my keys lightened up a bit, and maybe have it cleaned and/or touched up in a few other areas. My clarinet is an R13, about three and a half years old. The only work I've ever had done was to have the tenon rails shaved down a bit, to prevent them from getting stuck. Is there a relatively set range of prices I should expect to pay for the kind of stuff I'm looking for, or does it depend heavily on who you go to? Should I expect to have to get more work done than I think?
Also, any idea how long it might take? If I can't get the whole thing done by three weeks from today (preferably earlier), I'm going to have to wait until I'm off from school for the holidays.
Tom
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Author: mnorswor
Date: 2007-09-01 15:23
I'd go to Jimmy Yan. Jimmy's done work for me for years and is top notch. Here's his contact info...
250 W. 54th St
Suite 801
New York,NY 10019
(212) 581-9765
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Author: grifffinity
Date: 2007-09-01 15:54
Ditto on Jimmy Yan - he's the best.
I'd call him first to check on his schedule at this time of year. The beginning of the school year in Sept. and winter break Dec. - Jan. are especially busy times for him. On average, he usually turns the horn around in a week - or possibly sooner depending on the nature of the adjustment.
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Author: Iacuras
Date: 2007-09-01 21:25
If you can get out to long island fairly easily I would highly recommend Wiener Music for any repairs etc. I bought my R13 Vintage from them and Mark, the tech over there, set it up perfectly and then did a wonderful job when it cracked. I had to get a new lower joint because the crack was irreparable. I received the new joint free of charge, and he again expertly set it up and it played just as good if not better than before.
Steve
"If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."
"If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly."
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Author: Chalumeau Joe
Date: 2007-09-02 02:51
I'd recommend Wojtek Komsta of "High Quality Clarinet Repair". His phone # is 201-723-4259. He overhauled my R-13 several months ago...did a magnificent job and he was quick (I had my horn back in about a week).
Joe
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2007-09-02 04:14
Jimmy Yan is currently undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition.
We hope he will return to his great clarinet repair shop in NYC in the near future.
He is resting at home and not going into his NYC shop at this time. His work phone is not accepting any additional messages.
More news on Jimmy's condition will be made available whenever it is possible.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: redwine
Date: 2007-09-03 11:03
Hello,
Wojtek Komsta, from the post above, is the best! It's best to go to his shop and play for him while he repairs. That's where he really shines. Tell him Ben Redwine sent you!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: tdinap
Date: 2007-09-10 00:40
I've been in touch with Wojtek Komsta, and I think I'm going to get him to do the work. Does anyone know where his shop is now? He's apparently no longer at the address John Moses posted in another thread. I'll ask him next time I talk to him, but he hasn't gotten back to me in a couple of days and I figured I might find out faster from you guys.
As always, thanks for the help!
Tom
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2007-09-10 01:48
Michael Manning is also good. I don't have his address since he left Sam Ash.
He's on the west side in the 40's, though.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2007-09-10 02:49
Guy Chadash is top notch. He also is one of the absolute best at solving acoustical/tuning problems.
http://www.chadashclarinet.com/
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2007-09-10 15:08
Try calling Wojtek Komsta in NJ at: 201-723-4259.
I do not have his new address.
Jimmy Yan will not be available for repair until late October.
Good luck with Wojtek.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: tdinap
Date: 2007-09-18 22:52
Success!
Wojtek dropped off my clarinet today, and it sounds better than I could have asked for. All the registers are even, my throat tones are in tune, the keys and pads are well-adjusted, and the overall tone seems to have improved. It's like playing a completely different instrument.
Thanks to everyone for all your help in this endeavor!
Tom
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Author: Chalumeau Joe
Date: 2007-09-19 01:38
Glad Wojtek worked out for you. He worked his "magic" on my R-13 about 5 months ago...what an incredible difference! It was, indeed, like playing a new horn - the clarinet equivalent of driving a Porsche.
Joe
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