 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nicki
Date: 2001-06-01 14:56
I'm thinking about getting a major overhaul on my 22 year old Leblanc LL. I've look at some of the sneezy threads about the Brannen services and have contacted Linda Brannen. Has anyone had recent work done by the shop? Was it worth the $$$ ? (My estimate is around $600)
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Author: Jack Harrell
Date: 2001-06-01 16:49
[snipped]
Dear Jack,
Perhaps you missed the admonition at the top of the page. If you wish to contact people personally about any work you may do that is fine; however, advertising here isn't. If you wish to be listed in the Retail section (http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Resources/Retail.htl) please send me a message. A Classified ad is also free, and there's always the option of becoming a sponsor and getting your ad placed here in an official manner.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-06-01 18:53
This is ALOT of money. Local overhauls range around $125.
What do you suppose you get for the difference?
John Butler does restorations and is a Sneezy supporter. His reputation is non-pareil (that's good) and considerably less expensive.
Dave Speigelthal is another poster who could do the work, do it well and for much less than this.
I don't think even Guy Chadash charges this high!
anji
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-06-01 19:43
Brannen is also a Sneezy sponsor and there's an awful lot of people who swear by the work Bill and Linda do. They've never been cheap, but it isn't what anyone would consider a "standard overhaul" by any means.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-01 21:06
Agree, that the Brannens don't offer an ordinary service. Some of the most famous Clarinetists of the 20th Century called the Brannen's little shop "home". Their pictures are on the walls at what , at least from the front end, is a place you would never believe had any link to music, just up the street from NWU. I have had 2 R-13's & a Yamaha YCL-72csA worked on in last 2 years --- the Yamaha most recently @ $450 (including return shipping to Oklahoma) about 6 months ago. Most smart technicians & business people guess high --- so as NOT to disappoint.
The sound that came from my clarinets after their work was completed was EASILY worth the unjds I spent.
However, you look at it though, the spending of money on these types of services is always subjective.
Best,
mw
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Author: Nicki
Date: 2001-06-01 23:54
Anji, local repad job in Austin area runs 100 to 135 for non cork pads so if you can get an entire overhaul for 125 that's exceptional.
I'm also considering having the job done locally by Alan Franklin (all the pros in Austin take their intruments to him) but haven't gotten an estmate. The clarinet has some damage to the upper joint tenon and that repair was included in their price.
Presently looking around and scratching my head wondering what the difference in service is, so I posted this thread. I was considering a more than standard overhaul because it's never been overhauled. I've had adjustments work done on it before and it didn't seem to hold up for more than two years. If spending a little more gives the ability to hold up for four or more years that's worth the price.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-06-02 13:43
US$600 is HUGE by any charging standards in New Zealand. I cannot see how that price could be justified unless there is a HUGE shortage of able repairers, creating a supply/demand charge-what-you-like environment. I suggest you ask around your local pro players and experienced teachers. A pattern of recommendation should emerge. An important thing particularly for clarinet repairing, is that the repairer should be a reasonably accomplished player in order to attend to items such as venting for clarity & tuning, and appropriate 'feel' of the operation of the mechanism.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-06-02 16:51
Gordon,
"Brannenizing" is not an overhaul, but is more akin to "re-engineering" the clarinet.
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Author: joevacc
Date: 2001-06-02 17:13
I have talked with Linda Brannen about one of my horns and she seemed to be very pleasant and "matter of fact". Their clientele list reads like a who's who! Linda told me that she has 35 years in the business and her husband 40. They must be doing something right! If their prices are not practical for you then maybe they are not the right people for you. Another person who has prices like the Brannen's is Tim Clark. You'll not hear a bad word of his craftsmanship. He is very well spoken of. Make a bunch of calls and see how you feel afterwards. In my Opinion if you are going to use someone for the first time you are doing the right thing by asking about. If a repair tech is well respected they are sure to do what they can to get your horn the best that they can. They are not going to get rich fixing any one horn even at the Brannen's prices. If you like what you hear about them let them do the job the way they feel it should be done. If price is left to be the sole deciding factor, you <i>may</i> end up with what you paid for. ;~)
Good luck,
-=[Joe Vacc]=-
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Author: Nicki
Date: 2001-06-02 23:32
I tend to agree with joe vacc and mark, and that's why i'm considering it. I'm spending the money on lessons so i might as well spend it on the clarinet. I don't think the price is too much considering he cost of a new instrument and I noticed a lot of new intruments are "tuned up" by brannen. Kudos to everyone for their input.
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Author: joevacc
Date: 2001-06-03 02:39
P.S.
One of my horns is at John Butler's shop right now.
Best,
jv
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-06-03 14:33
Mark, my comments related to a "re-engineering" in a mechanicla functioning sense. I can understand if the "Brannenizing" includes fine acoustic perfecting by modification of tone holes, alteration of bore diameter, etc. That is the only thing that I can think of that is sufficeintly specialized and time consuming to warrant prices that far above the rest.
On the other hand, I could double or triple my prices, halve my customer base, i.e. get rid of the really difficult jobs (doing the altruistic thing for owners of design/manufacture/repairer disasters) , and make more money working half the hours. Hmmm. Worth considering? Nah, I'm just too soft hearted.
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Author: HAT
Date: 2001-06-03 16:11
Brannen overhauls are expensive, but you will not feel cheated. My A clarinet was overhauled in 1994 and has not needed one dime of work since then. It still seals as tightly as any clarinet possibly can. The keys are quiet and the pads are in superb condition.
Before it was stolen, my old b-flat clarinet was doing quite well on a 1986 Brannen overhaul, with only a few mechanical tightenings along the way. No new pads, though.
A $125 overhaul somewhere else will get you new pads, but how long will they last and how well will they seal over time? Will every single key and post be taken apart, cleaned and oiled?
The Brannens stand behind their work. If you have a problem, it will be fixed cheaply, if not free. Depends on whose fault it is.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2001-06-03 18:49
We are a very insular country here folks. This is a global economy and one can pick and choose the best in the world and get it there and back for not much postage (I buy a lot of my supplies direct from foreign manufacturers - I do drive an American car though). I have no doubt that the Brannen's do something very special from all that I have heard from customers. There are also many master repair persons here in the U.S. that do exceptional work - already mentioned - John Butler, Dave Speigelthal, Guy Chadash, - add Jimmy Yiu (check out the Sneezy sponsors). All that I am saying is that there are master repair people throughout the world that have solid reputations and have been in business for many years, and the exchange rate for U.S. dollars is so good right now, that one could get an exceptional deal. I am really opening a can of worms here but when I can get great Bordeux wine for the same price as E&J Gallo - there is no pondering on my part (sorry CA - your Cabernet is the best though!)
The Doctor
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Author: Stephen Froehlich
Date: 2001-06-03 20:17
Nikki, it should be mentioned that John Butler is only down in Houston. I believe that he even lives on the west side thereof, which makes a drop off a 3-4 hour drive (or a cheap overnight UPS ground shipments).
His work is lauded rather often on this board, though I haven't had a chance to use him. I must also say that the Bass I bought from Dave S. was very well adjusted, though he's in Virginia.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-06-04 01:58
Jimme Yan,
244 W 54th street
#801
NYC, NY
(Not cheap, either!)
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-04 02:46
Yan's overhauls run $275 the last I checked ..... he does beautiful work! Some of the top Professional's & Teachers on the East Coast use him. I know for a fact that many of the people from the various SUNY's & Eastman love his work.
Best,
mw
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-06-04 12:38
Omar, Some NZ wine is beating the French equivalent in international competition. Try that! Exchange rate 0.42! And it is upsetting the French vinters just a little. You see NZ did not have that steeped-in-tradition approach and got on with high-tech wine production. 
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Author: Patrick
Date: 2001-06-04 21:26
hello. i am a firm believer in the Brannens' work. in fact, my clarinets are there right now getting their annual check-up. their work is great! you will love it. true, the price is steep, but after one year, you can send it back (in fact, they like when you send them in every year) and they will totally strip your clarinet, clean, oil, repad(if needed), and do their "special work" that they are known for a very low price. both my Bb and A are getting that done for only $150 all together. well, i hope whoever you pick gives you the results you are looking for. i am sure there are lots of people out there who can overhaul a clarinet well......good luck!
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Author: Eric Satterlee
Date: 2001-06-05 12:23
This is all very interesting....I have wondered for years as I have worked on the clarinets of players who have previously paid for this "Service" what exactly is "Brananizing"??? What refining/customizing is actually being performed that is not being performed by any number of excellent technicians across the country for a more reasonable cost? If any one in cyberspace knows what is going on here besides the proverbial "Snob Appeal" please fill me in.... Many thanks...
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-06-05 13:27
Eric,
Brannen has a very good reputation and has been doing this for many years; the "snob appeal", as you put it, would be comparable to the "snob appeal" of having your clarinet worked on by Hans Moennig.
Why don't you check http://www.brannenwoodwinds.com/ for yourself and see what they do.
I sense a disparaging tone in some of these comments I've been reading. The Brannens charge what they do, and if it's too much they'll go out of business (though I don't have much fear of this happening). They didn't get their reputation overnight, and they don't force people to come to them.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-06-05 14:36
Author: Bill Fogle (12.22.236.---)
Date: 06-04-01 10:09
"Can't beat CHILEAN cabernet, IMO."
Although not a clarinet topic I fully agree with Gordon and as for the Chilean stuff we used our last bottle as toliet cleanser.
Bob A
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-05 15:17
My clarinet professor told me of the Brannens and let me play two clarinets: one that had been "Brannenized" and one that had not. Guess which one was better although they were identical clarinets? Right. The Brannens had done a miracle with his clarinet. And, since clarinet profs don't have tons of money to waste, for him to say "They're worth every penny" is a powerful statement.
The thing I loved about my professor's clarinet was the balancing of the keys. Man, how smooth can it get? The instrument almost played itself. And quiet! Oh, so nice! Not to mention the improved tone.
I'm sending my clarinet to them this month and can't wait for the transformation. I've had "similar" service on other instruments and it just wasn't the same. It's another of those things one cannot purchase with money--skill and craftsmanship, talent and the knowledge the Brannens have.
NO way I would send my high-dollar professional instrument to just anyone. It's an investment that will be worth it on an instrument I plan to keep a long time.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-06-05 15:49
I concurr with your thoughts, Eric.
I read the Brannen web-site. The work described is no more than I would expect from any conscientious, competent, clarinet-playing repairer. There surely should be many of these in USA. (There are commercial pad types that will last a good decade; they don't have to be home made). There really is a finite limit to what one can do to a clarinet without installing ruby bearings (as a watch maker/instrument repairer in NZ once did). It does surprise me if there is not sufficient competition in quality work over there to keep those prices lower.
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Author: Eric Satterlee
Date: 2001-06-05 19:50
Hello all.... please do not take my previous remarks as criticism of Brannen in any way shape or form... far from it... if the market will bear the price so be it... all I am saying is that from what I have seen and experienced with my customers, what customizing/etc is being done is not some sort of extraterestrial voodoo to any greater extent than what is typically is being done by many equally qualified technicians across our great country...I hear tell that a MKVI alto sax in the less than 150XXX series sells in New York City for $6000+... so if the price of a good clarinet set up is $600 in Chicago land, so be it.... Snob appeal??? Obviously if you have an instrument set up by Brannen, Tim Clarke, Pat Hiatt, Sheldon Kanis, myself, etc. etc. to name just a few I know are qualified (no one left out by design)Obviously...It is to be expected that an instrument that has been correctly set up with vast TLC will perform to a greater expectation than one that has not... Much of how musicians feel about themselves is determined by their perceived quality of the instrument they use... so if you feel better leaving $600 in Chicago... have at it..
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-06 05:31
OK, we keep on hearing this $600 being repeated. I think that the person quoting that number may have had more than "normal" overhaul issues, I don't know.
What I do know is what the Brannens charged me for an overhaul - twice fairly recently.
The Brannens charged me $450. including return shipping via UPS from Chicago to OKC. No doubt that would be less for walk-in traffic.
Tim Clarke quoted me $550 for his overhaul/setup service for a new Buffet R-13. Tim seems busiest of everybody I have spoken with. The quote was given in March of this year. Tim is very well thought of has a waiting list that is probably the longest. Finally, the highest I have heard directly of recent was Marc Jacobi , starting @ $600 according to Roberto, himself. However, I have a hard time believing they are getting that while Jimmy Yan down the street is charging $275 to the top players, like all of the Buffalo Phil. Can't recall the name of the fellow in Phillie that was doing the "Phil-squared" (I had heard of some ridiculous prices --- but thats nothing more tha heresay)
Best,
mw
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Author: joevacc
Date: 2001-06-06 12:09
mw, you have a good point.
I am <i>sure</i> these are cold quotes that are given for instruments that are unseen in order not to come in over the quote. At least that was the case in my experience.
Best,
jv
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-06 16:26
Oh, sure ... DEFINITELY. I will say that Linda Brannen ... who handles the business end of things & also does about half the repairs ... is very straightforward.
Linda has "NO SUBTLE" when it comes to pricing, when the clarinet will arrive, be paid for, & be returned to the customer. Linda is a very nice lady..
Tim Clark's quote was on an R-13 where it would be shipped in new condition, not (essentially) having ever been played, beyond playtests. Tim definitely has an _attitude_.
Heck, all of these folks have an ATTITUDE or EGO and I think that type of attitude is ESSENTIAL. Why? In my experience, someone with an ego about their work will (usually) endeavor to help you, to live up to their reputation & to make good on any problems or difficulties. There are exceptions to every rule, of course. Like anything else in this world, you live & learn ... & you (must) take chances.
Several of the professional repair respondents in this conversation have what I would call an attitude. _I love it_. I feel that by posting here they SHOW that they care and are willing to share with others. (I only wish some lived closer, stateside)
If you enjoy your work & are good at it, one deserves to feel good about themselves!
IF THEY DIDN'T ..... (well, lets not go there!)
Best,
mw
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Author: Daniel
Date: 2001-06-07 02:50
After reading the Brannen website, it sounds like the same service i get with my repair guy in Davenport, Iowa for about $125. Here in Houston, $125 gets you a lower joint repad when all you wanted was three particular pads (two on the lower joint and one on the top joint) replaced.
I have to say though, i bought my A from one of the Houston Symphony players (one of his back up horns) and he had picked it out and had it sent to both Tim Clark and David Hite and it's the best A i've ever played.
Will i ever send my horns to the Brannens? Probably not. I've heard too many stories from people who, though they did good work, didn't like them as people. (won't go into all that as it's not relevent). Will I ever go to Tim Clark myself? Maybe once i am making a nice living off playing.
For $80 an hour and having to make an appointment months in advance it's kind of hard to drop a great repairman who's willing to drop everything to work on your horns and do anything they need for under $100 bucks.
Daniel
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-07 05:12
No disrespect intended, but I sure wouldn't want to be judged on the basis of stories passed from one person to another. With stories so much of the translation is lost in the process. I have met the Bill & Linda Brannen in the first person, that's the best way to judge somebody else, I think.
I like Roger Garrett's trailer on some recent posts to Klarinet ---- I think we all stand to learn something from it ....
"A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes
another's." - Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)
Best,
mw
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