 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: reprise
Date: 2008-11-16 05:41
I need to get my clarinets overhauled, and am now driving myself crazy trying to decide where to do it. They are Buffets from the late 1970s.
I'm deciding between Brannen, Peter Spriggs (BC), or Gary Armstrong (Toronto). The prices aren't different enough to concern me. Armstrong is the closest to where I live -- Brannen would be the most hassle because of international shipping.
I've heard the most about Brannen, and I know they are in a class by themselves. (Okay, there are some on the boards who don't agree with that -- but, I've experienced their work and I believe it.) A drawback, though, is that they reserve the right to refuse to work on the instrument if it arrives and they don't like what they see. So, it's possible I would ship them there and then have the overhaul refused. (I don't know how likely this is.)
So, I guess what I'm asking is whether anyone has any sense of how the three places compare to each other in terms of quality. If you were choosing between these three, who would you pick?
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-11-16 07:35
I've no experience of any of these repairers.
But you make the point that Brannen reserves the right to refuse to work on an instrument... surely, any repairer refuses that right. No repairer will quote a fixed price for a full overhaul until he has seen the instrument. Therefore, whether or not he says explicitly that he reserves the right to refuse, he can always quote an absurdly high price.
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Author: Dileep Gangolli
Date: 2008-11-16 13:03
I can vouch for the Brannens.
They only work on Buffets and have the policy you mentioned so that they are not fixing the mistakes that other repairmen have made prior to their getting the clarinet to work on.
Once your instrument is set up by the Brannens, you will only need minor touchups periodically, as the work will last.
There are other very good repairmen around the US, but the Brannens are only 2 miles away from my home in Evanston do UPS and insurance is not an issue.
Good luck!
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Author: William
Date: 2008-11-16 15:53
Due to some past commuication with the Brannens, I do not trust their judgement nor their "superior" expertise. They probably do good repair and mechanical adjustment type work, but no better than any local techician who has successfully completed technical school training in instrument repair. It would be best for you to find someone within driving distance so that you can easily take your clarinets back for extra adjustment if something doesn't seem completely "right". As far as I am concerned, my local favorite repairperson, Mary J, can do anything the Brannens can do--and for less expense. Here in Madison, I am not paying for the big bucks name, just good clarinet repair and adjustment--that, BTW, probably lasts just as long (longer??) as that of the Evanston folks.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-11-16 19:13
I can only say that I would never send my clarinet away to be done unless I knew I could pick them up myself and try them before leaving. No one but me can determine exactly how I like the "feel" of the mechanism. I'm sure all of those mentioned will do a good job, the question is who will do it the way you like it done. Try before you buy, that applies to having it overhauled it too. How embarrassing is it to have to bring it to another tech after having it done elsewhere to get some springs make lighter or firmer or a key made higher or lower etc. There are some very fine repairman all over the place, you just have to find one you like and trust. That's my policy at least. ESP www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 Listen to a little Mozart, live performance
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2008-11-16 19:47
As Ed says, the finishing touch is the last bit of tweaking when you play the instrument in the repair shop.
Peter Spriggs did excellent overhaul and restoration work for me on a pair of Buffets that had sat in a closet for 90 years. You won't go wrong with him, and he's very conscientious about telling you what the instruments need and whether it's worthwhile.
International shipping is a terrible hassle. Go to Spriggs or Armstrong if you're close enough to either of them that you can get to the workshop. Otherwise, flip a coin.
Ken Shaw
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Author: gwie
Date: 2008-11-17 06:11
Bill and Linda Brannen have done two sets of instruments for me.
They did a complete overhaul on an R-13 Bb and A six years ago, and I was amazed at the result. When I sent it in last year for some upkeep it cost me substantially less to bring them back up to peak playing condition.
Recently, I let those two instruments go to a student, and replaced them with a set of Yamaha CSGs. Well, the Brannens gave my Yamahas the treatment too, and I'm happy to report that they are playing supremely well (especially with the teflon bumpers; I hate having those tiny slivers of cork compress in the left hand C/F key mechanism).
I find the work they've done exceptional, their prices reasonable, the communication always direct and honest, and continue to recommend their services to my colleagues and students.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-11-17 07:11
>> I don't think all repairmen are equal at all.
Of course not, but it's also very silly to claim any one repairer is "in a class by themselves"....
To the original poster, since one of those repairers is in your area, that's probably the best option if the work is good. You can try contacting local players like symphony players, other professional players, students in university, etc. and ask who they recommend and if they have experience with the person you are considering.
Do you have any local Canadian music forums with a woodwind sub forum, for example? Even in my very small country (where searching for repairers on forums is very rare) there are a couple of forums and occasionally someone asks about repairers. I imagine it will be easier to find info for Toronto.
It's not only the "finishing" that is relevant to a local repairer. Usually a repairer can check your instrument while you are there to give a general idea so you can get a sense of what the person is like. You can always say thanks and walk away....
Post Edited (2008-11-17 07:47)
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Author: hollis
Date: 2008-11-17 12:53
I live in the Toronto area and I sent my B-flat R13 to Peter Spriggs last year for an overhaul. I was very happy with the work he did, the prompt service, reasonable charge, and the communication I had with him.
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2008-11-17 13:00
I always advise players to cultivate a relationship with a repair tech who is within driving distance.
You really need to be able to play the instrument before you set down your hard earned money.
Gary Armstrong is certainly capable of excellent clarinet work. I know, because I used to work for him, and saw what he could do. I also play tested many of the instruments he'd overhauled.
Given the temperature and humidity changes your instruments would go through in shipping them from Ontario to BC at this time of year, I'd encourage you to start close to home.
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2008-11-18 00:05
The Brannens have been overhauling my instruments for 20 years, and I have been very happy with their work.
If you want to use them, it would be best to drive across the border to a full-service mail store and ship your clarinet within the US. Shipping across the border is a big hassle, and there is no guarantee of a delivery date, even if you ship weeks in advance. Have the instruments shipped back to the mail store. You will have to travel again to pick them up. The Brannens will want to be paid in US dollars.
Call US & Canada Customs *first* to determine how to document your instruments when you take them out of Canada, and into the US, and what will be required to get them back. You want to be able to get them home again.
If this is not convenient, consider your ample options within Canada. You should also look at Morrie Backun.
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Author: Tilly
Date: 2008-11-18 03:42
If you live near the Toronto area, I don’t see why you would ship your instruments to the Brannens and deal with customs issues. Gary Armstrong is a highly skilled, excellent repair technician who is patient and listens to concerns. He will also suggest that you try the instrument before leaving so he can make any additional adjustments to ensure you are happy with it.
When the instrument is back in your hands, it’s up to you to play it...and no repair technician can do anything to your instrument to make it perform better than your ability!!
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Author: reprise
Date: 2008-11-18 04:22
Thanks for all of your thoughts and especially for the info about the Canadian shops, since I am still learning about the resources available up here.
Hollis -- was there a reason why you chose to ship to Peter Spriggs instead of using Gary Armstrong?
As it turns out, the Brannens can't receive from or ship to international addresses. And since I'm not in a position to make two trips to the U.S. to ship and receive from across the border, I'll be sticking with someone in Canada after all...
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Author: Keith Ferguson
Date: 2008-11-18 05:44
Let me add my vote for Peter Spriggs. He has looked after my clarinets since 2001, and his work has ranged from an overhaul of an old Boosey & Hawkes 1010 to annual maintenance work on some R13s, with everything in between. He is organized and responsive, and in my view his work is first rate. Although I ship my clarinets to him, he schedules his work so that I can get a clarinet serviced and back in my hands faster than if I used a local technician, and I have never had any reason to wish that I could have play tested them before taking delivery of the finished product.
I'd also be inclined to disregard the temperature and humidity concern, given that your clarinet is not going to be played while in transit to or from Peter's shop.
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Author: donald
Date: 2008-11-18 09:32
"the Brannens can't receive from or ship to an international addresses..."
you mean WON'T, not can't?
it would be a very curious situation if they were somehow unable to receive international mail!
dn
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2008-11-18 20:40
You will have to ask the Brannens where they accept shipments from. They began restrictions when two instruments were lost in shipment to New York City. The owner had to play on spares for months until he got his insurance settlement, purchased new instruments, and had them overhauled. This was not a good experience for anybody involved.
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Author: BornAgainClarinetist
Date: 2008-11-21 23:04
I have to seriously dispute what William said about the Brannen's work. In 2004 I had spent the whole year trying to find an A clarinet. I was unhappy with everything I tried. Eventually I settled with one that just had decent intonation and tried to move on. When I played it for the first time after they had worked on it in their shop, I was floored. They had completely transformed the clarinet. It was previously serviced by another high quality repairman who made sure it was sealing and such. They completely changed the voicing and feel of the clarinet. I was so happy with the clarinet that I was almost in tears because before that I felt like I had to fight the A clarinet and it made music miserable. After I got my clarinet back it was a completely different story and almost everyone who tries my A clarinet is amazed at how nicely it plays. I have lent it out to two of my friends several times for various competitions and gigs.
So William, I respect your right to have a different opinion than I do but I wanted to get my perspective out there. I think many of us who use the brannens do not know what we are going to do after Linda retires. They really do special work and they aren't teaching anyone what they are doing.
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Author: clariniano
Date: 2008-12-14 07:13
Don't forget Steven Fox, he overhauled my Bb a little more than a year ago and did a great job. His place is accessible by York Region transit. His place was pretty easy to get to from where I used to live. tjpigj he is quite far.
But, I know a lot of professionals who use Gary Armstrong, and I often take my instruments there (actually did just a couple of weeks ago).
Meri
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2008-12-14 13:55
I recommend Brannens. They are simply the best.
Int'l shipping shouldn't be too much hassle.
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2008-12-16 18:22
Here's another option in Toronto, Ontario... Mikhail (Mike) Sherman. He works on some of the Toronto Symphony players' instruments and also those of other professionals. I used to go to Stephen Fox but he got too busy building instruments and had to let the repair work go, at least at that time, and I was referred to Mike. His shop is in North Toronto so it can save you driving through the snarly city traffic. My instruments are always a delight to play again once they come back.
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Author: Bartmann
Date: 2008-12-17 14:32
I had my R13 clarinet Brannenized and I was unsatisfied.
However I was very disappointed with the way they trimmed the cork on the top and the bottom of the upper joint. Originally the cork fit neatly into the slots. But when they replaced the cork in the upper joint, the cork spread well beyond the slot. This wouldn't be a problem except that to cut the cork, they made two deep cuts into the wood; one above the standard cork line and one below. So long after the cork has worn away, those two gouges remain. They did the same with the cork on the lower part of the upper joint. I was disappointed that they would take such liberties.
Imagine for example that you wanted a runner (a long strip of carpet) in your hallway. They bring a piece of carpet that extends to the walls on either side. To make it narrower they cut the carpet right on the wood. So there are two parallel gouges in your wood floor. And in a couple of years when you replace the carpet, you have two long gouges in your wood floor. Your choice is either to get another carpet slightly larger or to live with the scratches.
Trimming cork, replacing pads, adjusting springs is fine, but to permanently alter the wood itself is unacceptable.
Thanks
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2008-12-18 01:46
Sherman Music Services (Mike Sherman)
3856 Chesswood Dr.
North York, ONTARIO
(416) 398-5454
e-mail: freda2@rogers.com
Chesswood Drive is just off of Sheppard Ave. between Dufferin and Keele. It's in the Downsview Airport area. Once you turn onto Chesswood Drive turn left at the very first street light. This takes you into an industrial area - you'll see the hockey arena first. Continue around to your left to the small industrial plaza and find #3856. Tell Mike that I sent you!
Post Edited (2008-12-18 01:48)
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Author: reprise
Date: 2009-01-31 19:17
Thanks for all of your suggestions and thoughts! I wanted to let you all know that I ended up going with Gary Armstrong in Toronto -- and I now can join those who highly recommended him. I got complete overhauls on both of my clarinets, plus a crack repair. The work he did is fabulous -- the instruments feel brand new and are playing better than they ever have before. I'm delighted.
When his workload got backed up with some emergency repairs that came in, he even lent me an instrument so I didn't have to miss rehearsals. Also, he and his assistant Shauna are super nice people, which is always a welcome bonus!
P.S. Donald from New Zealand -- yes, I miswrote... the Brannens will not accept international shipments or make international shipments -- it's their policy, not the postal service. :-)
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