Repair Shop in Phoenix / East Valley?

[Stacey]

I need to locate a GOOD repairman in the Phoenix area, preferably in Gilbert/Mesa/Chandler.

I have a Conn C-melody that I've concluded I'm incapable of fully overhauling, even with the help of the finest technicians (after a year of farting around with it). I've had the horn apart and back together a couple of times (successfully). There are no stuck screws or rods. I have replaced all of the pads with new Conn Resopads, even replacing a couple of the pads twice, when I felt I might have damaged the new pad on my first try. While the horn was apart, I gave the silverplate a good polishing, and I'm happy with the finish.

So that's what's done (the easy stuff, really). What I still need to have done is "everything else" - key bending, new corks, new felts - everything to remove the leaks (including timing leaks) and reduce clanking noises. All of the springs are intact and strong.

No dent removal work is needed, as the horn has no significant dents (just a couple of tiny dings).

This is a significant job, so I don't want to hire some incompetent hack. However, this is also "only" a Conn C-melody (please hold your angry emails - I love my C-mel, too), and I can't afford to take this horn to someone who will pull out his/her $500-$1000 overhaul price list for this cork/felt/bending job.

Thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks,

Stacey

[jp3]

Two suggesions -

Desert Winds in Tempe. On Broadway between McClintock and the 101 Fwy. Talk to Gerry (Evoniak ? sp?), the owner. He has a solid reputation for quality work.

Also - Randy Mc Bride at Brengles Music. 480-981-0914. Can't remember direction to his place. His shop is out in a sort of agricultural area in east Mesa or Chandler. I know this sounds wierd, but he can give you directions. I haven't had any work done by him, but he too has a good reputation and I've been favorably impressed with discussions I've had with him.


I think you'd be satisfied with the work of either guy. Neither one is cheap - each quoted me about $750 to overhaul a Mk VI alto that I was looking at a few months ago, but I think you'd get a good product for the money and each would stand by their work.

Good luck.

[David Spiegelthal]

There's a fellow named John Butler, he might be in Tempe or maybe Phoenix, I'm not sure, but he has a reputation for excellent clarinet work -- I suspect he does saxophones also.