Clarinet Repair Techs in Washington-Baltimore?

[Roger Aldridge]

Friends,

I'm looking for a good clarinet repair tech in the Washington-Baltimore area. I'm getting a vintage clarinet that needs an overhaul. I checked with the people I normally use and their estimate sounds a bit pricey ($290). Any recommendations?

Thanks!!!

[Grumps]

I use a couple different guys for my horns in this area depending on the job. For a quality overhaul, I'd use Steve Fowler. E-mail is the best way to contact him. His prices are listed on his site:

http://fowlermusic.com/

[Roger Aldridge]

Grumps,

THANKS for the recommendation. I contacted Steve and got a good feeling about him. I'll have him look over the clarinet.

[geo@loyola.edu]

Hey, Roger, when you talk to Steve next, ask him when he's going to finish my Buescher 400. He's had it for over THREE YEARS now. (Yep, that's right: three years.)

George Wright

[Grumps]

Hiya George,
I'm interested to know the full story on that one. I've known Steve for over twenty-five years and that just sounds very strange. Since he left Annapolis, he's not in the shop every day and jobs can take some time as he'll explain; but three years? What's up with that?

For those in the area, I know another guy that has incredibly reasonable prices and for basic jobs will do it while you wait if you're in a bind. This works out really well for when my son's horns are out of commission, but he's also done jobs on my pro horns and is a life saver:

Gordon Music, (410) 695-1120, Odenton, Md.

[geo@loyola.edu]

Grumps, here's my story. I heard about Steve from traffic on the 'net, from the guy whose King rebuild is featured on Steve's site. That kind of work was just what I was looking for. Another appealing thing about Steve's operation was that he's nearby. (I live in Lutherville, north of Baltimore.)

So three years ago last February I delivered a Buescher TH&C tenor to Steve in his garage (or whatever) workshop in Pasadena. We discussed a complete overhaul, including re-cutting of the engraving, plating at Anderson, cryo, and regulation and set-up. I paid him half the agreed-upon fee within a week of the drop-off. I send him email every quarter or so, asking what's up. In his last reply, about two months ago, Steve said he was sending it to Anderson that week.

In Steve's defense, I've always said I was a hobbyist, not a professional, and I was much more interested in craftsmanship than speed. I'm still not rushing him. I did send him a letter respectfully requesting that I be in the queue in front of Roger though :-)!

If you could put in a word for me with him, I'd appreciate it.

Geo

[twowheels]

(OT)

Grumps! Missed you at the Tim Price workshop, was hoping to see you there. How is that baffle in your alto bow working?

[Grumps]

My boy has little league games on Saturdays so I couldn't make the workshop. I hope to make the next Md. get together though.

Steve Fowler was the one that put in that baffle for me on my alto. It's really working out well on that low B gurgle and it didn't adversely affect intonation. He touched up the horn as well and it only took a couple of weeks, but there was a snow storm involved. He also found a rod clamp/cover for my VII tenor and got that put on and it didn't take long at all. He has had some health issues and that may be the reason for George's delay. I had lost track of him over the years and just found him again a couple of months ago and that's when he did the aforementioned work.

[geo@loyola.edu]

Hey, Grumps, are you a USNA band alumnus? Steve and I had a conversation about that when I visited his shop. We determined that our paths hadn't crossed there because I was there from 1962--66, before he came. (I was a mid though, not a band member.)

Geo

[Grumps]

I was never in the Navy Band, but I play in the Annapolis area with my father's dixieland band. My father was a Navy doctor and was formerly stationed in Annapolis. That's where the connection is. It's the two of us and a bunch of Navy Bandsmen that make up our group. They are by far the best musicians to work with as if one piece is not available they'll have a list of others to fill in on the spot. They know all the standards and you never have to rehearse. We're playing a job (return engagement) at a marina this weekend and it only took me two hours yesterday to make the calls and wait for the call backs to have my group in place. They are the consummate professionals.

[Roger Aldridge]

Grumps,

I owe you one for recommending Steve Fowler. I picked up my clarinet yesterday from Steve. He did an excellent job overhauling it and I'm entirely happy with the results.

George -- I asked Steve about your horn and he said that you have every right to be angry with him. He described the problems he's had with your Buescher and it does sound like it's a can of worms. I hope that everything will work out for you. It should be a fantastic horn when he's done.

[Grumps]

Glad to be of service Roger. Here's hoping that George gets back one super horn.... and soon.

[geo@loyola.edu]

Hey, Roger and Grumps, thanks for putting in the word with Steve for me.