Who are the Gurus of Sax Repair?

[CountSpatula]

Such a nice guy lol.

[saxmanglen]

Such a nice guy lol.

He's much nicer when he's medicated.




BOT, I've used Tim Glesmann in the past and have had very nice results.

[Howlinhorns]

Can anyone recomend a tech in NE Florida? Just moved from Boston area and don't know anyone. Appreciate the help!!

[tenor71363]

Gerry Evoniuk of Desert Winds in Tempe, AZ. is an excellent sax tech.

[JosephPerez]

I haven't seen anyone mention Michael Manning here in NYC. He's very popular with the younger players here in town. I don't know if he's a "guru" (I'm not someone who gets excited about the equipment side of the music so I won't claim to be an expert in judging), but he does great work and provides good service on top.

I was a customer of Roberto for a long time and have had my horn over-hauled by both, and to me it was no contest. I much preferred Mike's work, though perhaps it was because I was older by this time and had more input to give pre-overhaul. He also makes great custom sax cases and accessories. Here is his web-site.

http://www.manningcustom.com/home.php

And no, I'm not an employee

[SaxJazz12]

Les Arbuckle does amazing work!

[saxoftenest]

NOT True.


Brad Wherry is the best tech I've ever had, of the 20+ horns I've had overhauled his are the best.

Travis Ranney is also an amazing tech and worked with Brad at Northwest Winds before it closed. They're the only techs in Washington that I would trust with my horns.

I agree with you completely, but I was informed that Brad Wherry is no longer "open to the public", so to speak. Am I misinformed? If so, send me his number!

[alsdiego]

I don't know if Les Arbuckle was a guru or not but he was damned good and always willing to take care of an emergency type situation oer the 8 years or so I went to him. He even lent me a horn when mine was in for an overhaul and I had gigs. I ended up buying that horn from him and still have it 5 years later. Now he is in San Diego and you guys out there have an outstanding new option.

I recently had Les do some work on my horn, and he is outstanding...... meticulous, knowledgeable, and an interesting guy to boot..... my horn never played better.

Al

[Benny]

I'd be interested to hear from anyone in Australia.

(My tech is Brian Dickson, Sydney Australia)

Phil Noy is the man, but also Steve Wright (Melb), Steve Giordano (Syd), Tom Sparks (Syd), Ian Gordon (Melb, the best for oboes), Pete Jerabek (Melb).

[JerryJamz2]

He's repaired horns for:

Wayne Shorter
Mike Brecker
David Sanborn
George Coleman,
Tim Price
John Purcell
Tim Berne
Julius Hemphill
Vincent Herring
Sonny Simmons
Arthur Blythe
Joseph Jarman
Don Byron
Henry Threadgill
Steve Coleman
Oliver Lake
Bobby Watson
Steve Wilson
Ellery Eskelin
Bob Mintzer
John Zorn
Greg Osby

Note - Just for clarity, my following post has nothing to do with the tech mentioned as I only know of his name, and certainly not dissing many of the named technicians whom I know personally and have great respect for.

I find myself giggling after reading this thread as I know many technicians (some known and mentioned on this forum, others not) who have made the same claims about the same players. (Brecker and Getz are two players alone who must have 30 techs who claim this notoriety.) I have done repair work for quite a few major names in the business, but that was due to the fact that they needed a repair while they were travelling through the area, and I was recommended. Brass players as well as woodwind players. A lot of it has to do with location of the shop/tech also and the frequency of major-name players often being in their area on a regular basis. This is never going to happen where I live, and it doesn't bother me a bit.

[hansmartini]

I nominate Jerry as a Guru for the Syracuse area. Nice guy to talk to and he will do a super job on your horn. Go Jerry!
Hans
ps
No gurus in the Fredericton Area, But I.m fun to talk to and I'll repair your horn for you until you can make it to your favourite guru.

[Chris J]

Guru has two meanings. This thread relates more to the definition "a recognised leader in a field"

I think the origins of guru relate more to the definition "a teacher, guide, advisor or mentor"

I have only had experience of one person already mentioned, but he could be described as a guru as he has taught me a bit about his skill, and through his web site he clearly aims to teach others and spread his knowledge.

What would really interest me in this thread, of the established, skilled and respected sax repairers - who are their gurus?

[lochness88]

Phil Noy is the man, but also Steve Wright (Melb), Steve Giordano (Syd), Tom Sparks (Syd), Ian Gordon (Melb, the best for oboes), Pete Jerabek (Melb).

Thanks a million, I will look those names up. I did my work experience with Tom Sparks, an absolute legend.

[Gordon (NZ)]

"What would really interest me in this thread, of the established, skilled and respected sax repairers - who are their gurus?"

If that includes me, then I would have to say I am pretty remote here down under, I and could not really say I've made contact with specific person I would call my guru.

[Chris J]

"What would really interest me in this thread, of the established, skilled and respected sax repairers - who are their gurus?"

If that includes me, then I would have to say I am pretty remote here down under, I and could not really say I've made contact with specific person I would call my guru.

Don't worry Gordon - Just for your inexhaustible energy to share, help and teach on this and clarinet BB I think you qualify for the guru title yourself!....

[Benny]

Thanks a million, I will look those names up. I did my work experience with Tom Sparks, an absolute legend.

I can give you details for the guys in Melb if you like. Phil and Pete work from their own workshops- not shopfronts.

[hornfixer]

Les Otto ..... .. Elkhorn Wisconsin

[clarnibass]

It's sax repairers... so isn't the correct term 'gooroo'

[lochness88]

I can give you details for the guys in Melb if you like. Phil and Pete work from their own workshops- not shopfronts.

I won't be traveling to Melbourne any time soon, but cheers anyway for the offer. Ive subscribed to this thread and if I ever cross the border I'll be sure to pm you.

Many thanks,

Loch.

[hornfixer]

Mike Sammons...........Corpus Christi, Texas