Good Brass repair in San Francisco?

ScottA

We recently sold a classic LB Martin Committee in great shape to someone in SF and of course the gorillas at UPS managed to damage the horn despite a very good packing job....not good enough obviously. This is the first horn damaged in shipping in over 20 years. Anyway, there is a small dent in the bell bow and the bell/valve casing brace also came un soldered. Just a soft solder joint, the brace is still intact.

The buyer apparently does not have a favored repair shop so I am looking for some leads for him. Thanks.
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Scott Apelgren
The Horn Section
Melbourne, FL

www.TheHornSection.com

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3064

http://www.agmusic.com/html/repairs.html

This was Dick Ackright's shop in Oakland.(built the Severinson trumpets) I think he is retired but they seem to still be in business. I'd call and ask if any of Dick's former apprentices are running the shop.

LittleRusty · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 12:25 pm Post subject:

RETrumpet · Regular Member Joined: 26 Jan 2021 Posts: 70

jhatpro · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 12:36 pm Post subject:

Highly recommend Lionel Emde of https://yourbrass.com/ in Pacifica, just South of SF.

He’s done superb work for me including restoration of vintage trumpets and cornets.

His website gives a good look at his work.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"Life is good except for the side effects."

Horn of the Month
1926 Vega George

jhellerstein · Regular Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 38

At Best Instrument Repair in Oakland (a.k.a. AG Music), the brass tech is Bryan Morgan. I have trusted him with valuable horns old and new. Apropos to your situation, I have also play-tested a Committee he restored. Highly recommended. The tradition at Best Repair is deep.

I have not met Lionel Emde (yourbrass), but only because he's much further from my home. But I took a trip to Hornucopia where I believe he does the restorations, and it's a treasure chest of beautiful old horns in beautiful condition. He's also uniformly informed and positive on this site.
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"When you hear music, after it's over, it's gone in the air. You can never capture it again." -- Dolphy

Edwards X-13
Bel Canto LB Cornet
Eclipse Flugel
and various contenders

LittleRusty · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 4:34 pm Post subject:

Lionel does work in Hornucopia's shop. I don't think he is there every day so call ahead if you decide to visit. I believe Sandy, the owner, is there everyday. At least she was before the pandemic.

Hopefully Lionel will chime is with the true facts.

Jaw04 · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 4:38 pm Post subject:

I also recommend Bronstein Music in south SF. Great people, great prices.
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JW - musician and educator

LittleRusty · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 4:47 pm Post subject:

yourbrass · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 4:53 pm Post subject:

We're still here at Hornucopia four days a week. I take in instruments between 11 AM - 1 PM, Tues. - Friday at the back door only. No one is allowed in, I'm hoping that will change soon when all vaccinations are complete!

My direct line is 650-738-9120, call or text before coming by in case of schedule changes.

-Lionel
_________________
"Strive for tone." -John Coppola
Benge 3X+
Pickett 3CD/25
https://yourbrass.com/

jhatpro · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 7:51 pm Post subject:

I wish everyone who played my 1925 Vega throughout its life could see it now. Here are some pix Lionel Emde took as he transformed it from a pile of parts to a thing of jaw-dropping beauty.

https://lionelemde.smugmug.com/Jims-Vega-trumpet-
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"Life is good except for the side effects."

Horn of the Month
1926 Vega George

yourbrass · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 7:58 pm Post subject:

Thank you, Jim.
I would just say that the left menu offers comments, I have made comments if anyone wants to read them.
-Lionel
_________________
"Strive for tone." -John Coppola
Benge 3X+
Pickett 3CD/25
https://yourbrass.com/

Bill Ortiz · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 10:37 pm Post subject:

These are all great choices. There's also Joel Ryan at Allegro Music in Fremont. That's who I use. Joel does outstanding work and also designs horns.

https://www.allegromusic.net
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Schilke Handcraft HC1 Trumpet/Schilke 14B
Couesnon Paris Flugelhorn
Bob Reeves Mouthpiece Sleeves/PVA

yourbrass · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:11 pm Post subject:

There's a small shop on San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley that's getting rave reviews on Yelp. I have not had any experience with this gentleman's work, but it seems others have been satisfied.

I think the main problem is that there are too few places to go in an area with 4 million people!

-Lionel
_________________
"Strive for tone." -John Coppola
Benge 3X+
Pickett 3CD/25
https://yourbrass.com/

oliver king · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Aug 2008 Posts: 1720

Another (late) voice for Best Instrument Repair. I have been doing business with Dick and his crew for the last 35 years. Although he's 'retired', Dick still sticks his head in to make sure things are going smoothly. Bryan Morgan is running things now and is an excellent craftsman and repairman. I trust them with all of my horns without any reservation.
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Bel Canto 59, Cxl
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Olds Recording
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Olds Super Tenor Trombone
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B2S3/82P