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
Indialantic, FL

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187

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 · Veteran Member Joined: 26 Jan 2021 Posts: 210

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

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

jhellerstein · Regular Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 67

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

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.

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
Edwards X-13
ACB MV3C /ACB A1/26 backbore
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

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

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
Edwards X-13
ACB MV3C /ACB A1/26 backbore
https://yourbrass.com/

Bill Ortiz · Heavyweight Member Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 904

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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'56 Martin Committee Deluxe #2 trumpet
14B Schilke mouthpiece
Couesnon Paris flugelhorn
Bob Reeves Sleeves and 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
Edwards X-13
ACB MV3C /ACB A1/26 backbore
https://yourbrass.com/

oliver king · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Aug 2008 Posts: 1742

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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LB Bel Canto #59
Holton B47
Frankenhorn projects 1-5
Adams F1
Olds Super Tenor Trombone
Alesis QS8
B2MS3, B2GS3,

Mr.Bengie · New Member Joined: 09 Jan 2023 Posts: 6

Just wanted to chime in to say that this thread was really helpful for finding a trumpet repair shop. I ended up going with A&G / Best Instrument Repair based on the feedback and was impressed by the work. They did a cleaning and polish for $105 which seemed very reasonable considering the third valve slide was very stuck and that the horn hasn’t been cleaned in years.

Rachel was the technician who did the work and was helpful at explaining the process. I was very happy with the experience and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.