Charlie Melk

DSanchee · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 1:09 pm Post subject:

Hey guys,
I just wanted to post on here that I recently got my horn fixed up with a nice chemical cleaning and loosening of the slides. The reason I am posting is because the person who fixed it is a true master at his job. Charlie Melk from Melf Music in Milwaukee, WI did a fantastic job. I was recommended to him by my teacher and he surely lived up to the expectations. He even did things to improve the horn that I didn't ask for. If you guys need repair he is the man to call, he is affordable and quick on shipping out the instrument once he finishes it. If any of you need his # or email just IM me. Thanks.

Derek

jhatpro · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 1:32 pm Post subject:

He's Dennis Najoom's repair specialist. That says a lot.
_________________
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

Lawler Bb · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 1:44 pm Post subject:

Charlie Melk works on the horns of many well known people, members of the Milwaukee symphony, the Chicago symhopny, and others. I can't agree more, Charlie is absolutely phenomenal with trumpets. He has done wonders for my Bach C and sold me a great Bach Bb. If you want to have any custom work done, give him a call. He is very personable and isn't out to make money, but to give you great customer service and do exactly what you want to your horn. Charlie knows so many tweaks for Bach trumpets, be it Bbs, Cs, Ebs, Piccolos--you name it.

I will have Charlie work on my horns no matter where I end up, he's that good!

http://www.melkmusic.com
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Eric Sperry
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HorneyMikey · Veteran Member Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Posts: 325

I also have the utmost confidence in Charley's work. He has done my horns for years. Something he has that is not listed on his web site: He makes a great leadpipe for Bach Bb and C trumpets. A copy of an old Mount Vernon, buth with the longer New York style receiver. I have one on my 1970 Bach, and it is the best Bach I have ever played.

I will be having him gold plate this horn as soon as I can get the $$.

Mike

Horn of Praise · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 3:43 pm Post subject:

GR recommended that I use Charlie Melk if I ever need any horn work done. Charlie went over my Getzen Eterna 900 Classic and removed excess "interior" solder from three separate locations...for only $35. What a great deal! He is now making me a single-radius main tuning slide for the same horn...at a really great price.

He treats everybody well, whether you are a "big dog", or "little dog" (like me).

All the best.

DSanchee · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 7:35 pm Post subject:

Yeah Charlie said he will be leaving Melk Music within the next few months to start a new small business in brass repair. He told me he will only cater to trumpets and trombones at his new store so he could focus all of his attention on the trumpet and trombone players:)

Derek

Lawler Bb · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 9:25 pm Post subject:

Really? Do you know where he will be located?? I just spoke with him last week and he didn't say anything, then again the subject never came up.
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Eric Sperry
www.ericsperry.com
www.facebook.com/EricSperryTrumpet/
www.instagram.com/milwaukeetrumpet/

DSanchee · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 11:48 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure exactly where it will be located but I presume he will stay in Milwaukee. It will be called Charlie's Brass Works. I'm sure if you email him or call him he will give you the details.

Derek

wardsd · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Mar 2003 Posts: 504

I heard the same about Charlie Melk - accept that he was going to work strictly for professionals. I sent him a message on Tuesday asking about this, and have not yet received a response.

Steve

bent trumpet · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 9:53 am Post subject:

I have never used Charlie, but I am sure he is good. I have used Dr. Valve in LaGrange Illinois to do some work on my vintage Martin Committee. He improved my Martin significantly.

HorneyMikey · Veteran Member Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Posts: 325

Would Dr. Valve be Steve Winans?

Mike

Horn of Praise · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 2:22 pm Post subject:

Steve Winans is Doctor Valve. I met him last Saturday at a Trumpetfest in Grays Lake, Illinois. He's a great guy...very free with his time...answers everything you ask him. Gave me a free lesson on the spot. And boy, can he play.

Also, I received word from GR that Charlie Melk was starting his new business. I'm sure that it isn't only for pros, or else "I" wouldn't have been told.

All the best.
_________________
PAUL NELSON - Eclipse White Lightning / Getzen Eterna 900 Classic / Monette B4LD / Blue Juice

atom_anderson · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 2:55 pm Post subject:

Does anyone have contact info for Dr. Valve?

Horn of Praise · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 3:12 pm Post subject:

http://doctorvalve.com/
_________________
PAUL NELSON - Eclipse White Lightning / Getzen Eterna 900 Classic / Monette B4LD / Blue Juice

MarkNiehaus · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:36 pm Post subject:

Charlies Brass Works
(Charlie Melk)
262-827-1515

he is the guy to use

mark niehaus
principal trumpet
milwaukee symphony

Pete · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 6:14 am Post subject:

Charlie does exceptional work. I had a friend's LA Benge 3X MLP restored/replated, and it played so well that I didn't want to give it back to him!

Pete

Halflip · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 7:58 pm Post subject:

I called Charlie at the number provided by Mark Niehaus regarding the "professionals only" question. He told me that he wanted to avoid working on student horns and rentals owned by school systems and music stores so that he could devote his time to pro-quality trumpets and trombones. He felt that he could better serve the community of professional brass players in this way, but he in no way means to exclude amateurs and collectors who need his services for their pro-quality horns. (I don't imagine he would turn away professional musicians who happen to prefer student-line instruments either, although I didn't ask him about this.)

I concur with all the good things that have been said about Charlie Melk on this thread. He restored a vintage Benge pocket trumpet and a Couesnon flugelhorn for me as well as performing less major repairs on other horns I own. The results have never been less than superb! He is a master craftsman, and I wish him all the best with his new venture.