In this blog post, we celebrate the skilled hobbyists, enthusiasts and artisans that look after our musical instruments, from strings to saxophones and pianos to pipe organs.
By far the most common instrument for repair is the ubiquitous guitar. Guitar repair encompasses a range of services, including retuning, restringing to refretting. This is readily available through music stores, guitarists, seasoned repairers or hobby enthusiasts alike. Even what may seem like a terminal incident, such as a broken neck, these professionals are able to remedy.
Pianos are another excellent example of an instrument requiring a diverse range of skills. First, they need periodic tuning to ensure its optimal sound quality. Professional technicians often offer on-site tuning services, meticulously adjusting each string to achieve perfect harmony. Additionally, restoration plays a crucial role in piano maintenance, addressing issues such as cracks, chips, or other damage to the instrument’s wooden components, thus preserving its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. In the same instrument category, but far more specialised, are harpsichords, which require dedicated specialists.
Andy, from Brass Monkey South West and a musician from the age of 8, offers us an insight into his journey into repairing brass instruments:
“The idea of repairing brass instruments began around 10 years ago. I was inspired by a cornet player, who had to repair an instrument shortly before a contest, and I was fortunate enough to witness the repair. At the time I had no interest or idea about this type of work, so I don’t really think anything sunk in! It was a couple of years later when I thought back on this memory and decided to give it a go… I completed some training in the art of instrument repair, and this was when my dedication and enthusiasm to this craft began.“
The repair and service jobs include dent removal, fine polishing, internal cleaning and restoration. In his time servicing & repairing, Andy has learnt that there is one fundamental rule: no repair is the same. Even if the type of instrument and the kind of the fault are the same, every instrument is unique. That means every repair requires its dedicated time to planning and executing any work.
Many brass bands across Devon & Cornwall are relying on Andy, who takes pride in his work:
“Nothing brings me more satisfaction than handing back a piece of kit that functions as it should.“
