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Restoration Shops
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 12:53 pm
by jrod93
Hello All
Looking at having a Bach 50 restored
Need new valves and replated/satin finished?
Any suggestions?
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 1:00 pm
by Burgerbob
M&W
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 2:22 pm
by bassboneman69
Scott Sweeney
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 3:47 pm
by Lhbone
Sadly had a really bad experience with that shop. He couldn’t figure out how to assemble an Instrument Innovations axial and wrap correctly. It was uneven and full of tension. It looked cool but played horribly. When I pointed the alignment and stress issues out to him, he just shrugged it off and dismissed my concerns that custom jobs are always going to be a bit wonky. I took it to another tech who disassembled and redid the whole thing.
If you care about this horn, I second Matthew Walker at M&W or Todd Clontz, who now owns Thayer. Both are elite craftsmen.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:11 pm
by JTeagarden
I have had great success with Scott Sweeney as well; last time I spoke with Matt Walker, he was taking a break from restoration work to concentrate on making his own instruments.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:18 pm
by hornbuilder
Hi!
I wasn't going to comment on this thread because it may be seen as inappropriate, but..
To make a slight correction to the previous comment. If a client is looking to have an M&W valve section installed on their instrument, I am happy to do further restoration work as part of that project. I have a Mt Vernon 50B and a Holton 185 in the shop at present for valve section install and full over hauls, as well as a couple of Bach 42's and a Conn 8H.
I have had to make the decision to not take on work that does not include M&W specific aspects. Something like doing a cosmetic overhaul of an old instrument without having a valve section as part of the project. I would recommend Kevin Stiles at Heritage Music Repair for that sort of work.
Cheers
Matthew
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2026 5:41 am
by WGWTR180
Matthew you clarified what specifically you will do. Nothing inappropriate about that at all.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2026 6:31 am
by JTeagarden
hornbuilder wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:18 pm
Hi!
I wasn't going to comment on this thread because it may be seen as inappropriate, but..
To make a slight correction to the previous comment. If a client is looking to have an M&W valve section installed on their instrument, I am happy to do further restoration work as part of that project. I have a Mt Vernon 50B and a Holton 185 in the shop at present for valve section install and full over hauls, as well as a couple of Bach 42's and a Conn 8H.
I have had to make the decision to not take on work that does not include M&W specific aspects. Something like doing a cosmetic overhaul of an old instrument without having a valve section as part of the project. I would recommend Kevin Stiles at Heritage Music Repair for that sort of work.
Cheers
Matthew
Thanks, I kinda sorta got it right...
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2026 6:59 am
by hornbuilder
No harm, no foul.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2026 7:19 am
by WGWTR180
Lhbone wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2026 3:47 pm
Sadly had a really bad experience with that shop. He couldn’t figure out how to assemble an Instrument Innovations axial and wrap correctly. It was uneven and full of tension. It looked cool but played horribly. When I pointed the alignment and stress issues out to him, he just shrugged it off and dismissed my concerns that custom jobs are always going to be a bit wonky. I took it to another tech who disassembled and redid the whole thing.
If you care about this horn, I second Matthew Walker at M&W or Todd Clontz, who now owns Thayer. Both are elite craftsmen.
This seems odd to me from what I know about Scott's work. "It was uneven and full of tension" but "it looked cool....." ?? And from knowing Scott for quite awhile I cannot imagine him stating that "custom jobs are always going to be a bit wonky." Not saying that you are stating false facts but I just find that hard to believe from seeing Scott Sweeney's other work.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2026 7:31 am
by harrisonreed
That is indeed odd. His partial restoration of my 3BF was stunning.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2026 9:34 am
by WGWTR180
But I'll stay on topic: I can personally vouch for Matthew's work especially considering you want new valves.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2026 9:44 am
by Lhbone
WGWTR180 wrote: Thu Apr 23, 2026 7:19 am
Lhbone wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2026 3:47 pm
Sadly had a really bad experience with that shop. He couldn’t figure out how to assemble an Instrument Innovations axial and wrap correctly. It was uneven and full of tension. It looked cool but played horribly. When I pointed the alignment and stress issues out to him, he just shrugged it off and dismissed my concerns that custom jobs are always going to be a bit wonky. I took it to another tech who disassembled and redid the whole thing.
If you care about this horn, I second Matthew Walker at M&W or Todd Clontz, who now owns Thayer. Both are elite craftsmen.
This seems odd to me from what I know about Scott's work. "It was uneven and full of tension" but "it looked cool....." ?? And from knowing Scott for quite awhile I cannot imagine him stating that "custom jobs are always going to be a bit wonky." Not saying that you are stating false facts but I just find that hard to believe from seeing Scott Sweeney's other work.
Yeah, he added some custom flare like he usually does that looks cool. That was unrelated about how the actual I.I. parts were assembled and played. Glad you’ve had a great experience.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Fri May 01, 2026 11:29 pm
by wayne88ny
Oberoh Woodwind and Brass Works
Don't know how much work you need done, but if it's a complete overhaul you need call them and get it scheduled as they're very backed up on overhauls. For less extensive work, give them a call and ask them how long it would take.
Re: Restoration Shops
Posted: Mon May 04, 2026 7:08 pm
by jjenkins
Heritage Repair in KC.
