shops/techs in Pgh Pa?

[mark_m]

Any recommendations for shops to visit or reliable techs in the Greater Pittsburgh area? It's my hometown, but I left years before I started sax.
thnx

[DD]

Jim Sheppard at Volkwein Music has a stellar reputation for good work in Pgh.; Ron Fudoli in Butler PA (a monster bass player BTW)) has done some fine adjust/pad work for me on my VIs.

[Storamin]

Jim Sheppard at Volkweins is where I take all my sax's to. He's excellent at removing dents and everything. Where at in Pittsburgh do you live?

[HonkBopSax]

Jim Germann at Volkwein's in RIDC park is the bomb! I've had all my Selmers and Coufs overhauled by him. His overhauls last 6-7 years and he's always there for having work done on the spot. I play professionally in Pittsburgh and Jim has kept all of my horns in top playing condition. His overhauls run $575, but the difference is incredible. He likes using the Noyek resonators though, so if you are not a fan, he might not be the best bet.

[mark_m]

I'm out in CA, left Pgh about 25 years ago but still have parental units and friends there. I recently brought my alto with me while visiting, and had a blast jamming with my old music buddies - it had been decades.

So I was thinking if I brought a bigger horn like my bari, how would I get it there and what if it got tweaked a little en route, where would I take it.

Also while I was there I wondered what shops were around; when I lived there I was playing keyboards, a bit of flute, and singing in the Mendelssohn, but no horns. Forgot all about Volkweins... do I remember something about them moving and maybe the Warhol museum took their old building? Vague memory...

Thanks for the recommendations! So when I find myself back there next time, what are the music spots to check out? Pgh. has changed (improved!) so much since I left...

[tledjazz]

Jim Germann @ Volkwein's. He da bomb in da burgh! I took my Guardala tenor all the way up from DC for him to overhaul (looking for a good tech in DC). He does this cool thing where he custom dopes your pads. He did mine black with silver spots to match my black nickel horn. Check out Johnstonbaugh's in Penn Hills. They have some pretty decent guys there too.

[srcsax]

Jim Germman is the most talented repair tech i have ever met. The guy oozes sax repair talent.

[HonkBopSax]

It's unanimous. I'm going to write Jim Germann in as my choice for the next President of the United States. LONG LIVE GERMANN!

[paulwl]

I have not done business directly with Jim Germann yet, but do own 2 horns o/h by him and spoke with him about them on reference from the former owner. His workmanship is very fine indeed and both are excellent players. I wouldn't hesitate to engage him myself.

[mark_m]

Can he act? We're looking for a new governor out here in CA...

[srcsax]

I think Jim would be a fine actor. ANd it is possible he may move to Claifornia and become the Gov. He used to live in Los Angeles. He made theose add on key things for Oleg.

Hmm.....but then again, we don't need a repeat of a saxophonist in government do we?

[mark_m]

HA! Good one...

[JJGrepair]

Thanks for your votes of confidence but just to set the record straight, I didn't make those add-on key things for Oleg. He created his entire accessory line all by himself. I used to work with him in Hollywood but his product line came about after I left.
p.s. If anybody prefers a different resonator, all they have to do is ask......

[HonkBopSax]

Jim,

I stand corrected. Hope things are going well at Volkwein's. Email me about those Link's if you're still interested.

Thanks!

[JJGrepair]

Honkbop,

No need to stand corrected. Your feet will get tired! Those mouthpieces are still sitting where you saw me put them. I have such good intentions though!! How do you spell p-r-o-c-r-a-s-t-i-n-a-t-e?