It is a rarity for me to work on location, but sometimes it is just not practical to remove and return a whole instrument.
Instrument Repair
The majority of my time is spent servicing, repairing and modifying percussion instruments. The posts below demonstrate the diversity of instruments that I work on and my approach to the job.
Lefima Tambourine repair (Job No: 1273)
Adams Timpani Repair (Job No: 1325)
Despite their age, these drums still have components that have been cheaply (and badly made). I remember from the last time that I saw these drums that the fork pressings were a bit tricky to get right and did not inspire me with confidence. Well finally they have started to go wrong on a regular basis, so I have been asked to come up with a solution. In this post I start to think about how to go about making replacements.
Premier 750 Vibraphone (Job No: 1227)
Premier made the 700 series vibraphone from 1947 – 61, then updated the frame calling it the 701 from 1961 – 79. So I was 5 when the latest version of the Premier vibe was made, which is why I am slightly confused as to exactly what model this vibe is. Confusion is my normal state especially when it comes to Premier’s instruments, this looks like a 700 series, but with a new (at the time) pedal system. The 700 had a damper system with a central pull rod and a small toe pedal, whereas the 701 has the long pedal. However I can’t remember how the top frame worked on the last 700 (with centre pull) I worked on, I think it was like this instrument.
Premier 751 Vibraphone (part 2) (Job No: 1279)
Deagan Aurora (part 3) (Job No: 1256)
With the damper system fully overhauled and installed into the now working frame, the next part of the assembly are the resonators followed by the motor. Finally the note bars are put on and the instrument is ready to be played. So in the last of these posts this is the order in which I do the work.
Deagan Arora (part 2) (Job No: 1256)
Premier 751 Vibraphone (part 1) (Job No: 1279)
Premier Vibe Note Pegs (Job No: 1264)
The little rubber note peg caps that Premier use on their 7 series vibes, or rather the lack of them, has been a growing problem. After receiving more and more requests for them, the time had arrived for me to address the problem and produce an alternative spare part. This post contains an instructional video on how to use the final kit I produce.