Tech/maintenance Back again looking for a repairer in London area

[Jimmymack]

Thanks, I’ll have a look for some.

 

[David Roach]

Good techs seem to come and go around here and they mostly seem to go. I need somebody who can fix the octave mechanism on a Super 20, so somebody who is used to vintage horns, preferably based in or near, or easily accessible, from London. Just to make the challenge more interesting I need to be able to get to them by public transport. Any ideas?

Craig at Howarth is very good. He will listen to you and spend time getting things right. Close to Baker St. tube station in Chiltern St.
Howarth has had a bumpy ride with sax repair techs for some years, the last guy was a nightmare, but as I say, Craig is now my prefered tech in London.

 

[Jimmymack]

Thanks, that's interesting I haven't exactly had good experiences at Howarth over the years, nothing bad but certainly only average at best so I avoid them which is a pity as they are only a couple of miles from where I live. How long has Craig been there?

 

[PigSquealer]

Thanks, I’ll have a look for some.

Have a heat source? Protect surrounding parts that will burn with loose tinfoil. Gently heat the threaded end pillar. Apply a drop of quality penetrating oil (I don’t favor WD-40 for this). Use a fine pointed tool to place droplet.
Let soak a bit. Make sure your screwdriver tip is NOT a wedge. You’ll spread the slot, essentially wedging the rod into the pillar !
Heat again and work screw both directions, tighten-loosen-tighten-loosen-repeat.
For a heat source on the cheap a cigar lighter will do. Here these are $5 and refillable.

 

[Jimmymack]

Thanks for that. I'll approach with caution.

 

[David Roach]

Thanks, that's interesting I haven't exactly had good experiences at Howarth over the years, nothing bad but certainly only average at best so I avoid them which is a pity as they are only a couple of miles from where I live. How long has Craig been there?

Craig has been there a few years, maybe 3?

 

[chrysalis]

If Hertford is not too out of the way for you, I can recommend Dan www.dfinstruments.com

He's a player and great to deal with. Has taken good care of my horns so far, including some tricky troubleshooting on a 30s horn with microtuner.

 

[PigSquealer]

Thanks for that. I'll approach with caution.

If you get into trouble I’m only 5,432 miles away 🤣.

 

[Jimmymack]

Can we meet half way?

 

[Jeanette]

Can we meet half way?

Bit wet!! 😮

 

[Pete Thomas]

Can we meet half way?

That'll be the Bermuda Triangle.

 

[Jimmymack]

I was thinking of something like Newfoundland but you are both probably right.

 

[PigSquealer]

Can we meet half way?

New York would be best. Round trip $200 or less from here. Dunno if I can get a screwdriver though security TSA. I have a opening November 15 🤣