I spoke with master trumpet repairman Charlie Melk and was able to get a spot in his work schedule. Charlie is considered the best brass repairman around and I feel lucky to have him working on my trumpet. My trumpet needed to be at Charlie’s shop by the end of April. So with a little trepidation, I mailed my Bach Strad off to Wisconsin.
Today my trumpet arrived in West Allis, Wisconsin at


If you ever decide to send off your trumpet, Charlie provides detailed instuctions on his web site, http://www.charliesbrassworks.com:
My next post will cover Charlie’s thoughts about restoring my trumpet and changing the finish from lacquer to silver plate.
Your cousin Kathryn is getting ready to send her family Steinway off for a similar rehab.