About My Involvement In Repair
First of all, Welcome to my website! My name is Justin Young and I am an instrument repair technician specializing in woodwind repair. My home/shop is located in San Antonio, Texas. I have been involved in the repair business since 2009 when I began my apprenticeship with Larry Mueller. After spending nearly a year working/learning with Larry, I decided to branch off and open my own repair shop on the northwest side of the San Antonio area.
Although the training I received from Larry has allowed me to specialize in repairing flutes, double reed instruments and clarinets, I am well set-up(shop-wise) to handle almost any category of woodwind repair. I recently purchased a milling machine so I can handle tone hole work too.
About My Involvement In Music
As far as I can remember, I've always been artistically/musically inclined. I made it a point at an early age to annoy my mom by banging on pots and pans and (when those first years of public school came around) to play my plastic Yamaha recorder extremely poorly and at every inconvenient moment possible. I was definitely hooked early.
It wasn't until middle school that I was introduced to the bane of my musical existence: the Oboe. Of all the instruments I could have chosen to play, the Oboe seemed a right 'fit' at the time. I think what appealed to me was the mechanical complexity of the thing. I thought it was cool to say 'my instrument has more "buttons" than yours.' Those early days were spent fussing around with crappy music store double reeds and the constant adjustment issues present in a severely neglected school issued Mirafone Oboe. Talk about humble beginnings.
And now? Well, fast forward about 14 years and I am still at it. Granted, I've learned a few things since then: went to college to get a degree in music, learned how to make my own reeds, and eventually purchased a better Oboe. What I CAN say is that after all this time, the passion and love for music is still there. As a professional (I hate that label), I've had many wonderful opportunities to perform with other musicians/groups/orchestras/ensembles all over the state.
Why do you hate the label "professional"?
Because it carries the implication that one has reached a level of proficiency that cannot be trumped. I am a self-labeled lifetime student and strive to improve some aspect of my life every day. The moment we stop learning, is the moment we stop living.
So what's with the website?
First of all, it gives me a 'web presence' and a way to advertise my shop/business. Secondly, it's important for me to monitor how my skill is progressing. Finally, it allows me to share the information that I've accumulated over the years. I don't like the idea of taking my instrument to someone, getting it back and assuming it was made to play better by 'magic.' I'm curious and interested to know what was involved in the process. What materials were used? What tools were needed? So, I put this information out there because I know someone will eventually be searching for the same answers.
I'll probably catch some flack from other repair techs by saying this but what the hell: Instrument Repair is NOT a super elite, top secret process. It's a craft. Nothing more and nothing less. If you really wanted to learn how to do this, all you would really need is a good book with clear, concise pictures, access to a highly skilled tech (for information and answers to questions), a few junker instruments to practice on, and the proper tools / supplies. That being said...I give you the un-edited raw version of repair from my (and my camera's) perspective. I want you to have the opportunity to see what I do and maybe even learn something about repair that you didn't know before.
Hey wait! What about that whole social networking thing?
Sure, you can find/add me on Google+ by clicking on the icon below.
Thanks for stopping by!
-Justin-
