Osmun Music

I've serviced 5 brass instruments here to date. I feel I've received excellent technical advice, and each horn was returned in beautiful condition. Hard to comment on the pricing...not sure what others charge for similar work. Quality is excellent. I'll be back.
5 7 years ago (18-05-2018)

I sent my Bach Stradivarius with a 72 bell in to Osmun music for a cleaning and blueprinting service, and after I got my trumpet back through the mail I was a bit disappointed. After reading plenty of great reviews about Jim Becker and the work that is done at Osmun, I expected my horn to come back with super smooth valves and slides and also to be a much more in tune and efficient player. The third valve slide is definitely better than it was, but it still is not as smooth as two trumpets that I own, as well as many other trumpets that I have played. The valves are also less than stellar, since they tend to hesitate on their way back up, especially after being held down and for a few seconds. An example of this would be if I were playing an E Major scale slowly; I can often feel resistance and notice a small amount of hesitation when the second valve comes back up in order to play the fourth space E. I was also surprised that they charged me an extra $40 to adjust the receiver of my instrument. I would have thought that it would have been a part of the $339 charge for the blueprinting service. I was in touch with Tim Cote about these issues, but he has not yet responded to the email I sent 10 days ago. He also has not responded to questions that I asked in an email sent 11 days ago. These are some of my questions and comments that I would like a reply to: You mentioned in your last email that my 72 has 30 years of wear on it and therefore won't work as well mechanically, but you also told me in an earlier email that "it's quite a nice horn for it's age," "the odometer on this horn is very low," and "you're going to have a fantastic instrument when Jim's done." The person who sold me this horn said that the original owner played it for less than a year before putting it in the case and forgetting about it, so it should not be worn out. When Jim play-tested the horn, did he have any issues with the valves or the third valve slide? Do most of the valves and slides of horns that Jim works on take a "few miles of playing to settle in," like you said? If the valves and slides worked as good as any other horn Jim played on after he was done with all of the work, then maybe the horn was banged around a bit in the mail? Was it shipped with insurance? I would like to say that the horn did come back in the mail very well packed, and it looked basically brand new inside and out. I do think it plays a bit better than it did as well, but it is hard to focus on how it plays since the valves and third valve slide are not as good as other horns I own. If someone is considering shipping Osmun their instrument for service, I highly suggest being extremely clear on the standards you expect from the finished work. If I were there at the shop, I would not have taken this instrument back from them until the valves and slides were further smoothed out. If at all possible, I would suggest being there in person to pick up the horn and play test it for a while yourself before paying for the service.
3 7 years ago (22-11-2017)

Very friendly service. My son's trumpet was damaged and Tim was able to fix it while we were waiting. We were also looking for new trumpet as well and Tim gave us very professional recommendations. I am pretty sure we will visit again. I am so glad we found a local shop we can depend on.
5 7 years ago (02-11-2017)

My son's band teacher recommended them, and I can see why. The technicians were terrific, friendly and efficient in fixing an unusual problem with my son's horn, and I will definitely give them whatever business I can in the future.
5 7 years ago (28-01-2018)

Extremely talented and helpful staff!! They made my trombone slide with 22 years of marching band abuse feel absolutely brand new again! Thank you very much!!!
5 8 years ago (14-08-2017)