whistlecollector wrote:
Just a note on Kelischek & Lazar service:
I've only had one experience of K service, and it was astoundingly awesome!
I had gotten an ancient Kelischek bass kelhorn off Ebay that I think was being sold as an unknown tenor recorder-flute-whistle-whatever. It was probably made in the 1960s and has three plastic keys. Of course, one of the keys was broken. For a while, I just had a bit of popsicle stick glued onto what was left of the original key.
But on a lark I decided to write to Kelischek and see if they had any keys for it. Had a very nice email from George Kelischek (inventor of the kelhorn). And about a month later, he'd tracked down some ancient kelhorn keys and key ring! I was delighted!
I've bought several instruments from Lazar's (when Bill was still running the shop), and never had any bad experiences with him. Very professional and on the ball.
As far as repair / modification goes, of course Kelischek is in the instrument design and making business, so I'd imagine they do modification work in house, and have all the shop space and tooling required. Since Lazar's Music was sold and transferred across the country, I don't know if they do such work in house or if it's contracted out. You might have to ask about that.
I don't think you could go wrong either way, from a service perspective.
You are 100% correct. When I had Lazar's do the key on my Aulos tenor he had another shop that did the actual work. I assume that's still the case with the new owner.
George at Kelischek can also voice recorders which Lazar's was unable to do. So, bonus points to Kelischek.
I have been very pleased with the service from both shops...
Piper Joe