The Musikmesse in Frankfurt is a four day event with it's own life and development. For me, it goes like this:

Day one: Excitement and introductions. Excitement and hustle abound..
Day two: is day one light. People are very excited and the weekend Messe-goers are coming in. It's a great day to meet people.
Day three: This is the deal day. We've all met. Things have died down and everyone is ready to talk and relax. You hear people saying, "want to get a coffee?" much more.
Day four: is the public day. It's day one all over again but the flood of people are not established business people. There are a lot of people who are new to the trade, students or young musicians. This is also the day I leave the booth and explore; a day filled with greetings and meetings.

So, day three was no surprise this year. It was a day of talking and getting into some great debates with technicians, musicians and other vendors. I tried to learn where the industry is going and what people are interested in today. Conversations were filled with talk about making instruments and modifying existing instruments. Without exception, the technicians that I talked to were hypothesizing about what the next great innovation would be or what a certain material would do to the sound. From a conversation I had with a technician named Arthur about firing electrons through brass and levitating large objects with sound to discussions about material differences with Pete Thomas, the conversations were lively and exciting. There was a lot of speculation, guessing and wisdom shared.

Through it all, I could not help but notice how all this speculation and intrigue parallel the nature of the industry. Last year, folks were talking about how bad things were and how the major manufacturers were struggling. This year is so much more exciting. I think people are getting over financial difficulties and they are beginning to explore again. Their minds are open to new ideas and they are adventuresome. It's a great time in the music industry and believe this will be a year of huge innovation and growth for many of my friends, customers and colleagues. I really can't wait to get back to my own shop and implement some of the new ideas I obtained before and during the Messe!

My coffee is nearly gone now and day four at the Messe is going to begin in 40 minutes. So, here are some pictures of the day:

I had a wonderful conversation with Jurjen de Quelerij of www.hetreparatieatelier.nl (which translates to "The Repair Shop" in Dutch) about key mechanism, springs, mouthpiece refacing and all things saxophone!

Marco Schaap and I talked about repairing flutes and the tools we are working on do this. Marco is really interesting to talk to and started his flourishing repair business by purchasing a MusicMedic.com Flute repair kit years ago! Warms my heart!

Peter Brinksby is the kind of dude that you know is cool when you shake his hand. We're friends on Facebook and now we're friends in real life!


Darren Anderson is a technician working as a repairer for American students in Germany. Darren has a huge shop and repairs more instruments than you can shake a schniszel at.


My friend Nitai Levi and I. We met on SOTW and then here at the Messe a few years ago.
Learn more about Nitai here. www.Nitailevi.com


Pete Thomas. I think that's a RooPad Pete is holding there. I don't know why he picked the gold one... maybe for the sound of the material. -Just kidding Pete.


OK folks time to go to day 4! I'll do a lot of exploring today so I'll have more pictures and a lot of new things, I hope, to tell you about.

Auf Wiedersehen!


-Curt

It's the morning before the third day at the the show. My head is absolutely pounding from last night and I could use about 8 hours more sleep. We tore Germany up last night and I really enjoyed it! Jen and I went to dinner and drinks with our good friends at Theo Wanne Mouthpieces and Saxfoonwinkle. Now it's the morning of the show and I'm late but I promised myself (and many of you) that I would post a little something here each day about the show.


I only have time to edit one picture and this one seems to explain the evening and my behavior last night....




I now have 10 minutes to finish this and walk out the door if I have any hope of being just 10 minutes late! So, the second day at the Messe was absolutely great! I had some wonderful conversions with manufacturers and repairs from all over the world. I'm very surprised how many people are checking the site here. Most surprising is that 2 manufacturers, one large and one very small, wanted to pick my brain about octave pips and the other experiments we are doing at MusicMedic.com! These folks are not all just interested in copying something. There seems to be more and more craftsmanship coming into the Asian instrument manufacturing scene. Based on a couple conversations I had with manufacturers, a trip to China or Taiwan to consult seems to be in my future. Since we're basically building a saxophone finishing factory at the shop in Wilmington, it's perfect timing! What fun!

All the best, I need some of that German Coffee now!

-Curt

-The first day of the Musik Messe was blast!

As I sit here in the cafe again this morning, I have to admit that no matter how tough the show was and no matter how much my feet hurt at the end of the day this tiny little German coffee and huge German baked good make it all worth it. If there was something I could bring home to the states it would be the German mornings! Guten morgen Deutcheland!

Today I had very little time to get out of the booth and see other things. It was just too busy at the MusicMedic.com booth! It seemed like we kept hearing the same things over and over at the booth. The comments were either, "yah yah Curt... I know we already use your pads and your RooPads are wonderful!!!" or "you were right, that tool is great..."

I have to say it just wonderful to hear so many truly happy people that appreciate what we do. I know we have many happy customers, but with our heads buried in the work we're doing every day it's easy to forget just how much what one does effects the lives of others.

Today, I have several appointments and lots of people to see but I'm going to try and get around the show (or at least the hall) and take a few pics, let you all know what's new and be social.

I snapped a few pictures and some friends took pictures for me as well. The pictures that are yellow come from my Blackberry. You know, back in the day they used to use pinhole cameras.... It's nice of Blackberry to bring that same quality to the 21st Century!

It was so busy and so many people stopped by, I wish I had more time to take more pictures throughout the day. These are literally all the pictures I had time to take!


As I said, I didn't get out of the booth much but I did cross the hall way on the way to the coffee to see the Eppelsheim instruments.....

And chat with Benedikt a bit...



Bruno Waltersbacher stopped to get some tools and chat about instrument repair. Bruno is a wonderful technician and a very cool cat. If you're in Lahr, you should stop and see him. Or, check him out on the web...
http://www.sax-o-phon.de/


I was honored to see Yap Yoke Lim, from WindWorks. A great and knowledgeable tech. I really enjoyed our conversations about the factories he has visited! Here is how I was greeted... "Hi Curt, I want you to know that we have switched to your RooPads for Clarinet! We were using GoreTex pads but our customers want the RooPads for Clarinet and the pads are superior!" -Thanks!


Finally Stephen Howard stopped at the booth to chat. What a outstanding guy Stephen is. I really enjoy talking with him. Of course I got a copy of the new Haynes Manual and I'm preparing to read it. I found time after dinner to check it out a bit and it's (as Stephen would say..) Absolutely Brilliant! Read more about Stephen Howard and his Haynes Manual on his site: http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/



Thank for reading, -I'm running late for day 2 of the show... See you there!

-Curt

RooPads are all the rage in Europe! Although American saxophonists have known about and used RooPads from MusicMedic.com for years, the Europeans are now catching on!



The flight to Germany was very relaxing I even had a little time to snap this photo and try my phone camera. This year, I forgot to bring the regular camera with me to the Messe so, we're going old school with the Blackberry camera. Sorry for the poor image quality.


We're here in Frankfurt setting up for the Messe and it looks like it's going to be a great show. Already four other exhibitors have come to our booth (which is not set up yet) asking about the new Air Torch and if it's going to be available in 220-240v. Wow. The answer is YES, we have some here but I think they will all be gone very soon. At the NAMM show in California we brought the Vortex Air Torch and sold all that we brought and all that we had in stock. We're making more and will have them available around Mid-April. For me, the Vortex Air Torch has changed the way I do padding for the better. I hope others will feel the same now that it's available.


This year we asked for a bigger booth but we got the same one as last year. It's cool though, we've had this same little booth across from Eppelsheim with all their giant instruments for years, and we know how to rock out a little booth!

We have a lot of great things to show and number of meetings to attend. The show should be a blast as usual, it's hard to tell who's setting up because it's still early but it looks like most of the folks from last year are here again.



As you can see it's a bit of a mess on the trade show floor, but not for long.


This place goes from mess to Messe in about 24hours.

It's morning here and I'm enjoying some fine baked goods from the market while I finish this blog I started last night. Germany is a great place and we're going to stay here a little too long this year. -more on that later.

I am going to try and get you folks some pictures from the floor and some updates as the show goes on.

All the best!

-Curt

If your kicking yourself for missing the Saxophone Smackdown at MusicMedic.com, you need to kick harder!


To the Music Medic team: Thanks for everything! You guys have significantly raised the bar regarding what a regional clinic can be. - Jeff Peterson Yamaha


This year MusicMedic.com was the host of the first ever, Saxophone Smackdown! The Smackdown is series of clinics aimed at addressing advanced repair procedures of the saxophone. It's also a great time where techs come from all over the world to party down and enjoy a great time with fellow NAPBIRT members; MusicMedic style....

Host: MusicMedic.com

Clinicians:
Jeff Peterson -Yamaha
Matt Stohrer -Stohrer woodwinds
Steve Goodson -SaxGourmet Products
Curt Altarac -MusicMedic.com

Band: Benny Hill Trio

Catering: Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn.

I was going to take a moment to tell you about the clinics and clinicians and the parties and festivities that happened at the Smackdown but, after the event I received so many Emails from attendees that I think I let them tell you the story.

Here's a synopsis from Smackdown Clinician, my friend and Mentor, Steve Goodson.


“In spite of bad weather on the East Coast, we had standing room only attendance! It was absolutely the BEST saxophone conference I have EVER attended, and all the credit goes to Curt Altarac and the staff at MusicMedic for superb organization and planning.

Curt started us off with some really technical explanations of his neck research, with fantastic graphics that didn’t cause your eyes to glaze over. He’s doing some amazing experiments with pips (shape, placement, and other parameters) and other aspects of neck design. His work is simply brilliant, and we must all encourage him to do more.

Jeff Peterson may very well be the finest, most thoughtful saxophone tech in the world, and it’s a cryin’ shame that Yamaha and their endorsing artists have him all to themselves! His clinic on high performance saxophone repair left everyone just amazed at his innovation and insight. Jeff really puts some thought into his work, and it shows.

NYC superstar tech Matt Stohrer (who I met for the first time, and who is not only knowledgeable but an INCREDIBLY nice guy) gave a fascinating and quite comprehensive presentation on saxophone manufacturing techniques, along with literally hundreds of photos he had taken on his personal factory visits. He filled in a lot of blanks about “how it’s done” for the attendees.

I presented a program about saxophone mouthpiece design, modification, and repair, which seemed to be well received. I’ll have my presentation available on DVD soon for anyone who wishes a copy.

The new MusicMedic facility is amazing, and was the perfect place for this conference. It is truly the most state of the art saxophone repair facility anywhere, no question about it. The food was fabulous, and even the live band which performed during lunch (yes, they DO support live music and working musicians at MusicMedic, as everyone should) was just great, and the perfect touch. We had a lot of great fellowship and interaction, and I know that everyone left with only one regret: it was too short, we want more!”

Steve Goodson
SaxGourmet Products.



Aside from the great visiting clinicians, the attendees were a veritable whos-who of saxophone repair. Here are some comments from our friends that came to support NAPBIRT and be part of our day.



Thanks to Curt and the staff of Musicmedic for a great clinic!!!!!
Very well organized, clear concise information. OUTSTANDING WINE &
BURRITOS!!!!! The staff was eager and wanted to share information with everyone. Wonderful opportunity to see and feel tools before ordering them!! Nice to be reminded about taking care of details (small stuff) and then the big stuff works so much better!!!

Good to put a face to the voice on the phone. I have had the music library at the university I teach at, Appalachians State, order all 3 of Steve's DVDs. Great info on these and sources for things!!! I can always refer to them if I need to. If you can get these I think you should.

As a clarinet specialist this was very good information, I use the roo clarinet pads on all pro overhauls and custom clarinet building, They are so good I do not make pads anymore!!!!

Again thanks to Curt and the staff!!!!

Rodney Berry
Repair Department
Muncywinds Music
Vilas, NC



Thanks to clinicians Curt and crew and the band...Fantastic new facility !! ...There was more interaction among participants than I have ever experienced at a regional. ...words cannot express how much I enjoyed the clinic.

Jim Varno



“As an attendee, I did not get a chance to meet many folks cuz so much was going on!...Super great clinic! Thanks

Garret



To the Music Medic team: Thanks for everything! You guys have significantly raised the bar regarding what a regional clinic can be.

To those that planned to attend but couldn’t make it: We missed you, but hope you can make the next one!

To clinicians Curt, Matt, and Steve: Thanks for sharing your knowledge and continuing to inspire!

To Curt: Thanks for inviting me! I had a blast!!!

Jeff Peterson
Manager - Los Angeles Atelier
Woodwind Artist Development



I rolled in about 11pm last night. My wife and kids greeted me gleefully and then wife and 16 yr old daughter were off to bed. However my 20 yr old son hung out and asked a bout the clinic. When I finally shut up, he said... " Wow Dad, I don't think I've ever seen you this excited about what you do."

Thanks Curt. To You, the clinicians and your staff for an outstanding day.

I have no doubt that the investment in this trip will pay dividends in spades.

Very Best Regards,

Sid Marlin



As I open the package containing my nice, new, exciting post swedging pliers, I am reminded of the wonderful time I had at the clinic. This was the first and only clinic I have attended in my 25 years repairing.  I found the level of passion and dedication of the clinicians and Music Medic staff inspiring. It was also especially fun to meet the other technicians in your fine facility and share some ideas and stories, although I wish there was more time for that.

It is comforting to know that when there are difficult saxophone related problems that confront us,  there are people out there with the answers, willing to share. Thanks again.

Cheers, Don LePage,
The Woodwind Project



Thank you for everything , Curt , Rich and Matt , and all the Clinicians. It was our first time and overwhelming, we wish others may come in future. Congrats on the Shop is really the best, Keep doing it
Warms regards from Chile!


Hey Curt, Thanks. Awesome regional clinic! You sure stirred it up. The event fueled the collective energy that is NAPBIRT. From the mohawk pipped Bundy neck, through the factories of Japan and Taiwan, into the depths of saxophone mechanisms, and out the playing end, you covered the saxophone world in microcosm. Not to mention the equipment demos, saxophone demos, and display of your totally awesome facility. It was truly a great setting as you can tell from the response of your fellow NAPBIRT's.
Don sends thanks and especially wanted to send regards to Matt and Rich. Thank them for their part in making this happen. We know they worked hard. I'll be in touch.

Lee Kramka
Lee's Saxworx