There are plenty of young guys getting into the repair field. The good thing is, they are born into a world with tools and supplies that have greatly improved the repair business, and they understand that it takes a substantial investment in tools to gain the advantage of the new technology. I'm just old enough to be in touch with the "old days" of simple tools, lots of hand work, and skills developed by careful practice.
The ideal situation is both old, experienced techs and young guys eager to learn. Our shop has 6 guys, and the youngest never played an instrument. In the first 2 years, he learned how to produce an admirable technique on every horn and string instrument he fixes. He's not going to be a pro player, but he's going to be a formidable technician, and he already blows me away on percussion and string repairs.
The down side is this:
We are headed for a throwaway society when it comes to musical instruments. Everything else (toasters, DVD players, etc.) is already there. The public is used to it. Repair techs have to face a new challenge - Their work is nearly as expensive as a new horn, and some of the cheapest/tackiest horns play OK.
The modern repair tech faces the same challenge as the modern commercial musician. He must listen to the consumer's desires and find a way to deliver the results. My most important asset to my employer as a repairman is this:
When a pro comes to me with a horn that needs more than an overhaul, and he has a gig that night, and he's almost broke, I have to figure out a way to get him out of trouble, cheap!
When someone comes to me with a beautiful Mark VI saxophone, in pristine condition, except where he fell on it last night, I have to be able to repair the instrument invisibly. It might cost more, but it's worth it.
When someone comes to me with a brand new $195.00 saxophone that doesn't play, I have to decide whether it's in my employer's best interest and the customer's best interest to even start the repair. No use racking up a big repair bill on a horn that will fail tomorrow, no matter what I do, but often I can find a simple solution for a small fee, and gain a customer who trusts me.
Any repairman who sets himself up as the ultimate judge of how to do a repair, regardless of the desires of the customer, is usually not a truly great repairman. There are a lot of technicians who fit this description. A great repairman can deliver a wide variety of results, while respecting both the instrument and the customer. Find a tech that will work with you.
