Business Details
23 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Musical Instrument Repair Services
Lighthouse Music Services was founded in 2003 by Fred Sullivan, a seasoned instrument repair technician with over 50 years of hands-on experience in the field. Our expertise lies in providing meticulous repair, refresh, and restoration services for woodwind and brass instruments, catering to both amateur musicians and seasoned professionals. We employ specialized tools and techniques honed through decades of practice, including ultrasonic cleaning, dent removal, and precision alignment. Our commitment to quality is underscored by a dedication to continuous learning, evidenced by Fred's training under industry pioneers and his active participation in over 100 clinics across four states. We prioritize personalized service, offering tailored adjustments that meet individual playing requirements while maintaining a rapid turnaround time.Our reputation for excellence is reflected in testimonials from university professors, professional musicians, and band directors who trust our workmanship. As a member of the National Association of Professional Band and Instrument Repair Technicians, we uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship and customer service. Our home-based workshop in Bel Aire, Kansas serves clients nationwide, combining technical mastery with a passion for preserving musical heritage. Karolyn Hall, our apprentice with a clarinet performance background, extends this legacy through hands-on repair work and customer engagement. Every service we provide, from minor cork replacements to complete instrument restorations, reflects our philosophy of transforming broken instruments into playable art.
Services
Instrument Repair
Instrument Refresh
Instrument Restoration
Dent Removal
Soldering
Custom Adjustments
Woodwind Maintenance
Brass Overhaul
Emergency Repairs
Preventative Maintenance
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of specialized instrument repair expertise
- Our patented dent removal techniques ensure flawless instrument restoration
- We guarantee same-day appointments for emergency repairs
- Our team includes NAPBIRT-certified technicians with teaching credentials
- We provide detailed repair explanations with maintenance recommendations
What people say
Highest quality repairs
Kindness and care
Precise and thorough
Extra care and time
Outstanding saxophone mechanic
Services
Instrument Repair
Our expert technicians address mechanical issues in woodwind and brass instruments, including key mechanism repairs, cork replacements, and crack fixes. We utilize specialized tools like the Magnehelic leak detection system to ensure precise diagnostics. Each repair comes with a comprehensive post-service evaluation to guarantee optimal playability and longevity.
Instrument Refresh
Annual maintenance service restores instrument performance through comprehensive cleaning, spring tension adjustment, and component lubrication. We realign valves, replace worn felts, and perform bore oiling to maintain peak condition. This preventative care extends instrument lifespan while preserving tonal quality and mechanical responsiveness.
Instrument Restoration
Full disassembly and renewal service for aging instruments, featuring ultrasonic cleaning, metal polishing, and complete pad replacement. Our technicians rebuild mechanisms using premium materials, refit tenons, and perform precision alignment. This service revitalizes vintage instruments while maintaining their historical integrity and playability.
Dent Removal
Specialized dent repair using custom jigs and mini Z-tools preserves instrument structure without compromising acoustics. We address both minor dings and major deformations in brass and woodwind instruments, ensuring restored functionality and aesthetic continuity while maintaining original material integrity.
Custom Adjustments
Tailored modifications optimize instrument ergonomics and playability based on individual technique requirements. Services include thumb rest positioning, key height adjustments, and spring tension calibration. Our technicians collaborate with musicians to create customized setups that enhance performance comfort and technical execution.
People
Fred Sullivan
Owner/Technician
With 50+ years of experience, Fred Sullivan founded Lighthouse Music Services in 2003 after studying under Selmer's first flute apprentice. He teaches repair clinics nationwide and maintains membership in NAPBIRT, combining mechanical expertise with musical insight to serve professional musicians and educators.
Karolyn Hall
Apprentice Technician
Karolyn Hall, a clarinet performance graduate, has apprenticed under Fred Sullivan for two years. She specializes in woodwind mechanics, school instrument maintenance, and customer service, bringing fresh expertise to traditional repair techniques while managing repair logistics and client communications.
Questions
What types of instruments do you repair?
We specialize in woodwind and brass instruments including saxophones, clarinets, trumpets, and trombones. Our services cover everything from minor adjustments to complete restorations.
How long does a typical repair take?
Most repairs complete within 1-3 business days. Emergency services available for urgent repairs, with appointments prioritized to minimize instrument downtime.
Do you offer maintenance plans?
Yes, we recommend annual refresh services to maintain optimal performance. This includes comprehensive cleaning, alignment, and component replacement as needed.
Can you repair vintage instruments?
Absolutely. Our restoration services preserve historical integrity while modernizing functionality. We handle antique woodwinds and brass instruments with specialized care.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and checks with a 3% discount for non-card payments. Repair estimates provided before work begins to ensure cost transparency.
