Instrument Repairs in Monroe, CT
The Creative Music Expert Instrument Repair Shop
Welcome to the Creative Music Repair Shop. We are an “on site” fully staffed repair facility specializing in the repair/restoration of band, orchestral, and fretted musical instruments.
Our goal at the CMC Repair Shop is to provide you with a Pro Level repair experience whether you are a student, collegiate, amateur or professional musician. Our repair advice to you will be based on our decades of professional repair experience coupled with the actual condition and needs of your instrument.
Please take a moment to complete the Repair Request form and let CMC Repair help you get back to your music.
INSTRUMENTS WE REPAIR
Creative Music Center Repair Shop specializes in the repair of fretted, orchestral and band instruments. We perform consistent, top-quality repair work including minor adjustments and playable condition, to major overhaul and structural restoration on a wide variety of instruments.
OUR REPAIR TECHNICIANS
DAVE DELONG
Dave DeLong is Creative Music’s Senior Repair Technician. Dave repairs a multitude of musical instrument types, specializing in brasswind, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Dave graduated from Allied Music repair school and has been serving the instrument repair needs of Connecticut’s musical community for over 4 decades. He performs consistent, superior quality repair work for countless municipal high school, middle school, and elementary school music programs, university ensembles, and professional musicians. Music educators across Connecticut consider Dave the go-to repair technician for anything from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. He is available in-store Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dave is a member of NAPBIRT, the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians.
CONTACT DAVE
BILL BURTON
With over 25 years of hands-on experience, Bill Burton brings a wealth of expertise to our repair team as our Orchestral Repair Technician. His career spans a wide range of disciplines including retail, management, customer service, and trade shows, all of which contribute to his holistic understanding of both the technical and personal sides of instrument care.
Bill’s true passion lies in the meticulous art of instrument repair, particularly as a skilled luthier and stringed instrument specialist. Whether restoring a cherished violin or fine-tuning a cello for optimal performance, Bill combines precision, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for each instrument he handles.
His friendly approach, attention to detail, and commitment to quality make him a trusted partner for musicians of all levels. We’re proud to have Bill on our team, ensuring that every instrument receives the care it deserves.
CONTACT BILL BURTON
FRED PALUMBO
Fred Palumbo is Creative Music’s Fretted Instrument Repair Technician. Fred utilizes his 30 years of experience to repair/setup a variety of acoustic and electric instruments including guitars, basses, ukulele, mandolin, dobro and zither.
Fred’s 4 decade passion for playing the guitar necessitated him to be able to maintain his own collection of electrics with tremolo systems and the Floyd Rose tremolo system has become a specialty of Fred’s skillset over the years. He can also give advice on getting the most out of your guitar through the selection of the best strings to facilitate comfortable playability and improved tone.
Fred is available in the store Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm.
CONTACT FRED
FRETTED INSTRUMENTS
Acoustic and Electric Guitars
Electric Basses
Ukuleles
Mandolins
ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS
Violins
Violas
Cellos
Upright String Basses
BAND INSTRUMENTS
Flute I Piccolo | Clarinet I Bass Clarinet Soprano Saxophone | Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone | Baritone Saxophone | Oboe I English Horn
Bassoon | Contra Bassoon | Trumpet
Trombone | French Horn | Baritone Horn | Euphonium | Tuba | Percussion
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedMy instrument doesn’t work. What should I do?
Fill out a Repair Request Form or call us at (203) 261-7301. We will advise you on how to proceed with getting your instrument repaired.
How long will my repair take?
Repair customers will receive a turn-around time quote upon drop-off at our shop. The turn-around time will vary with our shop workload and the severity of the repair. However, we will do our best to honor your timing requests and live up to our reputation for meeting our timing commitments.
How much will my repair cost?
Creative Music Rental instruments are repaired at no additional charge per your rental contract.
Private and school-owned instrument repairs start at $45.00 and vary greatly depending on instrument type and repair needed. An estimate can be provided before work is started and the $20.00 estimate charge will be waived if the repair is performed at the CMC Repair Shop.
Can all instruments be repaired?
Technically yes. But we will be very honest with you regarding “repair cost vs. value of instrument”. We will not spend your money on an instrument that will not perform to minimum playability standards, especially pertaining to young musicians.
How do you clean instruments?
Creative Music Repair Shop uses an Ultrasonic Power Corp cleaning machine to clean all submersible instruments and instrument parts. The cleaning process is completed by skilled shop assistants using a variety of environmentally safe solvents, materials, and procedures to produce very clean instruments for our customers.
Customers can also help keep instruments clean by washing mouthpieces, using a “pull-through swab” to remove daily water, and by vacuuming the instrument case.
Is there a warranty on repairs?
Yes. Creative Music Repair guarantees all labor and materials used for the specific repair performed.