Valentino Directors Fix Kits for Brass

ttf_Zandit75 · Post by **ttf_Zandit75** » Thu Jan 11, 2018 4:37 pm

Just wondering if anyone has experience with the Valentino Directors Fix Kit for Brass instruments?
I think it would be a good addition to our band, just wondering about the quality of the tools and accessories.

http://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/trombone/accessories/other_bass_trombone_accessories/products/sku084477-valentinodirectors-fix-kit-brass.php

ttf_Zandit75 · Post by **ttf_Zandit75** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 2:30 pm

No one has ever dealt with these kits??!

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 2:34 pm

Never seen that brand. Kits like that are common and usually a good idea for a band to keep in the cupboards.

ttf_JohnL · Post by **ttf_JohnL** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 3:55 pm

The concept is good, but it all comes down to the quality of the tools and parts. Valentino is part of JL Smith and Company (http://www.jlsmithco.com/). They seem to be more focused on woodwinds (particularly flutes), so you might want to query some woodwind people as to the quality of their products.

ttf_Zandit75 · Post by **ttf_Zandit75** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 6:17 pm

Found a distributor here in Australia finally. Not a cheap kit, and according to the tech guy I was talking to, they are top of the line tools and spare parts. 99% of the Valentino tools are made in house.
The store I spoke to use the tools in their own workshop.
I was quoted $1,050 AUD for the kit including delivery.
Sure, it's expensive, but for minor repairs, it could end up paying for itself.

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 6:55 pm

Even better, when you are out on a contest or the like and somebody needs a new water key cork or valve spring. Ten minutes and it's playable again.

ttf_Driswood · Post by **ttf_Driswood** » Mon Jan 29, 2018 6:10 am

I used to buy their woodwind pads and corks, mainly for emergencies. Like Bruce said, its saved a couple performances when I was teaching.

Not sure if I would invest in an entire kit. Of course, after many years of teaching, I had accumulated quite an inventory of tools and parts.

Jerry Walker

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Mon Jan 29, 2018 6:42 am

I have no experience with a brass repair kit.

But when I became a handbell director, I bought a spare parts kit for our bells.

You would not believe the number of times a bell breaks ten minutes before a performance - or the week before and the ringer tells you ten minutes before a performance. Having spare springs, washers, pins, and all the other little pieces you need or will drop and lose as soon as you disassemble: priceless.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Mon Jan 29, 2018 6:42 am

I have no experience with a brass repair kit.

But when I became a handbell director, I bought a spare parts kit for our bells.

You would not believe the number of times a bell breaks ten minutes before a performance - or the week before and the ringer tells you ten minutes before a performance. Having spare springs, washers, pins, and all the other little pieces you need or will drop and lose as soon as you disassemble: priceless.