TromboneChat

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

No one has ever dealt with these kits??!

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

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.

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.

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.

I used to buy their woodwind pads and corks, mainly for emergencies. Like Bruce said, it’s 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

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. 

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.