Randy J Mueller

Frankensousa

Posted on October 29, 2012 by randyjmueller

This is a chronicle of my last big project at Wally’s. I started with a Martin sousaphone with missing pistons, top and bottom caps, neck and tuning bits. As one can imagine, the availability of these parts is negligible at best. The only recourse was to find a replacement valve cluster and install. A project like this comes with unique challenges involving the positioning of the cluster to facilitate proper hand and mouthpiece positions. Intonation is always a concern, but as it turned out, the Olds cluster mated well to the Martin with few adjustments.

Bone yard pile and newly extracted Olds valve cluster.

Pre-clusterectomy prep and post-surgery results. Prognosis looks good.

Calculating geometry for transplant. Mating Olds valve cluster to Martin first branch.

Transplant a success, patient doing well.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged instrument repair, sousaphone repair | Leave a comment

A New Chapter

Posted on September 14, 2012 by randyjmueller

As I make preparations for the big move to Washington, DC in October, I’d like to take a moment to thank a number of people who have made my 22-year tenure in Portland an amazing experience. These include my colorful colleagues at Wally’s Music, the talented musicians with whom I’ve had the opportunity to play, my dedicated students, my family, my good friends, as well as my many, long-term, loyal clients. Here are a few highlights:

Nuttiest day in the shop:

When “Landlord Dave” almost blew us up with a cobbled-together blow torch.

Craziest horn:

The PIG!

Most memorable shows:

Main Stage at the Mount Hood Festival of Jazz.
Oregon Symphony Pops with Norman Leyden, one of the most dedicated
musicians I’ve known.
Art Abrams, Woody Hite, Carlton Jackson Dave Mills Big Band, and many others.

Closest gig calls:

Splitting my pants wide open before the downbeat of Regis Philbin Show.
One interesting night at Duff’s Garage with the Lily Wilde Big Band.

Great student moments:

Cool hand Nick nailing it at the Oregon State Solo Competition while his dad and I
were biting our nails. He won 5^th that year.
Tim finally playing forte and sounding awesome!

Many fond memories will stay with me as I begin this new chapter in my life. I invite you to follow my blog as I carve out a niche in the DC Metro area in instrument repair, trumpet performance and private instruction. Thanks again for your camaraderie and I look forward to keeping in touch.

Randy