Dana Hofer and his staff really know their brass instruments. Dana worked on my son's trombone while we waited (we called ahead to make sure this would be possible). We went in for a bent piece, but he also fixed a valve and straightened the slide. When he heard we were in need of additional products, he provided his recommendations and made sure my son knew how and when to use each product. We had a bad experience at another music center, so we will only be seeing Dana and his associates from now on. Prices are a bit higher than the competition, but it's worth saving the extra time and frustration of an inferior technician. read more

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Dana Hofer and his staff were great - I would highly recommend. The regular repair shop I'd used not far from where I lived had closed. I'd moved recently and the shop I'd stopped in to ask about cleaning and repair in my new neighborhood would have had to send my trombone out for service and said it would take about a week just to have the work assessed and another week to get it back. I called Dana based on another person's review on Yelp and was happy I did - the consistent 5 star ratings are spot on! I live 40 minutes away, was in the area for a business meeting and not only was Dana and his staff able to fit me in to immediately assess what attention my horn needed (I called first) but kindly did the work on the spot to save me the long round trip ride back before a Saturday morning rehearsal. His price for same day service was very fair and they even polished the bell and made the slide work like new as an unexpected bonus. I have a new go-to repair shop worth the drive for sure! read more

This review is just based on MY experience. Everyone has different experiences. I reached out to Dana via e-mail and asked if he could custom make some rings and a hook for my trumpet and he said yes that he can do that for me. So I sent my trumpet for a full service cleaning and included the service sheet that they have on their website for more specific notes. He called me to discuss more about it. He mentioned that the current ones that it had were completely fine. But at the end of the day I play the trumpet on the weekends so I know what it feels to hold it in my hands for long hours of playing. And that's why I needed an upgraded rings and hook. I also e-mailed him if he can send the old parts on a separate bag and he never did too. The full service clean was spot on. The only problem is that when he replaced the top felts with new ones, they are coming off and are loose. But overall for the service/price is very reasonable. Which I am happy with that. read more

Dana helped me clean up my old trumpet for a fair price. Works like new! Thanks, Dana!

Dana was very helpful and nice. He fixed my trombone quickly and properly. I had gone to another cheaper place before, but I had to go to this repair shop to fix the other place's mistakes. Save yourself the time and come to this place even if it may be a little more expensive. read more

It was the week before a big concert, and we were in rehearsal to iron out the last minute rough spots. I picked up my bass trombone and ping, the rotary valve trigger string came undone! I was in a panic, because simple a repair as this is, It is totally embarrassing to admit that I could not figure out how to put the damn thing back together! I did my best, even consulting some french horn players for tips, but the original string was frayed, and I had no replacement. The lead trombonist told not to worry and me and gave me Dana's info. What was awesome about this is that Dana does emergency repair for just these sorts of situations. He responded back right away when I texted him, and said he could fit me in any time. Luckily there was time to get there over the weekend, before the show. So I drove over, and he invited me in. He had everything apart, re-lubed and back together in under 10 minutes. He even gave me some extra string for next time! Best of all, the price, given the swiftness of the repair, simply CANNOT be beaten. From now on, he's the go-to guy for my instrument repair needs. read more

There's a reason so many pros go to Dana Hofer Brass Repair. He does quality work at a great price and he's a great guy. His staff are also top notch. read more

If I could give Dana Hofer Brass Repair 100 stars, I would. I found this gem off a google search and luck was on my side. My trumpet was, I thought, beyond repair. Dana Hofer repaired my horn and made it feel 10 years younger!!!! Such professionalism, skill, and kindness just pours out of this business. I would trust them with any instrument repair!!! read more

I've brought trumpets to Dana and his team more than once, and have always been happy with the results. They always go above and beyond, and the results are great. The horns look fantastic and play even better when I get them back. Dana takes great care with the details and does a very thorough job. read more

Dana is a first-rate brass repair man and a super nice guy. He has worked on quite a few of my instruments and always done a fantastic job. Some of the work he's done for me include: - Trombone slide work on several very different horns. - Bored out the rotor on my Bach 42B and made a 'stuffy-from-the-factory' valve section blow as free and easy as the rest of the horn. If you play a standard 42B, HAVE HIM DO THIS MODIFICATION! Thank me later - you will never look back. - Fixed every part of my poor, beat up tuba (Miraphone 188) and made it into an absolutely amazing, beautiful player. In addition to being highly competent, he has a quick turnaround, often completing the work before promised and NEVER late. I cannot recommend his services enough and continue to tell all of my brass playing friends about him! Finally, as a bonus, you run a good chance of meeting Chicago's top professionals in there - Dana does their horns too. read more

Dana is the consummate technician, and I believe he works on horns as if they were his own. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend his work to anyone who is looking for professional brass repair. read more

Dana did a great job repairing my three trombones. He is a very experienced technician and stands by his work.