Mark Rakita is as good a sax tech as you will ever be fortunate enough to find. I began playing saxophone at age 7. I played professionally until 1986, when I entered into full-time health-care practice. Up until then, my trusted sax tech was Fred Kirschner in Irvington. Sadly, Fred passed away during the time I stopped playing and the time I began playing for my own enjoyment around 2015. My vintage Martin Committee alto sat in the basement in its case for 30 years untouched. When I tried to play it, it was a disaster. Leaks galore, sticky keys, clacking sounds. One of my old bandmates told me about USA Horn in Union. I visited Mark and asked a lot of questions while watching him at his workbench adjusting a Selmer Mark VI tenor sax. The man was meticulous. I left my alto with him and said "take care of whatever it needs". He called me about 4 days later and said the horn was ready to be picked up. He told me to try it out before leaving to make sure that I was "happy with it". Happy was an understatement. Mark had completely cleaned, lubricated and regulated the sax. He also replaced several pads that were shot, and sealed all the leaks. My alto never sounded better. I was waiting to get a stiff bill for his services, but instead a very reasonable fee for parts and labor. Since then, Mark has worked on my tenor, baritone, soprano and C-Melody horns, all with expert results. During our interactions, I learned that Mark also played sax professionally, and was trained in instrument repair by my former tech, Fred Kirschner, at his school in NJ. Mark, thank you for all the great service you have provided to me these past 8 years. May you keep up your craft for a long time! read more
