September Brass Tacks

Music, Momentum, and Gratitude

Just a quick note from the workbench to share a few updates and a big thank you.

Waitlist Shrinking, Shop Thriving
Thanks to your patience and support, the backlog is moving! The shop’s been more productive than ever, and I’m thrilled with the momentum. If you’ve been waiting for your horn, know that it’s in good hands and getting the attention it deserves. I’ll continue to reach out to those on the waitlist in the coming weeks so we can get your instruments back in order!

Live Music Next Week

I’ll be performing with my brass quintet Oak City Brass on Sunday September 21

Show is at 3pm at the Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex, NC

Our program is called “Old, New, Borrowed, Blue” with works from Anthony DeLorenzo, Respighi, WC Handy, Mendelssohn, and Earth Wind and Fire!

More info at oakcitybrass.com

(wait, is that a bass trombone in a brass quintet..!?)

NAPBIRT Regional Clinic - November 15-16

Denton, TX

This weekend is one for the gear heads with a full line up of speakers discussing some of the most important issues in the field of brass instrument repair. I’m honored to be a speaker at this event and I’ll be presenting on strategies for dealing with instruments that leave the factory with built-in flaws and those that arrive damaged due to improper packing or mishandling during shipping. From subtle misalignments to crushed slides in transit, I’ll explore how to spot, diagnose, and correct problems before they reach the player’s hands.

The event will take place at the University of North Texas and will also be live streamed!

MORE INFO HERE

THANK YOU
Sincerely—thank you for giving me the space to do this work the right way. Your trust, patience, and kind words keep this place humming.

See you soon—whether on stage, at the bench, or in the inbox.

With appreciation,
Scott Sweeney

——————***Previous Posts***——————

brass tacks

NOTES FROM THE BENCH AT SWEENEYBRASS

(I think I see an empty hook over there…!)

A Note from the Bench: Changes, Craft, and the Path Ahead

My name is Scott, and I run SweeneyBrass, a workshop focused on the repair, maintenance, and craftsmanship of brass musical instruments. I’ve been back in Raleigh for ten years now, and during that time, I’ve been lucky to make a living using my hands and supporting my family through this work.

In recent years, demand has outpaced what I can sustain. The backlog has grown, and I’ve realized I can’t continue this pace without sacrificing either repair quality or my own well-being. So I’m making intentional changes to preserve both.

Here’s what’s changing:

No new repair intake for now — I'm catching up on the work already in-house. If your horn is here, thank you for your patience - I will give it the care and attention it needs. If you already have an appointment or have spoken with me directly, your visit is still on the books—no need to reschedule.
Saturdays open for walk-ins — limited to same-day work only, 10a-5p.
Waitlist is open — I’ll begin accepting work from that list once the current queue is cleared
Emergency repairs? Reach out—I’ll help if I can.
After this pause, intake will be by appointment only.

Why this change?

With my current lease ending soon, I’ll be transitioning to a smaller, more efficient workspace, designed to support focused, high-quality work in a healthy rhythm— smarter workflow, better lighting (!) and space that supports long-term sustainability. Clearing out long standing projects and reworking the way we approach repairs will help us prepare for the upcoming move. This shift is about avoiding burnout and building something that lasts—for my clients, for the music, and for my family.

Behind all these decisions is my most important role: being a dad to three wonderful kids. Time is my most limited resource, and when I’m not at the bench, I’m with them. They are my motivation and grounding force, and this restructuring is as much about showing up for them as it is about serving you better.

Looking Ahead – Let’s Explore This Craft Together

As I move toward a more focused and sustainable rhythm in the shop, I’m also excited to share more of this craft with you.

In the months ahead, I’ll be producing video content that offers a deeper look into the repair process—not just the how, but the why—through the lens of both a musician and a maker. My goal is to uncover the artistry, thought, and decision-making that go into each repair.

And I want your input: What do you want to know?

What’s always been a mystery—valve alignment, dent removal, at-home horn care, or something else entirely?

These videos will be shaped by real questions from people who care. That means you.

I’m also exploring the idea of offering small courses and workshops—focused, practical sessions for players, educators, and anyone curious about how their instruments work and how to keep them playing beautifully.

If any of this resonates, I welcome your feedback.

HERE YOU CAN ANSWER A FEW SHORT QUESTIONS AND SUBMIT COMMENTS