The Instrument Lab renovation included the edition of two 3D printers
The West Virginia University School of Music, in collaboration with The Instrument Lab LLC, recently opened an in-house Brass and Woodwind instrument repair studio, located in room 2024 of the Canady Creative Arts Center. The new studio offers expert care for the state-owned instruments used daily by WVU’s students and ensembles.
Gary Gini, owner and operator of The Instrument Lab, partnered with the School of Music to move his successful business to the CCAC.
“The goal is to have a fully functioning and well-maintained fleet of instruments available to students, to better serve their needs,” Gini said.
The workshop is divided into spaces for woodwind and brass instruments
Gini has served clients across the globe throughout his 38-year career. Beginning in 1987, he apprenticed with two German Master Journeymen at a local music store in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Building on that knowledge, Gini continues to refine and expand his skill set. He is a long-standing member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT) and is one of only approximately 3,000 instrument technicians worldwide. Gini is also an instructor at the School of Music and a full-time student at WVU.
The studio, paid for by The Instrument Lab, is equipped with an extensive range of specialized repair tools, ultrasonic cleaning equipment and a variety of 3D printers, laser cutter and engraver, CNC lathes and milling machines. These tools allow Gini to make replacement parts, customize instruments and produce the Instrument Lab’s range of innovative repair tools in the studio.
The Instrument Lab houses ultrasonic cleaning and buffing machines
“The partnership between The Instrument Lab and the WVU School of Music Instrument Control department provides a cost-saving, in-house, professional music instrument repair service,” said Kelly Burke, director of the WVU School of Music. “Our fleet of state-owned instruments used in our music education classes and numerous ensembles will receive attentive management and regular repair and maintenance, ensuring each instrument is in top condition. 'The Pride of West Virginia’ will also gain access to the same world-class professional services to ensure the band can perform at its best. The partnership also allows students to gain introductory skills in instrument repair and maintenance, adding value and career opportunities to their WVU degree program.”
The Instrument Lab opened its doors to the School of Music's students, faculty and the public on March 28 and is open for business year-round. For more information, visit https://www.the-instrument-lab.com.