Brass Monkey Music Repair

Brass Monkey Music Repair operates at 159 Indian Trail in Buffalo, NY and specializes exclusively in band instrument repair and maintenance. Owner Dan Lamancuso, a SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music graduate with a background in Tuba Performance, transitioned into professional repair work during his master's degree at Michigan State University. He opened Brass Monkey Music in 2018 and has been serving Western New York school bands and musicians ever since.

• •52,486 woodwind instruments repaired
• •75,831 brass instruments repaired
• •18,795 instruments rented out
• •15+ years of combined repair experience

Brass Monkey Music handles all major woodwind repairs:

Bladder pads dry up and tear, losing their ability to seal. They use only high-quality, double-skin natural felt pads—not low-grade synthetic. This approach seats better and lasts longer.

Western New York's humidity swings cause cracks in wooden clarinets. Rather than replacing the instrument, they add structural pins to keep cracks closed and restore airsealing. They also fabricate inserts for damaged tone holes and post holes, plus replacement tenons when needed.

These instruments require expert refitting. Services include: - Rebuilding of Oboes and English Horns - Adjusting and refitting mechanisms - Crack pinning - Installing inserts - Tune-ups and adjustments - Tuning (including tone-hole and bore adjustments)

They check all pads and tone holes on wood bassoons to ensure proper sealing. They inspect for rot (common when moisture lingers) and use quality white kid leather pads with white shellac. If a swab gets stuck—and they get stuck often—bring it to them immediately rather than pulling it yourself. They have special tools to remove stuck swabs safely without damage.

Saxophone leaks are their specialty. Common causes they diagnose and fix: - Torn pads - Build-up on tone holes - Tone hole unlevel from dents or bent body - Misaligned pad cups - Unsoldered posts - Keys not fitting tightly - Keys out of regulation - Missing key corks - Neck not fitting tightly

They stock only high-quality pads with leather sealing surfaces. Full repad and overhaul work includes complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, pad and cork replacement, and reassembly with pads seated for an airtight seal.

Stuck valves and stiff slides usually respond to ultrasonic cleaning, which removes accumulated dirt and residue. Valve alignment is critical—misaligned ports diminish airflow and create resistance that players can feel. They use precision synthetic foam to line up valves perfectly.

Common repairs include: - Soldering - Slide alignment - Valve alignment - Dent removal - Ultrasonic cleaning - Polishing - Removal of stuck slides and valves

They maintain a large supply of OEM and replacement parts. If a part doesn't exist, they fabricate it on site.

No matter the brass instrument type, size, or issue, they handle it. Services include ultrasonic cleaning, soldering/brazing, valve and slide alignment, stuck slide removal, dent and damage repair, polishing, lacquering, and part replacement or fabrication.

Brass Monkey Music offers affordable instrument rentals for students in school bands or taking private lessons. This is a practical option for families uncertain about long-term commitment before buying.

Dan Lamancuso (Owner, Chief Repair Technician) Williamsville native and South High School grad (2009). Studied Tuba Performance and Music Business at Crane School, then transitioned into professional repair during his master's studies at Michigan State. Performs locally with The American Legion Band Post 264, Amherst Symphony Orchestra, Western New York Chamber Ensemble, Erie County Wind Ensemble, and others.

Kelsey Lamancuso (Teacher, Office Manager) Bachelor's in Music Education from Crane School, Master's in Music Education from Ithaca College. Currently teaches 4th and 5th grade band at Pinehurst Elementary (Frontier Central School District). Offers private brass lessons at Brass Monkey Music, scaled for beginners through advanced students. Also performs with The American Legion Band Post 264.

The combination of owner expertise (professional performer + trained technician), reasonable pricing, and commitment to school band support makes them the standard in Buffalo. They understand the specific climate challenges of Western New York—humidity swings that crack wooden instruments—and know how to prevent and repair that damage.