The Brasslab

Chuck is an absolute genius. He cleaned my horn today and I’ve never seen it in better condition. What a great guy. He has an ultrasonic cleaner people! What more could you want? I will be taking all my horns to him from now on. Highest recommendation.

Chuck is the master brass repair person, hands down. Great to have him in Brooklyn instead of far far west Chelsea in Manhattan. There are def. lots of places in NYC to get your brass instrument fixed, but none are as good as him.
Only one problem — HE NEEDS AN APPRENTICE to carry on his trade when he retires ! ! !

I have been taking my trombones to Chuck for 15 years – since my days as a student at Juilliard. He is, in my mind, the finest brass technician out there bar none. I still would rather send my precious horns across the country from the west coast rather than entrust them to anyone else. Chuck has the Midas touch.

I’ve been a customer here for over 20 years; Chuck McAlexander is a master technician who has a great reputation among brass players, both professional and amateur. His gruff, no-​nonsense approach is exactly what the situation needs.
(I tell him, «I’ve been carrying my gig bag on my front instead of my back, to try and avoid dents,» and he says, «Not working for ya, huh?» I told that to Frank London, a trumpet player I know, and he said, «That sounds exactly like Chuck!»)
Others who have used him have been amazed at his skill and understanding of horns. Howard Johnson took one of his tubas to Chuck to have the fourth valve adapted, and marveled that Chuck «knew exactly what I wanted.» He overhauled a very old (early 20^th century) horn of mine and gave it new life, for a decent price.
The loft where he operates his business just happens to be on the west side of now-​trendy Chelsea, but was there long before the neighborhood became the happening destination it is. I certainly hope he’s there for years to come!