Where do you work and how long have you worked there?
I am the owner of Grizzle’s Woodwind Shop, located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. After receiving my Master’s in clarinet performance from the University of Southern Mississippi, I moved to Memphis, Tennessee and worked as a full-time repairman for Amro Music. I studied repair under Robert Scott and mouthpiece work under Glen Johnston. During this time, I was also gigging and playing a lot of saxophone with different local bands as well as Broadway shows traveling through the area. I opened my own repair business in Memphis, Tennessee in 1977. When my family relocated to Georgia, I moved my Woodwind shop to Lawrenceville. I’ve been in the repair business for over 40 years and had my own shop for the last 40 years.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in clarinet and sax repair and mouthpiece work. For 25 years I made mouthpieces and have worked on mouthpieces for over 35 years. I have worked with musicians of all skill levels. Now, I’m at a point where I can pick and choose what I do.
What do you want the world to know about your work?
I strive for perfection and do the best I can. I have never had the need to advertise. Professional players from all over the country travel through this area and stop by my shop for work before moving on to Atlanta for performances. Word of mouth has been enough to keep me busy and the family fed!
Which MusicMedic pads do you use and why?
I use MusicMedic White RooPads, they are the best in my opinion. Players want them, and they last! I had a player bring in his horn and his RooPads hadn’t been changed in 9 years! Obviously, some had to be changed, but pads in the bottom stack were still holding up!
If you could give one repair tip, what would it be?
My tip would be to never stop learning, which applies to everything, your craft, your business, your family. A good repairman must be a machinist as well, these skills have greatly improved the value of my repairs over the years.