The Brass Smith
Harmonise With Expert Care
Repair Services
REPAIRS
General Repairs
Specialist Repairs Servicing & Cleaning
CUSTOMISATION
From Plating to Inlays to Custom Triggers and Extra Water Keys. All ideas are considered.
OUR SHOP
A Variety of Reconditioned Instruments and Spare Parts For Sale
We offer competitive and fair pricing for all our services, please contact us for a personalised free quote
Our Story
Founded in 2025, The Brass Smith is a specialist brass repair business dedicated to providing high-quality traditional repair and maintenance services, as well as instrument customization and used instrument sales. Founded by Joe Palmer, a professional tuba player turned engineer, the company blends a unique combination of musical expertise, engineering skills, and advanced brass repair techniques. Joe’s background enables him to offer innovative services such as creating CAD drawings for instrument parts that are no longer in production and manufacturing them for custom repairs. His training as a brass repairer under the mentorship of Trevor Head, a renowned leader in the repair profession and former head of the brass repair course at Merton College London, ensures top-tier craftsmanship and attention to detail for every instrument worked on. As part of our commitment to excellence, we are proud members of NAMIR, aligning ourselves with the highest standards in the industry.
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Teaching Music
Joe Palmer is an experienced and passionate peripatetic brass teacher, offering expert instruction for all ages and abilities, from beginners to aspiring professionals. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music with a Master’s degree in Musical Performance, Joe has a wealth of musical education experience, having taught privately both adults and children, as well as working for several Music services within London and leading education workshops for the Worshipful Company of musicians and Live Music Now. Joe’s teaching philosophy combines a fun and engaging approach with a strong focus on developing the techniques and musicianship students need to become self-sufficient, confident players. Whether you're just starting out or are working at a higher level, Joe’s dynamic lessons will help you unlock your full potential and progress as a musician.
Customer Testimonials
"Inevitably, having been involved with brass band administration and instrumental teaching for over half a century, I have often found myself in need of a brass instrument repairer!Favourite musical instruments are precious and become deeply personal objects. When they become damaged, or need servicing, they are not to be entrusted to anyone less than a consummate craftsperson. The ideal repairer would also be a practicing musician, one who displays an infectious enthusiasm for his or her craft and an obsession to provide deep customer satisfaction.
When one stumbles upon such a rare paragon the inclination is to proclaim it to your peers from the rooftops. I have found such a person in Joe Palmer and therefore have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him as a true Man O’ Brass."
- David Hurrell, Band Chairman
Southend Brass Band