Born out of Necessity
As a touring musician, reliable repair was often difficult to find. A natural mechanical curiosity led me to begin maintaining my own instruments, rescuing pawn shop finds for practice, and seeking out every repair technician willing to share knowledge along the way.
NYC: Learning from the masters
My formal training began in New York City under Kim Bock, a specialist in vintage Selmer saxophones. There I learned traditional overhaul techniques while working on the most sought-after instruments in the saxophone world. We also worked together to expand production of his handcrafted necks, providing daily opportunities to refine both technical skills and attention to detail.
As my experience grew, I continued learning from a network of technicians and repair shops throughout New York. These opportunities broadened my work beyond vintage saxophones and exposed me to a variety of woodwind instruments, repair philosophies, and approaches to the craft.
Back on Tour: Overhauls by Mail
In the years that followed, I returned to touring as a performer, this time carrying a carefully chosen set of tools and a wealth of repair experience. I completed overhauls for private clients across the country, including work for DC Sax, a dealer specializing in professional-level instruments.
Working this way required consistency and repeatable results. Instruments arrived from all over the country, were fully overhauled, and returned ready for their next owner regardless of where I happened to be performing at the time.
The instruments below represent a small selection of overhaul work completed during this period. Click any instrument to view excerpts from the original listings and restoration notes.
“I sent the sax out to Mike Livingston for a mechanical overhaul, who truly did exceptional work on this sax. The sax feels tight and locked in in every register. The low range speaks very easily, a great mark of his exacting detail during this overhaul.”
Selmer tenor
Balanced Action
#25xxx
“The sax just received a full mechanical overhaul from Mike Livingston, who does outstanding work. The sax arrived with all original pads and metal resonators, and Mike was able to reuse the resonators for the overhaul.”
Selmer alto
SBA
#38xxx
“When it arrived, the sax still had its original pads, so I sent it off to Mike Livingston for a full mechanical overhaul. Mike’s work is top notch, and this sax feels incredibly locked in from top to bottom. Mike installed reusable domed rivetless TM brass resonators along with all new pads, felts and corks. He performed extensive keywork, so the action feels tight and locked in, much like the day it left the factory. The sax is in fantastic condition.”
Selmer tenor
Mark VI
#92xxx
“The saxophone just received a full mechanical overhaul from Mike Livingston, who does incredible repair work. Mike is a top notch saxophonist as well, so he puts in the time to make sure that horns that he overhauls are in perfect playing condition. This means pads that are sealing very well, and tonal balance between all registers.”
Conn tenor
30M “Connqueror”
#298xxx
“This sax just received a top of the line overhaul from Mike Livingston, who does incredible overhaul work.”
King tenor
Super 20 “full pearl”
#333xxx
Today, I bring those experiences back to Iowa, where my focus is helping local musicians, students, families, and educators keep their instruments performing at their best. Whether preparing a beginner’s first clarinet, servicing a school-owned instrument, or restoring a longtime favorite, the goal remains the same: thoughtful craftsmanship, clear communication, and instruments that inspire people to play.
