24 - Interview with Robb Stewart: Historical Instrument Production and Restoration

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 24 features our conversation with brass instrument repairman, restorer, and reproducer Robb Stewart. Robb is widely regarded as one of the best brass instrument repairmen and specializes in repairing and reproducing vintage instruments. In our interview, we talk about how Robb got started, what some of the biggest challenges are in this line of work, and reflect on his career thus far.

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Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

• 2:19 - Robb's musical background

• 4:44 - How Robb got into musical instrument repair

• 6:22 - Where Robb's interest in historical instruments began

• 7:12 - How Robb's career as an instrument repairman unfolded

• 10:09 - Early days of collecting and repairing historical instruments

• 17:23 - Philosophy on restoring historically important instruments

• 22:00 - Fabricating parts with modern materials

• 27:54 - Robb's personal collection of instruments

• 30:31 - Instrument makers Richardson and Sibley

• 33:58 - Thoughts on reasons for the scarcity of b flat 19th century instruments today

• 38:10 - Robb's instrument reproductions

• 49:22 - Playing with the California Gold Rush Band

• 51:21 - Robb's favorite instrument makers

• 58:47 - More notable instruments from Robb's collection

• 1:01:56 - Graves reproduction mouthpiece (referencing the mouthpiece mentioned in Jeff Stockham's episode)

• 1:03:47 - The instrument maker Thomas Payne

• 1:05:11 - General thoughts on instrument reproduction

• 1:10:18 - Where you can find more on Robb and his work

• 1:12:21 - Show wrap-up

• 1:13:38 - Featured Album: The California Gold Rush Band: Brass Mounted Army: Music of the Old Horse Cavalry