Laura G.

Joined 2 months ago

Ok, so I did something I have never done before--created an account, which I hate--just to write a review of Mid-South Music. I have a 14 year old daughter who is a developing tuba player. She had outgrown her 3/4 rental tuba and wants to join our local youth symphony. Calling around locally, most places wanted to sell me a Chinese-made tuba that did not interest me at all. I found a restored 1970s Miraphone for her listed from Mid-South Music on Tubenet that looked really interesting. (By the way--tubenet? A whole community of tuba players? Isn't the internet great?)

Her tuba teacher called and talked to Joe, who answered all his questions about the origin of the tuba and how Joe had restored it. Joe and I dealt on a handshake--to save him the interchange fees on a credit card I sent him a check and he sent me the tuba. (If you are having a tuba shipped, I now know you must ship the case and tuba separately--counterintuitive, but true).

The tuba is gorgeous. It is in excellent condition, it has the craftsmanship it is harder to find these days, and the sound and tone (even to a non-musical person like myself) is head and shoulders above our previous rental. My daughter's tuba teacher is ecstatic about the tuba.

I live in Silicon Valley, and I can tell you I wouldn't write anyone here a check on an online handshake. It was a pleasure to deal with someone as straightforward as Joe, who was so interested in finding a good home for this awesome tuba.

Recommends

clark g.

Joined 5 months ago

Dear Mr Joe Sellansberger I want to thank you for the time and effort that you put into repairing my Holton 345 tuba last week. Your craftmanship and knowledge of the horn were evident as I watched you work. Although I am not the player I was 50 years ago. I can still appreciate good workmanship and dedication to do the job right.

After playing the horn for a few days, I found it so much improved , especially in it's response and in the lowest range. I can strongly recommend your shop to anyone who asks. It was well worth my time and effort to drive to Williston to get the repairs made.

Thank you again for your skills. In addition I enjoyed talking with you. I would recommend anyone wanting their tuba repaired right to you and Midsouth Music.

Clark W. Giffin

44199 Stringer Bridge Rd.

St. Amant, La. 70774

Recommends

RA M.

Joined 1 year ago

MidSouth Music is the Best!. I have know Debbie and Joe for many years, and find their expertise in repair and instrument sales, excellent. More importantly is their sense of honesty and fairness dealing with all of their customers. I can recommend them to my students and other professionals without hesitation, as I know they will take very good care of their needs.

I am so glad that they are continuing their business after their move from mid-town Memphis.

I also value their friendship! Look no farther than MidSouth for almost all of your musical needs!

Recommends

martyneilan

Joined 4 years ago

Top quality work, quick turnaround. Joe Sellmansberger is the kind of guy who could walk around a scrapyard for a few minutes, pick up a couple pieces of metal, and within minutes fabricate an instrument that will look like it came from the Guggenheim and play like it belongs in the CSO.

OK, so I am exaggerating just a bit, BUT

Mid-South does top quality work with a quick turnaround, they are honest, and they won't rip you off. From basic repairs to econo-overhauls to museum quality work, they can do it all. They have catered to everyone from local schools to world famous musicians on tour.

(As to the first part, if you ever see any of horns the owner has built or rebuilt, you will know I am not stretching the truth very much.)

Recommends

MarkHowle

Joined 4 years ago

My Highest Possible Recommendation!. I am very pleased to write this review for Joe and Debbie of Mid-South Music in Wilmington, TN. I am a retired band director, tuba instructor and performer. I first met Joe and Debbie when I was the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Mississippi, and have done a good bit of business with them over the last 15 years. I am also the father of four young brass players, (two tubas, one French horn and one trumpet), one of whom is a budding young professional musician.

Sometimes my transactions with Mid South music included the purchase of school band instruments. Joe has often recommended certain brands of which I have been completely unfamiliar. One example back in 2002 was of a Weirl Euphonium which turned out to be a better musical choice for my band students AND it was also much cheaper in price than the better-known Japanese brand I originally had planned to purchase. While I was at Hattiesburg High School here in Mississippi I purchased a Selmer Contra Alto Clarinet that Debbie had overhauled. It was in better adjustment than any new bass clarinet of any brand that I have ever seen or touched. Recently Joe sold me a used professional tuba for my oldest son. It is simply the best tuba I have ever played.

Joe has also done lots of repair work to some of my personal instruments over the last few years. Recently he modified my vintage York Eb tuba and added a 5th rotor which greatly improved the quality of the instrument. I am also familiar with a couple of the tubas that he has redesigned and completely overhauled. After seeing his work up close, it is clear that he is a master craftsman.

Joe and Debbie are very honest, fair and knowledgeable. They are willing to go the extra mile for their customers in order to solve the equipment needs for the teacher, student and professional. The quality of their service is exemplary and it is for this reason that I give them my highest recommendation.

Recommends

mattgood

Joined 4 years ago

Best musical intrument repair and sales in Tennessee.. I play in the Dallas Symphony and have had excellent repair done to my tubas at Mid-South Music. What I admire the most about Joe is that he has an analytical mind that will find the best choice for me both ergonomically and economically. Joe and Debbi are the model of an honest businesspeople who you can trust, which is the result of there reputation nationwide. Highly recommended for your band instrument sales and repair.

Recommends

hwbarnesjr

Joined 4 years ago

A band directors best friend. I used this company when I was Director of Bands for Crossland High School and now I am University Director of bands. Doing business with this company was a great experience for me. They were polite, considerate and very helpful. I purchased several refurbished tubas from them and to this day eight years later they are still in great working condition.

Recommends

imperialbari

Joined 4 years ago

My US retailer. Joe and I met in tuba contexts on the web, where we both act as the serious elderlies.

Joe is my US retailer for items not available in my country. I also bought a Conn 28K sousaphone from him, and ordered one of his custom mouthpieces to come, when the next batch is finished.

Joe is a fine repairman, but what makes him real great is, that he also is a musician himself. He knows what things are about for players at all levels.

Klaus, retired teacher in Denmark

Recommends

jaredaross

Joined 4 years ago

Best prices and the highest quality of repair/custom work for band instruments in region. I bought a tuba from Joe to use in college. I got it for a great price. I also have bought many instruments from him for my middle and high schools. I was able to get high quality professional band instruments for my students with a low budget. I wouldn't trust anyone else more than Mid-South Music with my repairs. Thank you Joe and Debbie!

-Jared Ross, Director of Bands

White Plains High School

Anniston, Alabama

Recommends

Clatu

Joined 4 years ago

Top Brass. Turning a pro quality brass instrument over to a repairman requires utmost confidence. Not only do Mid-South Music Sales & Service perform expert repairs, they also excel at customizing instruments to meet special needs. The place in the Mid-South to have your instrument repair work done.