Les Arbuckle is definitely the Conn’s wizard! I didn't hesitate to fly right away from Italy to his shop to buy two marvelous horns. The dedication he put in to these saxophones place his work on an outstanding level. I guess there are very few people around the world having the same knowledge, expertise and experience about vintage horns. Being myself a “Conn 10M addict” I found in Les the man I needed! His overhauls are extremely accurate, keeping the saxophone totally original but giving a modern feeling under your fingers, and his work lasts for years. Yes, SaxOasis is definitely my place. Thank you, Les!
Emanuele Cisi, Italy
Les Arbuckle is probably the best living expert on set up and repair of the Conn 10m model tenor saxophone. He is equally at home with repair and overhaul of Selmer and other brands of vintage horns. What sets him apart from the rest of the pack are his status as a top flight improvising, professional, well-recorded saxophonist, and the fact that he does all the work himself. When he says a horn plays well, it plays well for a real pro.
Tim Zannes, Saxophonist,
Albuquerque, NM
I've been going to Les for new horns and repairs and recommending him to all my students for many years. He's an expert repairman, as well as a wonderful player. Very knowledgeable, accommodating, and helpful - and a great guy to boot! Thanks for everything, Les.
Jeff Harrington, Professor, Woodwinds, Berklee College of Music
My balanced action alto has never been easier to play and so responsive since Les overhauled it. He is the best I know for sax repair.
Miles Donahue
Teacher, performer, bandleader
I live in New York City (home to some pretty good sax techs) but a couple times a year I drive my horns 200 miles up to Boston to see Les at Sax Oasis. In the last few years, Les has overhauled a horn of mine (a The Martin alto), we've traded saxes (my King Super 20 alto for a Yamaha 82Z tenor), and I've bought a Selmer Mark VI tenor from him. I've been supremely happy with these big transactions, but the three big reasons I continue to make the trek to see Les are: 1) his repair work is superb - he has taken some of my underperforming and dented vintage horns and made them into dent-free roaring beasts 2) every time I visit Sax Oasis, Les teaches me something - it can be about rhythm, about sax equipment, or just a recommendation of a great CD to check out 3) to try out the great classic Conns and Selmers for sale at Sax Oasis. I also love the free parking!
John McQueeney, Entertainment Lawyer & Director of Business
Affairs for Putumayo World Music
Whenever the band passes through Boston I tell the guys to bring their horns over to Les. I know that the work will always be done right. Les is the best.
Tim Messina, 1st tenor, musical director Brian Setzer Orchestra
10Ms are known to be excellent, but what really sets this horn apart (#290,000 10M) I think is the quality of the overhaul. Mr. Arbuckle really knows how to set up a Conn. Everything about the work, from the materials to the key heights, combine to project a more modern sounding 10M without losing any of the warmth these horns are known for. The fact that Les is a player and a Conn enthusiast, as well as a top shelf repairman is clearly evident in the way this instrument responds. The horn sings, plain and simple.
Kip Germscheid, Kitty Hawk, NC
I came to Boston from the UK in 2005 to study with Jerry Bergonzi and he brought me over to your place where I bought a #284,000 Conn 10M. You repadded it for me. I just wanted to let you know that I'm still playing that horn. I still love it. And ... I haven't had to have a single adjustment or leak done in all these years! Your work is the best! I hope to visit you again someday.
Simon Kaylor, England
ust wanted to thank you again for saving my Mark VI's life and limb. I can't really thank you enough for the magic, know-how and care.
Jay Anderson, Palm Desert, CA
Les is a great woodwind equipment advisor and repairman. He's knowledgeable and skillful and makes my horns work great. Thank you, Les, for all your wisdom and friendship.
