Professional Clarinet Repair
Consistency ~ Artistry ~ Reliability
About Us:
Calix Atelier & Co. is built around a simple idea: an instrument should feel consistent, reliable, and connected to the player.
Each clarinet is approached as a complete system, where mechanical precision, tonal balance, and response are refined together—not in isolation.
The goal is not just to fix individual issues, but to create an instrument that performs predictably across all registers, allowing the player to focus fully on making music.
Services:
Full Overhauls
Annual Maintenance
Setups
Preventative Maintenance
“I have known James for many years, as my student and later as a fantastic repairman and I have followed his development closely. He approaches the instrument with consistency and care, and understands how it must function for the player in performance. I recommend him to my students and have found him to be reliable and available when needed—therefore, I give him my full endorsement!!!”
-Yehuda Gilad
Colburn Orchestra Professor of Clarinet/The Colburn School, Professor of Clarinet/USC Thornton School of Music, A Founder of the Colburn Conservatory, Guest Visiting Professor/Royal Academy of Music England
“Over the years, James and I have worked together to get my instruments feeling balanced, consistent, and completely out of the way. That level of predictability allows me to focus entirely on making music.”
-Chris Elchico, 2nd Clarinetist Boston Symphony Orchestra
“I first knew James as a clarinet student and later had the opportunity to work with him as he developed his repair craft. Through the years, I’ve watched him grow into someone who understands both the musical and mechanical sides of the instrument at a high level. His work is thoughtful, consistent, and clearly informed by the needs of the performer”
-Burt Hara, Former Associate Principal Clarinetist Los Angeles Philharmonic
“James did an excellent job working on my instruments. He is highly professional, flexible, and attentive—taking the time to listen carefully to my needs and thoughtfully explore different solutions. He is also generous with his knowledge and a pleasure to work with.”
-Tzuying Huang, Bass Clarinetist.St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
“James rules. He’s been fixing my instruments for over a decade now and I’ll probably never go to anybody else. He’s not just a great repairman, he’s a great person. He can play as well as he can listen, and he actually listens to what you want and translates that into what your instrument needs.
Lao Tzu said, ‘The wise man is one who knows what he does not know.’
As long as I’ve known James, he’s assiduously worked toward knowing. He works with the same vigor and insatiable desire for perfection that we aspire to bring to performance. I doubt there is any innovation in the field he would be incapable of incorporating into his repertoire should it be required. Basically, all good things are possible for the price of one guy. If you can think it up, he can make it happen.”
-Robert Walker, Associate Principal Clarinetist St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
“James is not just a remarkable, meticulous and accomplished clarinet repair technician but brings to the work the perspective of an accomplished clarinetist. Each “assignment” I have given him always comes back exceeding my expectations. He’s a superb resource. Glad to have him available to keep our clarinets fit. And don’t forget to ask him to make you an espresso.”
-Jim Kanter former solo clarinetist for the Los Angeles film studios and internationally acclaimed mouthpiece maker
“James’ work is of the highest order. He genuinely listens to what I want as a performer, and many times he knows what I need before I even do. As any discerning musician knows, placing complete trust in someone to care for their instruments is no small thing. James has earned that trust every single time. In this day and age, it’s refreshing to have access to a true artisan.”
-Sean Krissman, Former Principal Clarinetist San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and Houston Grand Opera Orchestra
“I have trusted James with my instruments, Buffet and Yamaha for over a decade. I never am in doubt that my instrument is going to play how I expect it to. The quality, craftsmanship, consistency and above all longevity have me returning time and time again.”
-Carmen Izzo, Principal Clarinetist. Boise Philharmonic and President of Local 423
“Calix Atelier is responsive, easy to communicate with, and respectful of timelines. The work is both thorough and efficient, which makes it a trusted resource for my studio.”
-Jeremy Reynolds, Professor of Clarinet and Chamber Music University of Denver Lamont School of Music
“James combines deep technical knowledge of the instrument with a refined understanding of artistry and performance at the highest level. The result is a consistency and reliability that always serves the needs of the performer while allowing the freedom of expression we all strive to achieve. What has always impressed me is that, like any great musician or artist, James continues to innovate and refine his craft in pursuit of an even higher level of performance. My students and I have relied on him for many years, and we have never been disappointed.”
-Michael Yoshimi, Professor of Clarinet Cal State Fullerton and The Colburn School