I grew up with music all around me, from guitars keeping the neighbors up in the backyard, to my mothers violin playing in various orchestras and chamber music ensembles throughout the years. Perhaps I was a bit of a late bloomer as I only started playing bass guitar at the age of 17. My desire to make music exploded soon thereafter as I began playing drums, mandolin, and guitar.

Around that same time my mother befriended Mr.Burrit Miller. He was the senior Luther at Moennigs violin shop, one of the most respected violin shops in the nation. My mother was in good hands as Mr.Burrit had been preparing Amatis, Stradivarius and Guarner stringed instruments for 30+ years. On weekends I would help out in Burrits’ shop and these experiences wetted my whistle so to speak. Not soon thereafter I was enrolled in school a Redwing Tech in Minnesota repairing and building guitars. 

I achieved a GPA of 4.0, tutored my classmates and had a job before leaving school. After serving an apprenticeship for 3 years with Ron Ruggiero in Philadelphia, I decided to get out on my own and landed at the Brass, Reed and Guitar shop in Vancouver, WA.

Since I have been running the repair shop at “Brass, Reed” I have been very happy with my professional results and achievements. I strive to offer my very best on every job, pursue good communication, timely completion and provide good reason for my customers to return with and instrument in their collection.

The bottom line is: I love making music through craft or song. I hold a passion for what I do and I offer that to you, the customer.

Rick Reiss