I started repairing saxophones alone in my garage, later buying a big building and opened the Sax ProShop. We set out to repair Pro saxophones assembly line style which was then, a new idea. Knowing this would be an incredibly difficult undertaking, we chose technicians that we thought were exceptional and up to the task at hand. That crew, the original four, was amazing together and managed to create the first assembly line saxophone repair shop. There was a synergy that filled the room. Matt’s thoughtful analytical mind and dry sense of humor coupled with Dan’s loud and lewd jokstering, were made even more wonderful by Kellie’s wholesome and forthright attitude. Working in the ProShop every day, I soon realized that Kellie was a very special person and truly did make everything more wonderful! I begged her to be my assistant and work with me every day to grow and improve our company. She agreed, and we were on our way. Later, Kellie told me she was leaving to follow her dream and her heart, playing music and being in love.
Now, Kellie is one of the hardest touring baritone and bass sax players in the country, on the road between 160-180 days per year with a Columbia, MO based blues rock band “The Hooten Hallers.” She also plays hot jazz with the Sidney Street Shakers, who have recently released their debut album “Laugh My Weary Blues Away”, acoustic blues with The Loot Rock Gang, and veers off into the string world as well with country western duo Southwest Watson Sweethearts.
A while back, she called me up to discuss getting an Uberhaul for her old King Zephyr Bari that had serious intonation issues and needed lots of body work. Knowing the King wasn’t her dream horn, I asked her what was, and she said what she really wanted was a 12M. Of course, I get really excited about 12M’s and nostalgic about Kellie, so we got right to work at the Sax ProShop. I can say without a doubt that this is the preeminent Conn 12M to come out of the Sax ProShop, with a full cosmetic restoration Uberhaul, tons of modifications, and both 12M and 12.5M Wilmington model necks.
The original four at the ProShop gave a lot to make the dream shop come to life and they succeeded. The work done on Kellie’s Bari was done by a different, and outstanding, crew at the Sax ProShop and we really couldn’t be more excited than to have one of the finest Conn 12M baris on the planet going to our great friend, and ProShop Alumni, Kellie Everett! Kellie stopped in yesterday, picked up her Bari and I believe she’s just as excited. Break a Leg Kellie!
