Trusted Instrument Repair in Reno, NV
Absolute Music is home to the largest, most experienced, and most complete Musical Instrument Repair and Service Facility in Northern Nevada. We are a high-quality repair department committed to delivering exceptional workmanship and reliable results. We’d love the opportunity to show you how we can get your instrument playing its very best. In the last year, our department has grown tremendously, and we are committed to providing high-quality, fast, and personalized repair. We service woodwinds, brass, orchestral strings, and guitars in-store. Estimates are free—come by today and let our experts serve you!
About Our Technicians
Robert Strong
Robert Strong is a woodwind repair technician trained at Gottschalk Music Center in Clovis, CA, where he studied under master technician Kristopher Aoki. As part of Yamaha’s Shokunin Dealer program, he received hands-on instruction from Yamaha technicians and instrument builders, specializing in the customization of professional-level instruments. Robert studied music performance at Fresno State under Dr. Matthew Darling and Dr. Gary P. Gilroy, experiences that helped shape his musicianship and artistic approach. Beyond his repair work, Robert is a published composer with GPG Music and serves as an instructor and designer for Robert McQueen High School and eNVision Indoor under the direction of Mr. Aaron Hines. In his “free” time, he is a frequent adjudicator for marching arts events across the West Coast. Over the course of 2024-2025, Absolute Music has made several improvements in our repair department and are fully committed to providing timely service delivered at a high standard, with exciting plans for 2026! Robert has played a large part in our ever-improving department, and looks forward to working with you and ensuring you receive the best repair experience possible!
Craig Dill
Craig Dill has been building and repairing violins in the Reno community for nearly 40 years. In 1989, he earned a place in the Guinness World Records for crafting the smallest violin ever made. Music runs deep in his family as well, both his wife and daughter are accomplished violinists, which gives Craig a unique understanding of how instruments should feel, sound, and perform. As a highly skilled orchestral string technician, Craig can handle repairs of any size, from delicate seam work to major structural restorations and bow rehairs. Living and playing in Nevada’s exceptionally dry climate makes proper instrument maintenance more important than ever, and Craig’s expertise ensures that every violin, viola, cello, and bass receives the care it needs to stay healthy, stable, and sounding its best. Craig is here to help!
Patrick Howerton
Born and raised in Dayton, Nevada, Patrick graduated from Dayton High School, where playing trombone in the marching band sparked his passion for music and instrument craftsmanship. That passion led him to pursue formal training at Renton Technical College, where he completed the Band Instrument Repair program. After graduating, he was hired by one of the largest music store chains in the western United States, Nick Rail Music, gaining extensive experience in a high-demand repair environment and working on a large volume of instruments. While proficient in all wind instrument repair, Patrick is especially drawn to brass work thanks to his trombone background. Now back home in Northern Nevada and an active NAPBIRT member, he remains committed to ongoing professional growth and serving his local music community.
Steve Gibson
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Our founder, Steve Gibson, has been a member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians for over 25 years and apprenticed under renowned technician Dave Huey of Acoustic Winds and Keyboards. Like many small business owners, Steve wears many hats, so while he is a skilled repair professional, he is not a full-time bench technician. Instead, he focuses on supporting and guiding his three full-time technicians, ensuring they have the resources and expertise needed to deliver exceptional work. As a trumpet player who performs with the Reno Wind Symphony, Steve brings a musician’s insight to the shop, deepening his commitment to quality and craftsmanship. In addition to his care in the repair department, Steve is dedicated to community outreach, regularly providing free emergency repair services at many of the area’s music festivals and competitions such as the Sierra Band Crusade and Lake Tahoe Music Camp.
