Letter from 51 year old me to 21 year 0ld me
2023 ж. 23 Жел.
7 341 Рет қаралды
Words of experience meant to inspire a new student of the craft. Shout out to Sidney and James and I hope this is what you were looking for.
Thanks for watching.
Please leave your own words of encouragement for a newbie in the field.
What a glorious Christmas greeting! 63 year old Red Wing student here. Wes, you are an absolute legend. I’m surrounded by an amazing cohort of competent young people that rally around me as needed, which is often. Speaking of BIR taking you anywhere, I’ll be spending my working retirement in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where basic infrastructure, musical and otherwise, is sorely needed. You, sir, are not only competent in your wizardry, but also an inspiration to all.
As a 60 yr old amateur who inherited his pro-mechanic & self taught luthier Dad's love for wrenching on old cars & a passion for music instruments - I don't think I could have written or said it better. Priorities of God, family, & passion for what you do. Believe in yourself & be that person of integrity - Take care of yourself & those who love you. Thanks for being who you are Wes & Ms. K. Merry Christmas
To anyone else, Listen to Wes! He is a treasure! My years of working on instruments as an amateur taught me that with imagination, anything might be the right tool for the job! Don't cringe but I've used flexible branches from Brazilian pepper plants to fix dents in odd sized cornets! Again, Listen to Wes! Love the work like he does!
Hats off. 72 year old ex piano technician here. FANTASTIC advice regarding retirement, Wes. My advice ... if there's a Guild, join it and learn everything you can from your mentors. I always, right up to my last day in the biz 6/30/20, could sense my mentors and colleagues looking over my shoulder as I worked. They were generous with their time and advice - no way I was going to cut corners. Do NOT be afraid to work really hard. ALWAYS come through for your clients. Don't let venues bully you into doing subpar work. Sometimes coming through means coming in on no notice and having to tune a piano with the hall already full and not enough time to finish (prioritize!). Don't let fear stop you from taking those big jobs. If you have the chops, answer the call. Delivering your best in all situations is the way to go. One last thing - pay attention to burnout. It's a real thing and hard to come back from. Be honest. Be humble. Be grateful. Be helpful. Be positive and be friendly. Best to all
Well said Wes! May I add, "when in doubt, WEAR a respirator"! Dust removal too! Your 51 year old self doesn't need to have bad lungs from your 21 year old stupidity. Always steal a few kisses on those walks with your wife! She likes being reminded that she's still the girl of your dreams all these years later! Merry Christmas to all!
Wes, I couldn't have said it better. This is coming from a 66 years young Journey Machinist/Fabricator/Welder. I got introduced to my crafts from the Lead Mines where I was employed for 25 years prior to starting my own business of machining and fabrication and everything in between in 2002. Sweety and I have been through a few rough times but mostly glorious times. We are so grateful and happy and blessed. I will begin my Social Security Benefits in May 2024 but I will continue to work 6 days a week. Not because I need the money but because I love the craft (I'm having too much fun to quit now)🙂. Two things I would add to what Wes said is to keep your chin up when things don't go like you wish. There is always an opportunity to build your character during times of trouble. Be positive and merciful during such events. Dissect and memorize Psalm 23. Merry Christmas to All.
0:04 Nicely said Lee. I am 63 years old. I had my own business for 26 years. I trained several technicians but I was never forth coming with the public like you are. Your advice is spot on. I worked for another shop for 10 years before I opened my own. I would like to meet you sometime. I am restoring a 72 MGB in my semi-retirement. Keep up the good work! Miles
True to the bone‼️ If we just had this wisdom when we were young.......life would be so much more rewarding.......to all the young gear heads.....just LISTEN to your elders.....we all want the best for those we love.. Thank you and Ms. K keep up the good work...and bless you both ❤
Greetings Mr.Wes. This is Alex Ferreira trombone professor from Brazil. I do appreciate your letter of advice. I have been in the trade of teaching for 23 years and almost 40 as a bass trombone player. This letter indeed represents Everything I always believed and wanted to be as a professional musician, teacher and a parent (Ive been married for 23 years and a father of two wonderful boys). I will for sure translate that to Portuguese so my Luthier friends have a chancr to appreciate and reflect as much as I did. Very proud to have the honor to listes to your words of wisdom. While was listening to your advise, I understood the reason God took me to the US to acquire my masters and DMA degrees. Thank you for reminding me May God Bless you Merry Christmas to you and yours
I am a retired millwright by train, and your comments were very well founded. I found as I learned, I trade it seems to be work as much as a growth and then enjoyable trip through life something to learn every day and improve your self value. I’ve enjoyed watching your information and taking some things away from my own use. I appreciate it and enjoy your new space. Sincerely, Gary Black.
Well said Wes, a beautiful Christmas present to the next generation not only for instrument craftspeople but for Life in general. I would add that sometimes a student learning in the presence of a mentor or more skilled maker will need to swallow their pride and put their ego aside in the name of self growth. Your ego can get in your way if you let it. Be humble and when shaking someone's hand, always give a firm grip. Not a crusher but one that shows self confidence, commands respect and one that will be remembered. My grandfather passed that on to me.
Wes thank you, quite an inspiring letter! To add one thing my father taught me: "Moose, whenever you learn something it is going to cost you... time, money, or a piece of skin. Try to make it cost the first two." My two cents would be, keep your focus on God and family, and take measured risks early. You will get better in all areas if teachable. If you fail, you do not go to zero... you only end up working for someone like most everyone else does. (I had to retire once, to start my own business. It was the best 10 years of my life! I am now "retired" three times, and still have my hand in one business.
My son is a multi instrumentalist who currently has 3 saxophones he is restoring at age 16. He dream is to have a music/ repair shop. I'm sending him this video. I will support him in his endeavors.
I am but an instrument repair hack, and at the age of 67 I will never go farther than I am. But your message, Wes, is clear -- depend on NOBODY but yourself. Make your way, forget the empty promises, and WORK to forge your path. Nobody will do it but you. Merry Christmas!
As a self-employed 55 year old picture framer, printer, artist & musician. I concur with everything you said.
I am a 23 year old just getting into the trade myself. I've been super interested in the trade since I was in high school, and Wes Lee really helped me decide to take the leap of faith to get started. I am SO excited to see where this can take me
Perfectly stated, Wes! I just gave many of those words to my grandson, who hasn't taken up being a machinist like myself but did join the electricians union. Sage advice for any up and coming tradesman! I'd add: Listen to the old men. They were doing top work with tools many people today have forgotten about. They can give you a tip that will cut your time on a given task to a third what it had been. Seek out the old tools but also try some new fangled things as well. Have fun!
Very nice. I’m 73 y/o now, and I could add a few things, but no need. You covered it well. The best posting that I’ve seen on KZhead in a long time. Thanks.
You *almost* lost it there at the end, sir. ;-) Kudos for keeping a stiff upper lip! VERY true words. The 59 yr old me would write a very similar letter to the 21 yr old. I went from being a full-time player to now doing about 20% playing, 75% woodwind repair and 5% teaching. It's a long road, but very rewarding and the bumps in the road only make you stronger. 'Nuff said. Thanks for the videos and here's to a bigger and better '24.
Only the second of your videos I've seen - surfed here looking for case restoration tips (great job on the bass clarinet case!) I'm 69, retired from career in air pollution control, now practicing woodwinds (saxes, flute, clarinet) I've been playing on the side since a kid, and getting to know my great local techs well since I have (4)1920s saxes and neglected student flute and clarinet. My kids are both grown, working musicians, good marriages; 5-yr-old granddaughter plays tiny cello and button accordion; wife (practicing drummer) still working mental health counseling from home, together 46 years. Everything here resonated with me, and I found reflected somehow in my experience, which seems superficially so different from yours, as there is little artisanry or machinist in recent generations of my legacy; although both I and elder son each worked in bicycle repair for years. Beneath the surface differences, these lessons are universal. Particularly the expectation that sometimes we have to tear our work to pieces and do it all over again. Looking forward to getting to know you better in this channel!
There's a lot of wisdom in your letter. You repaired my trumpet a couple of years ago. My day job is anesthesia, but I grew up on farms and was taught how to do almost anything. I have great respect for people working in the trades. Merry Christmas.
Very well stated! 65 year old me sure wishes that hard headed 21 year old and younger me would have listened to this advice. Merry Christmas!!!🎄🎁
Hi Wes, I’ve enjoyed working with you on projects. One thing I would add is invest in your education after repair school, even if it is just talking to as many craftsman as possible. When I was Employed by Erick Brand, I talked to all the machinist that made tooling for us, surprisingly machines were more than helpful to my questions. Admire and aspire to do good work. Look at everyone’s work and compare it to yours. Be critical. Practice. Make scrap and break things and understand why so you don’t do it to a customer instrument. Then practice some more. Don’t be satisfied. Merry Christmas
Most excellent Wes!!! I could tell myself a lot being 62 now! But my 21 yr old self probly wouldn't listen...
Great advice. My son is about half-way through the BIR program in Renton, WA. You're a great inspiration to him and many of his classmates. He says that your videos are a frequent topic of discussion amongst the students. Thanks for showing the world how to have a great career in the trades.
I like watching you fix the instruments. Great Show!
Only love for you and your Videos! Also I am 21 and also I will graduate this year. This was exactly what I needed to hear and where I want to be in 30 years. Thank you for your Videos, Merry Christmas from Berlin, Germany!
Beautiful Wes,we need more of the expertise that is slowly disappearing from a whole multitude of workplaces to be passed on🌲👍🥃
Iam always amazed at your skills repairing some really damaged instruments. Merry Christmas to you too.
Not in the trade, but I want to add that being polite is free, and a smile (just like a frown) is contagious. Don't be afraid to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Be you
What we regret most in life is not what we try and fail at; it's the things that we never try at all.
may the blessing and joy of the season find you and yours healthy and happy , Merry Christmas , my friend Mike
Invest in yourself. Your core is that mental self image of who you are. It requires curation, maintenance, diligence. When life gets sideways, and it will. Your core will carry you trough anything. It is drive, direction, confidence, experience... the ores in the water with the energy to take you anywhere. Oh and always wear sunscreen every day, and hearing protection like Wes mentioned.
Yeah, brother! Very well said! Sousaphone season is coming. Lol. Make sure you take care of your body when you’re younger, because it gets more expensive when you’re older.
Thank you for this message Wes, I aspire to be an instrument repairman one day, I will most definitely take your message and the handful of the messages in the comments to heart. Thank you, to all a merry Christmas or whatever else you celebrate and have a happy new year. Bless you all
Merry Christmas….. some words of wisdom, don’t be afraid to ask when you don’t known it when you start, learn by watching other people do it and mimic it, you will fail the first few times but learn a lot from it. As Wess stated there is a higher power out there, it will bring you the right mentors on your path, be open minded and never stop learning. Last but not least keep your faith and love those who are the most important people in you live
This will turn out to be the most important of your videos. Bar none. I am 73. 40 years ago I went badly wrong and pay for it daily. I tell my grandkids that what yhey do today will shape their life every day forever, so look ahead as you make your decisions. You are plotting your future and you never can re-live your today.
E X C E L L E N T. WORDS OF ADVICE. Thanks Wess Lee, for good words! Being 70ish, I wish I had realized that concept, in my teens, so I would have married my dream-girl, without my parents screwing that up for me! "FOLLOW YOUR HEART," are my additive words. My Dad, got me a really good job, that I excelled in, and worked hard, for over 37 years. It had a great retirement...but I married WRONG. Merry "CHRISTmas" !!!
Amen. Just put your head down and do your work. It’ll all work out.
Wise words for every young person to hear.
Wise words. When I was young I always though I should take pride in completing a task as quickly as possible with acceptable quality, however as I got older I learned it's better to take your time a provide excellent quality.
Great Mr.Lee .God bless you.
You continue to inspire. Thank you Sir.
I’m 83 and an accordion hobbyist. I’ve played, but not professionally, listened to great accordionists, researched accordions, talked about accordions both acoustic and digital with others. But, I consider myself very lucky to be within a two-hour drive of an accordion repair technician. Should I ever come across a young person who’s interested in becoming an accordion repairman, I’ll be sure to let them see this video, although the chances of meeting someone who wants to learn accordion repair in this country are rare. But the video is really good advice for anyone about to learn a craft. Thank you for the video, and have a great holiday.
We love u brother and your older self want the best for everyone. Keep up the good work! Now ima go get into my feels
Well said, you have inspired me was well. Thank you for all your content.
I am not a tech, but I am so dependent on the skills and advice of my tech. As my father said, do whatever you want, do it well and be a gentleman.
Merry Christmas from up North here in Kitchener Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 from tubaboy 😊
Wow Wes, thank you for posting this. I think every generation needs a mentor to let the current one know what is important and what’s not. I found myself getting emotional listening to your words, much the same I sensed you were. We are nearly the same age, and have a similar work ethic. Do every job you are able without sacrificing time with the family. The extra money from overtime, doesn’t come close to the moments you spend with loved ones. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s! Cheers!
Eloquent! Well done. Happy Holidays!
Loved this-thank you! Merry Christmas!
Thank you for this message, your videos are part of the reason I will be going to school for instrument repair. Thank your for this knowledge it will definitely help along the way.
Merry Christmas to you and yours Wes! I'm sorry that I can only hit the like button once for this video. You gave great advice to that young couple. Just a note though. When you refer to "The School" in Red Wing, MN don't forget that there is a reform school there also, MCF Red Wing. LOL! I'm very happy that have resumed posting videos. Thank you. Happy new year also.
Have a Lovely Christmas. we just got done celebrating here in Norway.
Thank you for all you do man! Proud to know you, and not surprised at it, as I know where you come from! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Beautifully written sir!
Merry Christmas👍👏🏻🙏🦅
Well said Sir! Merry Christmas and hope y’all have a happy New Year!
A college instructor of mine always told us, "Perseverance and the will to succeed" that mind set is key.
Hey Wes, thanks for sharing this heartfelt wisdom and encouragement. Here's a couple things I've learned along the way. Time management has been a challenge for me, so I learned to estimate the time needed for a project and then add 10%. That works well for me. I'm curious about and kind to my co-workers since we spend so much time together. I strive to be worthy of trust. Hard work produces great results I can be proud of and probably a few laughs along the way. Merry Christmas Wes, and happiest wishes for a healthy, joy filled and prosperous new year, from Portland Oregon.
Love this. Merry Christmas
Amen brother. I second not being afraid to open your own shop. THAT level of control affords freedom, which feeds the happiness.
That was beautiful
Amen. Merry Christmas, Wes.
It sure would be handy if we can go back in time like this Although it wouldn't be us anymore, whether or not that is a good thing or not is subjective
God Bless Wes!
Merry Christmas, Wes! Have a Great One!
Respect, tons of it!
Beautiful man!! Happy holidays!!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Wes. I truly enjoy your videos that educate me and help me keep my tuba in good playing order. I remember being in band as a 5th grader and not taking the best care of the instruments that we loaned to me. It is amazing what you do and if it weren't for people like you and my very tolerant band teachers I wouldn't enjoy playing in my community band today. I'm not a band instrument technician, however I have always been intrigued by the way things work. Your words of wisdom apply to any profession. I only hope that many young listeners take your words to heart. Best wishes for health and happiness.
Thank You! Give to others, but remember to also reveive. Make Love to the World :)
Beautifully said. Yes, take care of yourself and your family, appreciate others, and respect your tools. Thanks Wes!
Thank you, Wes. Emotional!
That was beautiful. Merry Christmas, Wes. I’ll add that life is full of regrets but it’s also full of joy. Try to focus on the latter and accept the former.
Wise words!
Wes, Thank you for that message. It highlights the value of experience.
A solid one!
Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable to so many. It's beautiful how much you love your trade.
So much great wisdom here. Thank you for sharing part of your heart with us. Happy Holidays!
There is no replacement for excellence
I love this ❤️
Merry Christmas, Wes Lee !!
Mr. Wes Lee, great words of wisdom, thank you for all the videos and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! all the best. Marcos (Brazil)
I started watching your videos after I bought a Horn and they made me chance upon the idea of learning the craft, I absolutely love your work. Might be a hobby or a side hustle for me, but the learning and example you pour on here is priceless. This is a very unique profession (i am a musician) that seems to give such an inner satisfaction every day you strive to repair something. That is so appealing. All the best for you, I hope your 2024 is as fantastic as you deserve!
As a piano tuner/tech since 1980, I echo your comments whole-heartedly.
Great advice, Wes, for anyone. Hope you have a great Christmas and a very prosperous 2024 and beyond. As a Minnesota musician, I have a lot of respect for the program at Red Wing. It is amazing how many repair techs I have run into across the country who went through the program. Thanks for your videos and all the best to you and yours.
Really well said. Thank you.
This is my first video of yours that I have seen. I am in the military band right now, and am going to be retiring eventually. I am thinking maybe this will be a good career for me after the military. I am primarily a jazz saxophone player, but I also play clarinet and flute. I don't have a lot of experience repairing instruments, but it seems it would be fun to learn. This was a touching video, and made me interested to watch more of your videos to see how you fix instruments.
There are so many to choose from. You could start at the first one and see the evolution of the production. Or maybe just start with the most viewed ones like a French horn repair with over 3 million views.
@@kristimiller-lee2338 yeah I watched one about a tenor sax repair. It was great.
Sharing wisdom. Among the very best gifts you chose to share. Well done sir. A blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your extended family.
A big ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
what an inspiration
Merry Christmas Wes !
Your work always inspires me to work harder to achieve excellence you display. Thank You.
I'm in the middle of a huge life/career pivot, hopefully heading to Red Wing in 2024 at age 36. I needed to hear all of this 💕
Every day, do something for someone else that they cannot do for themselves. For reasons we will never understand, this unfailingly comes back in the nicest ways. If someone does something nice for you; pay it forward. Your body wears out. The things you can see and hear and achieve today, you will not be able to see or hear or achieve as you get older. Treat your body is if it has to last you 100 years.
Oh, how I wish I could go back and talk to me in times gone by.
what you do is amazing , I think that the skills that you have come whit age, I know that because the soft material that you work with is really easy to mess up. Merry Christmas, love your channel.
Thanks very much for your excellent work and videos. Thanks also for your love and dedication. Merry Christmas and hope to see you often in 2024.
Merry Christmas!!
Poignant. To the point.