Eli Kaufman (Bell & Reed) was a Godfind for me. I am a Seattle accordionist with three different styles of delivering music and song. A solo artist, a stroller, and a band mate. So I have several accordions. Eli rescued, repaired and restored a magnificent French accordion shipped to me from Europe that arrived sadly broken. I hopped on a bus from Bellevue with my box, got off in Pioneer square and buzzed Eli's door. Eli turned out to not only be a master mechanic, a brilliant man, but the most caring person I have EVER met! His knowledge and skilled approach to repair is never separated from his interest in how the instrument he repairs is used whether for pleasure or entertainment. He is compassionate, gifted, and personal. And the surprise... his rates are more than reasonable. He is fair, and fast, and at times, since I have been back with other accordions, he will do the repair right then and there if possible, and you are on your way back in business knowing your accordion was touched by a master artist who lovinging repaired it with excellence, care, and as if it was his own. 10 Stars for Eli - Bell & Reed! read more

I took my elderly bassoon to Eli was and am impressed by his warmth and candor. Eli is a wonderful instrument repair man and person. He looked at my bassoon and was thorough he told me the issues with the instrument and offered me options to fix it...Being a beginning bassoon player he suggested viable options with me and asked which would work for me. I chose a route, which was to get the instrument in playing condition for a budding bassoon player Eli quoted me a reasonable price and when it would be ready. I picked up my bassoon from Eli today and it plays beautifully! I cannot say how pleased I am with Eli's work, his friendliness, advice and also his accurate time scheduling! I would recommend Eli's services to any one who desires their instruments to be treated with care and respect they deserve, also who wants a caring, honest, knowledgable technician that will bend over backward to please the client. Please support this fantastic repairman, you will not be sorry!!!! BRAVO Eli!!!!!!! read more

I got introduced to Eli through a mutual acquaintance and bought my first accordion from him. It was already in perfect condition but Eli insisted on doing some more work on it to have it be beyond perfection. He has very high standards for anything that leaves his shop. He is personable and easy to work with; my requirement was to make a relationship with a young business owner who I could have an ongoing connection with to get advice about the care and interest I have in accordion. He also met and sold an accordion to my dear friend Ted, who has been playing accordion for 81 years now. Eli and Ted totally jammed together at his shop and it made Ted so happy. There is not enough room in this page to compliment Eli enough. He is a fine young honest man, and a great musician and most of all human being! read more

When my dad decided to buy me an accordion for Christmas we got Eli's name from a friend. My dad was thrilled with the whole experience, I am thrilled with my accordion, and I have been in several times to see Eli--first to get some basic tips (he kindly adjusted my straps, punching new holes and trimming things until they were perfect), and later to have him look at a second accordion I got off eBay (it opened right up when he played it, and it turns out it only needed one very minor repair!). He is knowledgable, kind, prompt, and courteous. I'm tempted to take up the clarinet, just so I have an excuse to see him more often! read more

A happy customer for life!!! Eli was beyond amazing. He took the time to examine my Alto Sax that caused me 4 trips and almost $250.00 at Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works and the Sax was still not functioning as before. I was treated in a very professional manner. Eli looked at the Sax and advise me that the cork needs replacement soon and he un-did some of the tightening done by the folks at Oberloh. RESULTS? A happy sax player and I practice more and more because it's been a joy to play the instrument I love. Thank you very much, Eli! See you next time! read more

Eli at Bell & Reed has been repairing and overhauling my alto saxophone, clarinet - and multiple accordions - for over 5 years, and it's been an exceptional relationship. Eli works carefully, finds problems quickly, and doesn't miss anything that might compromise an instrument's overall tone or mechanical play. He is usually available at short notice (which is usually when repairs are urgently needed!), and always does a thorough job. He also shares ideas on how a person can better keep their instrument out of the repair shop! Highly recommended. read more

The first time I saw Eli, he was playing accordion, some of which was his own compositions, and I was blown away by the precision and impeccable taste. I thought, "this is a guy who puts a lot of care and loving attention into what he's doing". Exactly what you'd want in a technician. I have not needed repairs on my accordion yet, but then again, Eli was the one who helped me select it several years ago, and taught me a lot about accordions and taking care of the instrument in the process. read more

Eli is a great sax repair man. I had a horrible experience with another repair tech, who did a poor overhaul of my vintage Martin bari. Eli undid the damage and was really great about talking me through what was an appropriate amount of rebuilding for the condition of the horn. Eli saved me money in the long run and got a great playing bari in the end. I highly recommend Eli, especially because he understands how to work with older saxes. read more

Where do I begin! Eli is simply the best! I have come to know & trust Eli's work for the last 2.5 years. In that time I've known, Eli has repaired my clarinet, flute, overhauled my alto saxophone and even repaired my melodica--always in a timely fashion and with exceptional craftsmanship. Eli has a keen eye for detail and an intuitive heart--he will come to know your instrument and the player who plays them. read more

Bell & Reed, best in central Downtown, i.e. convenient, honest and really good work. I recommend Eli (owner) to all my reed students, I've had friends with accordion 'emergencies' and not only has he helped with repair he's aided their projects to make sure all went well. One of the best if not the best. And a great guy on top of it all. www.soundand.com read more

Eli is a swell fella and an honest repairer. I brought my ancient Hohner accordion to him and he was able to quickly un-stick the old reeds inside. He also re-corked a wooden b-flat clarinet I have, along with replacing the pads on a few keys that needed replacing. He is reasonable and a very nice man, and would be my first choice for repairs in the future. read more

You want to meet Eli. If you don't already have a sax, clarinet or accordion (or other reed instrument), I urge you to buy one and create the opportunity to meet him. I looked up Eli after hearing him play in an ensemble, and I've hired him to repair and to teach. I could not be more pleased with his work. Spending time with Eli is invaluable. read more

Once again Eli came through with the goods. We were looking for an alto sax for my daughter. We are very pleased with the instrument, very good condition and tuned to perfection. Eli was also able to give my daughters clarinet a tune up the day before a contest that we came to the Seattle area for. Every thing was just fantastic. read more

We were kind of surprised at how great Eli's repairs were. Very fast and super affordable. We told him he should charge more - oops! He fixed my kid's clarinet over the weekend so she didn't miss any school practices. Once he fixed on the spot, no waiting. We will also go back to him and we recommend him. read more

First off I have to say Eli was very friendly and knowledgable. He took the time to explain what he was going to do. And when picking up my son's sax it was apparent that he is truly a gifted craftsman. I could have taken my son's saxophone anywhere, but Eli is the man. I highly recommend him. read more

Eli is a wonderful man. He is deeply musical and very careful as a technician. His caring comes through with everything he does. He is precise in his work, knows what he is doing and, of course, honest. Highly recommended! read more

I would trust Eli with any instrument of mine, he's incredibly conscientious and detail oriented. He knows his stuff and he's very honest.

Eli is professional, knowledgeable and dependable. He is also a great person to know.