Meet the Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
"Harmonizing Expertise:
Where Music and Precision Unite"
Indulge in the crescendo of expertise. Welcome to a world where the rhythms of music and the art of repair converge in perfect harmony.
Steve Cook
Master Technician, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings & Electronics Woodwind Specialist
Steve is known throughout the region for his quality repair work on a multitude of instruments. He began Cook Instrument Repair in 1992 after he graduated from Miami University in Saxophone Performance. While there he doubled on flute and clarinet, performed with local bands, and helped repair woodwinds for the marching band. During the last 30 years, Steve has continued to hone his craft through various clinics and workshops. He is a member of NAPBIRT (National Association of Band Instrument Repair Technicians), a gold level technician for Fender Musical Corp., and a Straubinger Certified Flute technician. Steve is excited by challenging repairs, and he is always pushing himself to learn something new. This continual focus on learning has translated into Steve’s ability to fix all types of musical instruments and to keep up with new tech and trends. Steve has been invited to share his skills as a national and regional clinician in the art of instrument repair and technology.
Terry Steding
Master Technician, Stringed Instruments
Terry joined the team in 2002. He previously served as a graphic designer and art director for design and marketing firms. His artistic sensitivity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills shine through in his repair work. His expertise ranges from extensive restoration of acoustic guitars and orchestral strings, to custom upgrades for electric and acoustic guitars. He has built an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience for more than 25 years.
Dan Barger
Senior Technician, Woodwind & Brass
Dan started an apprenticeship with Steve Cook in 1999 and joined the team as a technician in 2003. As a member of NAPBIRT and a professional musician, Dan sets a high standard for himself, and it shows in the quality of his repair work. As an accomplished saxophone musician, Dan has performed for a variety of audiences in both the Midwestern region and overseas, collaborating with groups including: Signs of Life, Is What, Los Honchos, Bob Ross Quartet, Zumba, Juan Cosby Quartet, and Strange Creature. Dan is versed in numerous musical styles including rock, jazz, Latin, soul, funk, hip hop, and electronica. Furthermore, Dan has also developed a strong following for his original electronic dance music. You can listen to Danbient here (include link).
Caleb Cook
Technician, Woodwind & Brass
Caleb grew up in the repair shop learning from his dad, but he began his official apprenticeship in 2016. Since then, he has accelerated quickly thanks to his natural curiosity about how things work. Caleb specializes in clarinet repair, and is a talented woodworker who has completed courses in finish carpentry at
the Enzweiler Building Institute, in addition to wood carving and turning at the University of Cincinnati. You can see examples of his woodwork at artisan festivals and on his website.
Dave "DJ" Jackson
Technician, Electronics
Dave began working for our shop in 2012. He services keyboards, amplifiers, speakers, and other professional audio equipment. Dave came to us with a strong history of improving sound quality through various professional experiences. He has served as an audio technician for local sound companies and bands, where he was responsible for maintenance and repairing their equipment. Today, Dave continues to play guitar professionally throughout the region
Jack Lucas
Technician, Guitar
Jack has been working with us at Cook Musician Services since 2022. As a guitar musician of several years, Jack’s forte here at the shop revolves around stringed instruments such as the guitar, bass, and others in that musical family. Being both a musician himself, and a former student of Northern Kentucky University’s classical guitar program, Jack’s experience with, and passion for his craft has proven him an invaluable team member, delivering his best work every time.
Our Story
My team and I have been serving the musical instrument repair needs of Greater Cincinnati and the surrounding region for more than 30 years. As professional musicians, we understand how much musicians depend on our instruments to create great music. As the region’s premiere, full-service musical instrument repair shop, we offer service for woodwinds, brass, orchestral strings, guitars, electronics, and more. We stand behind our work and take pride in bringing every instrument up to the playing level that students and professionals expect.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our technicians continually strive to learn and improve their art by participating in industry conferences and workshops. This dedication is why we are trusted and authorized to do warranty work and other services for nearly every major brand in the industry. Whether you have an old instrument that belonged to grandpa, or you are on the road doing a world tour, you can count on Cook Instrument Repair for all your repair needs.
I founded Cook Instrument Repair in 1992, but my musical roots go back to my childhood, where I played upright bass in my family’s band. We played old-time music at festivals, preserving the heritage of Appalachian music. In high school, I played guitar in a local rock band and joined the school’s marching band. While attending Miami University, I majored in saxophone performance, and made my living as a professional musician touring the region and even opening for national acts that came through the area. I taught a studio of more than 40 students in saxophone, flute, clarinet and guitar, and I have played in the worship band at my church for more than 25 years. I have also designed and installed large venue sound systems, and, of course, I have been repairing instruments for more than 30 years.
All these musical experiences have gifted me a unique perspective that allows me to perform my job at an adept, reliable level. I know the importance of a well-maintained instrument from just about every perspective, and I can play a wide variety of them, which helps me in providing my customers with first-hand knowledge and the highest quality of repairs.
— Steve Cook