The Owner and Technician

After pursuing a music education degree at Arkansas Tech University, Craig Heinrich completed his certification in Band Instrument Repair at the Allied Music Corporation in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, in August of 1986. Frustrated with working for music stores that put the bottom line ahead of quality repairs that musicians demand, and seeing a need for a higher level of service in Northwest Arkansas, he decided to move back home and open an independent repair shop. In October of 1987 in Fayetteville, AR, The Bandsmith opened its doors for the first time. The Bandsmith moved to its current location in Springdale in May of 1996, in order to be more centrally located in Northwest Arkansas. In July of 1999, The Bandsmith became incorporated.

Mr. Heinrich stays actively involved in the Northwest Arkansas musical community. He is a tubist for the Arkansas Winds, and Eb tubist for the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band. He has been a member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians since 1987, and performed with the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps (contrabass bugle 1982-1984).

 Photo © 2004 Photographix of Northwest Arkansas