About Us

Although Connolly Musical Instrument Repairs was founded relatively recently, this is the latest chapter in a history that stretches back over 45 years. Between us the team has over 70 years’ experience in the music industry, and we are the ideal people to give you independent expert advice about all your repair and musical sales needs.

The staff were all previously with Musical Instrument Repairs and Sales Ltd (MIR), which operated out of premises at Hereward Rise, Halesowen, for over 30 years and was well known locally, nationally and internationally for quality repairs and sales of new and reconditioned instruments.

Sadly, MIR is no longer operating in its previous guise, but MIR’s founder Charlie Connolly has assembled a first-rate team at Connolly MIR. Together they are continuing to meet the needs of all musicians, from students to world-renowned professional musicians, and are bringing older instruments back to life. The profiles below tell you a bit more about the background of Connolly MIR and its staff.

Meet the team...

• Charlie Connolly
• Matt Sheward
• Andrew Connolly
• Kate Connolly

Charles Connolly (MIMIT)

Charles (aka Charlie/Chas) discovered a love of music when he was a toddler and saw a boy playing the cornet in Dartmouth Park in West Bromwich. He took up the trumpet, was a very early member of Sandwell Youth Music, and played in a local jazz band. His hobby led into a career at the age of 17, when he began repairing for Jones and Crosslands in Birmingham.

After a move to Ringway Music, he left to set up his own company, Musical Instrument Repairs, in his garage in 1975. Later bringing in Dave Toy as a partner, MIR grew and moved to Halesowen.

A Member of the Institute of Musical Instrument Technicians (IMIT) since 1975, and a founder member of the National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers (NAMIR), Charlie has personally trained dozens of repair technicians over the past 35 years.

The creation of Connolly MIR has allowed Charlie to concentrate fully on repairing musical instruments again – which is more a hobby for him than a job! He’s really excited about this new development and continuing to provide an excellent level of craftsmanship to the many musicians he now considers as friends, as well as welcoming new customers.

He has provided his services to numerous well known musicians, including Andy Hamilton and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Julian Smith, but also to countless students and stars of the future.

Half Belgian and half Irish, Charlie loves travel and plans to visit South America, and Alaska and Hawaii (the only 2 US states he hasn’t yet visited). He enjoys photography, Bill Bryson, Tex Mex food and spending time at the Royal Oak pub, but dislikes triangular cheese sandwiches.

Email: charlie@connolly-mir.co.uk

Matt Sheward

Matt started his career at MIR in Halesowen in 1996, initially on a work experience scheme before moving on to time in sales and then training to become a brass and woodwind repairer.

Matt’s expertise and reputation has led him to become the preferred repairer for the band UB40, as well as many other musicians and tribute bands.

During his (rare) days off, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his partner Sarah and daughter Ellie.

Email: matt@connolly-mir.co.uk

 

Andrew Connolly

Andrew (aka Charles Jr, or Bunt to his friends) joined MIR in 1996. He spent a few years in sales, learning the business before specializing in repairs for a further five years.

After a year off to travel the world, Andrew rejoined the sales side of MIR, taking over as shop manager in 2008. As a cornet player and percussionist, he has played in local bands and toured in Europe with Sandwell Youth Music.

Amongst his favourite things are Aston Villa, travelling, Only Fools and Horses, Iron Maiden, Mexican food and making world-class pastry.

At Connolly MIR, Andrew will be one of your main points of contact – his in-depth knowledge of instruments, prices and repairs makes him the ideal person to answer your queries.

Email: andrew@connolly-mir.co.uk

Kate Connolly

Kate provides the essential admin support for Connolly MIR, allowing the guys to concentrate on musical repairs. However, she also has experience of working in music sales and is herself very knowledgeable about instruments. She loves films and dogs.

Email: kate@connolly-mir.co.uk

If you want to get in touch please visit our contact page to find out where we are and the various ways of contacting us.