Local business owner for over 40 years

Duane has been selling and repairing instruments at Smeltekop Repair, at 6920 Roosevelt Rd, in Oak Park for over 40 years. He has a lifelong love of music and comes from a musical family. His brother, Gerhart Schmeltekopf, passed in 2022 at the age of 80 and played with Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, The Carpenters, Sonny and Cher, Sammy Davis Jr., Rita Moreno, Pearl Bailey, Peggy Lee and others.

As many of you know, I am committed to sustainable donation and community service. This Fall, I was able to facilitate a donation from Duane to the Merit School of Music. Merit, “is dedicated to helping young people transform their lives by removing barriers to high-quality music education.” Duane sold 9 instruments to the school at a deep discount. These instruments entered the instrument library at Merit and will support the musical education of local students for generations to come. The donation, especially the horns, were in honor of his brother Gerhart, who played trombone.

I met Duane last summer when local musician, artist, professional, mom, and so much more, Lacy Coligan, hired me to help him downsize his shop. You might remember these before and after pictures, above. And at left, a shot of Lacy and Duane at Friendly Music Community and coffee bar where, if you’re lucky, you can catch Lacy behind the bar.

Recently, Duane turned 81, and he would like to begin to wrap things up at the shop (and maybe even retire!). However, his inventory of treasures is holding him back. Besides the practical need for sales, he can’t wind down with his current inventory of instruments and accoutrement. For sale, he has, “a bunch of small fiddles, an Engelhardt cello (with case), some 3/4 violins, a gorgeous ukulele with a handmade case, a Leblanc clarinet, a dozen trombones,” and more.

Head over to Smeltekop Repair from Tuesday – Saturday from 11 to 5, pick up an instrument, and say hello! Also, keep your eyes peeled for a raffle and silent auction coming up this Spring, organized by myself (Life Hack Organizing), and the Friendly Music Community.

Supporting Life Hack and Friendly Music Community allows us both to maintain our community outreach efforts and support your more vulnerable neighbors. We hope to see you soon!