Is the chipquik smd removal kit a lesser cost option or is a hot air rework station like this essential? Hate to spend $149 on a station but hate to wreck my recorder.
If you're having to invest anywhere near that much in equipment, you're better off paying a professional who already has said equipment, regardless of how easy it may be do yourself. I paid less than that for parts, labor, and shipping both ways. Besides that, if you're not 100% confident in your ability to do this yourself, then you shouldn't do it. Just my 2 cents.
Since my piano recordings aren't getting many listens it seems, I'd like to try the "pillow test" described by Jon a little while ago. You've got a set of CM3s - would you mind being the "before" sample? We can discuss specifics over PM to make this as close as possible. I can confirm that gain levels are exactly the same post-mod.