LONDON W11

Woodwind repair

Quality craftsmanship

With over 20 years’ experience as a woodwind repair specialist, from setting up new horns so that they play to their full potential to complete overhaul of vintage saxophones. I have worked on, and owned, most of the classic horns that you could care to mention - Selmer, King, Conn, (the usual suspects) and many more - from buying, collecting, repairing and selling only to the right person the horn chooses.

  • SETTING UP NEW HORNS

    For factory set horns, tone holes need to be checked to make sure they are level and keywork regulated so the pads seal correctly and the horn (independent of brand) plays to its full potential.

  • PAD REPLACEMENT

    All my pad work is done by floating pads and not using solid glue.

  • DENT REPAIR/MISSING PARTS

    Any mechanical failure, body damage or broken/missing parts can and only be priced through seeing and physical inspection of your horn.

  • BENT KEY WORK

    I do not bend key work to seat pads. When misalignment has taken place through external knocks or incorrect repair methods I will realign key work carefully back to position using the correct tools and techniques.

  • COMPLETE OVERHAUL

    Should your horn require a complete overhaul, bear in mind it takes at least 35-40 hours to overhaul your saxophone. The horn and every key/note is tested, balanced and tuned through playing until correct.

  • SOURCING HORNS

    I have sourced horns for amateur musicians, professionals and collectors and can help you find the correct horn that plays as it should.

Background

  • I have worked with everyone from students to professionals. A short of list of some names you may recognise:

    Jean Toussaint, Steve Williamson, Ed Jones, Tomorrow’s Warriors, Orchestra Baobab, Frank Williams, Jason Yarde, Mike Parlett.

  • I have been extremely lucky to have been mentored by masters of the craft and people I greatly respect.

    Howarths (making Oboes in their Worthing factory) 1996

    Selmer in Paris (working on vintage classic horns and learning their complete repair techniques) 1995

    John Dodd, Top Wind (repair techniques on silver, gold and open holed flutes)1994

    Marius Kowalski (disassembling, cleaning and rebuilding saxophones - now MK Woodwinds in Canada) 1994-95

    Merton College City & Guilds Advanced (designing, restoring, repairing and toolmaking for woodwind and brass) 1991-1994

    Willy Garnet, Pro Brass (working on vintage and classic saxophones) 1991-93

  • I have a passion for woodwind instruments and specialise in saxophone repair and overhaul. I am also a jazz musician, composer and founder of Playstreet Music.

    Each horn speaks for itself. How I approach the treatment of a horn depends on the type, age and physical make up of the saxophone and you. My simple methods for great repair results are to listen, look, play, fix and set.

    I am proud of the work I do and the people I have worked with over the years - in helping others to express themselves on their saxophone with no obstacles ortension blocking their creativity.

  • All repair work does not leave my hands until you have played your horn and any adjustments are made if needed. My repairs have a one year guarantee on pads and materials and three years for mechanical working parts.

  • If you are looking for a certain horn or need one repairing please contact me