Woodwind instrument advice, reviews, care, repair & maintenance.
Whether you're interested in buying an instrument,
maintaining your flute or clarinet, hints on saxophone repairs or
just plain curious about woodwind - you'll find something to interest
you here, presented in a clear and relaxed manner.
In the latest update we have a couple of 'Boutweaqued'
altos that made it on to the workbench. As per usual there are some
nice surprises...and a few shockers. No change there then!
Also, a new Notes article - the first in five years! Where does
the time go?
As for the rest of the site, you'll find hard-hitting reviews that
show no fear or favour; commonsense advice about looking after your
instruments; myths debunkified; clear explanations and maybe one
or two laughs. So fill your mug/glass/pipe/atty, give your mouse
a buff and click on. You know it makes sense....
Latest reviews: "Don't blow it -
bench it!"
New:
Lots of talk about the Ishimori Wood Stone New Vintage alto
- so now it's time to see if it walks the walk.
New:
Theo Wanne's budget alto - the Shakti - makes it into the
workshop, and throws up a few nice surprises.
Recent:
Something a little bit different - a modern Chinese C Melody
sax.
Could be interesting...
Recent:
A brand new Eastman 652 '52nd Street' tenor drops on the bench
- and I take a peek to see if the street goes anywhere...or
turns into a dead end.
TJ's
revamped intermediate alto shows up - and eyebrows are raised.
Looking for a lightweight tenor? The Nexus Select's claim
to fame is that it weighs about as much as a Selmer MkVI -
but have they cut too many corners...?
A Borgani OBS soprano turns up on the workbench - and
boy was this horn full of surprises...
Boutique horns are everywhere these days,
but this Remy is priced a cut above most of the competition.
I put it on the workbench to see exactly what you get for your
cash.
Since the review was published, another example has turned up...
The
rare and rather distinctive Kohler Empor baritone comes in
for a shakedown and gets the full Monty. Well worth a look
- and check out the accompanying overview of the repair process.
A
brand new Conn-Selmer Premiere 380V turns up on the workbench,
and puts on a fine show.
I've
always had something of a love/hate relationship with Italian
horns. The playability is usually excellent, but the build
quality often lets them down. How well did the Borgani OBA
alto fare...?
Another
addition to the Borgani Vintage tenor review - this time it's
the Joe Lovano model that gets the treatment.
Handy Hints: Hints, tips and maintenance
advice
Everything
you ever (and possibly never) wanted to know about swedging
- including how to pronounce it.
The SHWoodwind F.O. Guide To Octave Key Problems.
(Warning: It's long. It's very long. It's very long indeed.)
Miscellaneous: All the other stuff...
Glossary: What does it all mean?
Updated:
The Black Museum's latest exhibit: How to ruin a five grand
flute.
All
you need to know about point (pivot) screws...and more.
Testing...Testing: What works, and what
doesn't
Notes...from a small workshop
Updated: Dealing with green
spots (AKA Verdigris). An overview of mechanical and chemical
methods of removal (Addendum added March 2020).
New:
Standards - sorting out the wheat from the chaff.
Haynes saxophone & clarinet manuals
Benchlife...the workshop rolling blog
An
exciting update for the Saxophone Manual!
A
section devoted to the (occasionally) daily dabblings
on and around the workbench. Latest entry: A Chu Berry
TJ RAW?
All material on this site copyright Stephen Howard
Woodwind, unless otherwise stated. 29/01/2026
