Business Details
45 Years
experience
Expert Musical Instrument Repairs and Sales in Cambridge
Established in 1981, Wood Wind & Reed has built an unparalleled reputation as a specialist in woodwind and brass instrument repairs, sales, and customisations. With over four decades of experience, our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to serve musicians at every level, from students to professionals. Founder Daniel Bangham pioneered reproduction clarinets still used in period performances, while our senior technicians, including Tim Taylor (trained at Buffet's Paris factory) and Steve Clark (with decades of hands-on experience), ensure meticulous attention to detail.We offer same-day mini-services for minor repairs, comprehensive repads, and bespoke modifications, alongside an extensive inventory of new and second-hand instruments. Our educational outreach includes on-site school assessments and repairs, reflecting our commitment to nurturing musical talent. Authorship of Daniel Bangham's definitive repair guide underscores our industry authority, while partnerships with schools and participation in VAT-free and financing schemes demonstrate our dedication to accessible, customer-centric service.
Services
Instrument repairs
Custom modifications
New instrument sales
Second-hand instruments
Educational contracts
Postal repair service
VAT-free scheme
Financing options
Workshops
Repair guides
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of specialist experience in woodwind and brass repairs
- Technicians trained at renowned institutions like Buffet's Paris factory
- Same-day mini-services available for minor repairs
- Author of definitive woodwind repair guide 'Woodwind Instruments - Daniel Bangham'
- Educational contract services covering East Anglia schools
Services
Clarinet repairs
Specialist clarinet repair service covering broken springs, cork replacement, and key adjustments. We offer good working order checks, full services, and complete repads using premium leather or Gortex pads. Our technicians handle vintage and modern instruments, maintaining original specifications while improving playability.
Oboe restoration
Comprehensive oboe and cor anglais repair including crook cork replacement, octave pad work, and ergonomic modifications. We use traditional cork and premium pads while preserving historical instruments' integrity. Custom thumb rest fittings help prevent hand strain for professional players.
Brass maintenance
Full brass instrument servicing covering stuck slide removal, valve overhaul, and dent repair. Our technicians replace felts, lubricate mechanisms, and realign bent components. We specialise in French horn modifications including ducks foot rests to redistribute instrument weight.
Custom modifications
Tailored instrument alterations including key work adjustments, extra stays installation, and weight-distribution sling systems. We modify bass clarinet spikes and saxophone palm keys with regulation screws to improve ergonomics for players with physical requirements.
Educational contracts
On-site instrument assessments and repairs for schools across East Anglia. Our qualified technicians check up to 20 instruments per visit, perform immediate adjustments, and provide detailed quotes for major repairs. This service helps educational institutions maintain their instrument inventories efficiently.
People
Daniel Bangham
Founder & Senior Technician
Established Wood Wind & Reed in 1981 after developing reproduction clarinets used in period performances. Combines historical instrument knowledge with modern repair techniques while overseeing retail operations.
Tim Taylor
Senior Oboe Technician
Specialist oboe repairer trained at Buffet's Paris factory. Handles complex restorations and maintains the shop's reputation for excellence in double-reed instrument maintenance through precise technical work.
Steve Clark
Lead Workshop Technician
Experienced repairer since the company's expansion into instrument restoration. Specialises in woodwind and brass repairs, managing daily workshop operations while handling complex custom modification projects.
Questions
How quickly can you repair my instrument?
Minor repairs like spring replacements or cork fixes are completed same-day (usually within an hour). More complex services take 1-3 working days depending on workshop load.
Do you offer rental instruments?
Yes, we provide quarterly rental agreements for clarinets, flutes, saxophones, and brass instruments starting at £30/quarter, with purchase discounts available.
Can I get VAT-free instrument purchases?
Eligible students can use our VAT-Free Scheme through their participating school. The school orders the instrument, you pay the ex-VAT price, and collect it from the school.
Do you service school instrument collections?
Yes, we offer educational contracts with on-site assessments for schools across East Anglia. Our technicians check instruments and perform necessary repairs during scheduled visits.
Can you modify instruments for ergonomic issues?
We specialise in custom modifications including adjustable thumb rests, weight-distribution harnesses, and key work alterations to address playing-related physical strain.
How do financing options work?
Through the Arts Council-backed Take It Away scheme, under-18s can access 9-month interest-free financing. We also offer interest-bearing finance options for adult musicians.
