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How to Sell Your Woodwind or Brass Instrument
If you’re looking to sell a quality used Woodwind & Brass instrument we may be able to help. We offer three main ways to sell your instrument via Dawkes:
- Commission Sale
- Part-Exchange
- Buy-In
In this blog we’re primarily giving information about our Commission Sale process which is our main option. However, we do also offer part-exchange and straight buy-ins occasionally if it’s a very popular model (and depending on our stock). Part-exchange values are given in-store so we would recommend booking a visit to see us and try out new gear to trade your instrument against.
BG Ligatures for Saxophone: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re a saxophone player, your ligature matters more than you might think. In this post and the accompanying video , pro player, Jimmy Merchant breaks down the full BG ligature range, explaining what makes each one unique and how to find the right match for your reed, mouthpiece, and playing style.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to fine-tune your setup, there’s a BG ligature built for you.
Feefo 2026 Platinum Service Award
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2026, recognising our commitment to outstanding customer service throughout 2025. This achievement would not have been possible without your valuable reviews, feedback and continued support, so thank you from all the team at Dawkes!
Gear Spotlight – The Team at Dawkes
Imagine handling thousands of Clarinets and Saxophones every year, and all manner of interesting mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds. That’s the privileged position we’re in here at Dawkes Music and many of our staff are active woodwind musicians owning multiple instruments.
However, whilst temptation lies in every cabinet here, like everyone else we can’t buy one of everything! So, we caught up with a few of our staff to find out what gear they choose to use for their different musical pursuits, and why.
From the Workshop: Preparing a Secondhand Howarth S40C Oboe
Written for the British Double Reed Society
The Shop at Dawkes has a constant stream of customers bringing in instruments for potential part exchange or commission sale. This means the workshop has an interesting, ever-changing pool of high-quality second-hand instruments to service and prepare lovingly for sale. Assessing instruments deeply and thoroughly to identify any potential pitfalls, underlying damage, previous questionable repairs or wear and tear is so important to ensure that we can confidently enhance the new owner’s experience, then offer longevity through our warranty support.
Quick Guide to D’Addario Clarinet Reeds
Everybody needs a good reed. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be good quality. That means no chips, no discolouring, and no warping. Your reed is where your sound starts, so it matters more than most players realise. Pro player Jason Alder brings you this quick guide to D’Addario clarinet reeds, explaining the journey from student reeds through to premium options, showing how the right cut and profile can completely change how your clarinet feels and sounds.
Common Trombone Faults – and How to Avoid Them
Trombones may look simple in their look, but that simplicity hides a lot of precision. A small amount of damage or misalignment can have a big effect on how the instrument feels and plays. In the repair workshop, certain trombone problems appear again and again. Most of them are avoidable with careful handling, regular maintenance, and a better understanding of how the instrument works. Here are the most common trombone faults our technicians see – and how you can avoid them:
Upgrading Your Sax Mouthpiece
Upgrading your sax mouthpiece can be a real turning point in your playing. It’s often the moment where things start to feel easier, more responsive, and a way of finding ‘you’ in your sound. In our latest video, professional saxophonist Thom Conroy is joined by UK Product Specialist Tom Miller-Swain to explain why a mouthpiece upgrade is such an important investment, and how to choose the right option for your style with D’Addario.
Brass Awards 2025
Celebrating Brass Highlights of the Year
The Brass Awards 2025 highlight the instruments and accessories that have made a real impact over the past year. Our selections are guided by hands-on experience from our brass specialists and workshop technicians, focusing on build quality, performance, value and what genuinely excites today’s brass players.
Woodwind Awards 2025
Celebrating the Best in Woodwind for 2025
Each year, we take time to reflect on the instruments, accessories and innovations that have genuinely stood out in our woodwind department. The Woodwind Awards 2025 are chosen based on highlights, excellence in manufacturing, and products that have truly impressed us on the shop floor.
Backun Bass Clarinets – The Ultimate Guide: Alpha vs Q series
The moment has arrived, Backun have answered our wishes and have finally created an ABS Bass Clarinet to Low C. Previously, all low C models have been made in grenadilla wood which contributes to a high cost. Backun have bought the “lowest notes of the bass clarinet to the masses” by creating this lightweight and affordable design.
The Backun Bass Clarinet range includes; a Q Series wooden model to low C, and an Alpha ABS model to low Eb and low C. This the first high-quality synthetic bass clarinet down to low C to exist. I know, we are excited too!
