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.

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!

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Trombonists
Trombone players have a wide range of needs depending on their experience level, rehearsal schedule, and performance setting. This ultimate gift guide highlights practical, reliable options across several budgets to help you choose something genuinely useful for trombonists, from beginners to advanced players looking to refine or upgrade their setup.

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Trumpet Players
Selecting an appropriate gift for a trumpet player can be challenging, as many will have specific preferences. To simplify the process, we have an ultimate gift guide offering a range of practical and well-considered options across multiple budgets.

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Saxophonists
Shopping for a saxophonist? To help narrow things down, this ultimate gift guide highlights reliable, player-approved favourites across a range of budgets. Whether you’re buying for someone else or upgrading your own setup, these are solid choices that’ll get used, not forgotten.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Double Reed Players
Buying gifts for double reed players can be… an experience. Between reeds, tools, cases, and instruments that cost as much as a small car, it’s easy to feel lost. Whether you’re after a practical stocking filler or a show-stopping upgrade, this guide has something for oboists and bassoonists alike.
Highlights From Our Big Clarinet & Sax Weekend
Our Big Clarinet & Saxophone Weekend was bursting with music, inspiration, and a whole lot of reed-fuelled excitement! From inspiring workshops to stunning concerts, the two days had something for every player.

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Clarinet Players
Clarinetists know how to obsess over tone, reeds, and the never-ending hunt for the perfect setup. Whether you’re shopping for a student, a doubler, or a seasoned orchestral player, these gift ideas hit a range of budgets and make a difference.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Flautists
Finding the perfect gift for a flute player can be tricky – you want something practical, inspiring, and tailored to their musical needs. This blog brings you the ultimate gift guide for flautists, covering a range of options across different budgets and requirements for every player.