Worldwide Delivery
info@dawkes.co.uk
+44 1628 630800
Award Winning Service
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.
A Self-Care Guide for Woodwind and Brass Players
World Wellbeing Week 2025
During World Wellbeing Week 2025, let’s shift the focus inward: from performance to presence. Woodwind and brass players know the intense demands of their craft – daily pressure on the breath, fine motor control, long practice hours, and often, physical tension. We’ve put together a self-care guide for musicians with 5 tips on slowing down and taking a moment. Whether you play oboe, saxophone, trumpet, or tuba, you’re constantly balancing technical skill with physical stamina and emotional focus.
We’ve also included some invaluable resources from the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine at the end of the blog to support all musicians through their journey.
Saving Newark College: The Future of Instrument Repair
By Abi Taylor, Head Technician
For decades, the Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts has been a cornerstone of excellence in the world of instrument making and repair. It has trained generations of skilled technicians – including many at Dawkes Music – who honed their craft and built their careers through the school’s exceptional programs.
Now, with the institution at risk and the future of instrument repair lying in the balance, Head Technician Abi Taylor reflects on her journey and the lasting influence Newark College has had on her and the wider repair community.
Unlock Your Sound: 5 Essential Tips for Bass Clarinet!
Mastering the bass clarinet takes more than just playing low notes beautifully – it’s about developing habits that support tone, technique, and longevity. Based on expert advice by low woodwind specialist, Preston Cummins, here are 5 essential tips for bass clarinet to unlock your sound and take your playing to the next level:
Technician Tales: Common Flute Faults And How to Prevent Them
The flute may look sleek and simple, but it’s a delicate and complex instrument, and even small missteps in handling can lead to frustrating and expensive damage. We spoke to Head Technician, Abi Taylor about the most common flute faults they see come into the workshop, and advice on how to prevent them.
Developing Low Notes on Trombone & Brass: Techniques and Tips
ft Christopher Bill
For many brass players, hitting those booming low notes, the low register presents a set of unique challenges: breath control, embouchure flexibility, and tone consistency, to name a few. Luckily, with the right techniques and mindset, you can unlock the depth and power of the low end. We spoke with Christopher Bill, a trailblazing trombonist known for his virtuosic YouTube performances and practical advice, and have put together a few techniques and tips to support you in developing low notes on trombone and brass.
The Stylish Saxophonist; Setup Choices for Jazz vs Classical Playing
By Alastair Penman
Although I see myself predominantly as a “classical” player, I also love playing jazz, and a fair amount of my work inhabits the area between the two. As saxophonists we’re often called upon to be musical chameleons, shifting between different styles (and even instruments); how can we choose a setup that allows us to do this as easily as possible?
Understanding Harmony Clarinets: Expand your Clarinet Journey
A recent arrival of two vintage Uebel instruments – a Bass Clarinet to low C and a Basset Horn in F – sparked excitement in our workshop and inspired us to explore the world of harmony clarinets. For many clarinetists, the Bb clarinet is home base. But beyond the familiar lies a fascinating family of instruments known as harmony clarinets. Whether you’re looking to deepen your ensemble experience, explore new timbres, or take on a fresh challenge, understanding harmony clarinets offers a world of musical possibilities and can expand your clarinet journey.
A Beginner’s Guide to Double Reed Adjustments
Whether you’re just starting on oboe or bassoon, one thing becomes clear quickly: your reed matters. A great reed makes playing enjoyable – a bad one makes it frustrating. We’ve created a beginner’s guide to double reed adjustments to help you get the most out of your reeds. With a few tools and some basic understanding, you can make small adjustments by carefully scraping the cane that have a big impact on your sound and help make your reeds last even longer.
A Beginner’s Guide to Reed Adjustments
Whether saxophone or clarinet, your reed is the heart of your sound, without it you couldn’t even make a sound! A great reed can make playing effortless, while a poor one can turn practice into a struggle. Learning how to adjust reeds gives you control over tone, response, and comfort. In this beginner’s guide to reed adjustments, we’ll show you how to get the most out of every reed.
Top 3 Student Flutes: Choosing the Perfect First Flute for You!
Choosing the perfect first flute for you can be a daunting task for beginners embarking on their musical journey. With so many options available, it’s easy to assume all flutes are the same—or feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety. To save you time and confusion, we’ve brought you 3 top-rated student flutes that stand out for their quality, ease of play, and value for money: the Windcraft WFL-110, the Jupiter JFL-700EC, and the Yamaha YFL-212. In this week’s blog, we’ll break down what makes each of these models a smart, reliable choice for new players.
