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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.
How To: Care For Your Double Reeds
Whether single or double reeds, proper care and maintenance are crucial. We’ve put together a quick guide on how best care for your double reeds. Following these tips can help ensure the reeds longevity and optimal performance.
Understanding Your Double Reed
A double reed consists of two pieces of cane that are bound together and vibrate to produce sound. Due to their delicate nature, oboe or bassoon reeds must be handled and maintained with care. Whether you’ve made your reed yourself or, alternatively, bought one specially prepared, this guide will help you get the most out of your reeds!
Daily Maintenance
- Moisturise the Reed: Before playing, always soak your reed in water for approximately 2 minutes to properly hydrate it. This helps in achieving the best sound quality and prevents cracking.
- Proper Handling: Always handle the reed by the string or cork area to avoid damaging the delicate cane.
- Dry After Use: After playing, gently wipe off any excess moisture with a soft cloth and allow to air dry before storing. Top Tip! Avoid placing it in a closed container (such as a reed tube) immediately after use, as trapped moisture can lead to mould growth.
Storage Tips
- Use a Reed Case: Store your reed in a ventilated reed case. This will protect it from physical damage and allow for proper air circulation. Using a reed case can help control the humidity which can limit warping and the altering of the reed whilst you aren’t playing.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep your reed away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, or cold to prevent warping and cracking.
General Maintenance
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly check your reed for chips or cracks. If the reed is damaged, for example, you notice there are chips along the edge of the reed, it may need to be replaced or possibly repaired by a professional. Using products available, such as the ReedGeek, can be a good tool to have because it allows for quick and easy adjustments if required.
- Adjustments and Trimming: Over time, reeds can require adjustments for optimal performance. This can involve trimming or adjusting the reed’s length or width. If you’re inexperienced, consult a teacher or professional for guidance.
Extending Reed Life
- Avoid Saliva: Hydrating and cleaning your reeds using water, rather than putting the reed in your mouth, can drastically extend the reed life. Saliva is a source of bacterial growth, and this excess moisture can lead to reeds growing mildew much faster!
- Rotate Reeds: Rotating reeds is incredibly important. Rotating between 2 or 3 well-maintained double reeds lets each one rest and recover between uses, which extends their lifespans.
Summary
From proper hydration and gentle handling to mindful storage and regular inspections, each step plays a key role in maintaining reed quality and performance. By building these habits into your routine, you’ll not only extend the life of your reeds but also enhance your overall playing experience. Treat your reeds well, and they’ll return the favor with consistent, beautiful sound.
How to Glissando on the Clarinet
Glissando, a smooth glide from one pitch to another, is a technique often used in jazz and contemporary music. Mastering the glissando on the clarinet can add an expressive dimension to your playing.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a successful glissando on the clarinet, including a short video by Clarinettist extraordinaire Julian Bliss!
The benefits of playing a woodwind or brass instrument…
Playing a woodwind or brass instrument offers numerous advantages that extend beyond simply producing beautiful music. You can even get started from just £20 per month with our low-cost hire scheme!
Extensive research shows there are many benefits, we’ve listed some of the key ones below…
New Selmer Muse Clarinet – Limited Edition 2025!
To celebrate Henri SELMER Paris’ 140th anniversary, the beloved Bb Muse clarinet is released as the exclusive “Limited Edition 2025”. A true masterclass in craftsmanship and with only a mere 85 in production, Dawkes is thrilled to be in possession of such a rare addition to the Selmer family.
Feefo 2025 Platinum Service Award
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2025, recognising our commitment to outstanding customer service throughout 2024. This achievement would not have been possible without your valuable feedback and continued support, so thank you from all the team at Dawkes!
Saxophone Pad Options
Are you looking to have your Saxophone overhauled in the near future? Our workshop team can help improve the response and playability of your Sax with a full overhaul. We can help advise on choices such as key heights (to create more/less resonance), tuning adjustments and what types of felts or corks to choose.
However, by far the most important choice, is what type of pad you would like on your Saxophone. Pads make a huge difference to the overall feel, resonance, brightness or response of your instrument, as well as the look and feel under your fingers.
Below, our woodwind workshop has outlined a range of Saxophone pad options we offer when servicing/overhauling your Saxophone.
What Type of Clarinet Should I Start With?
In this blog we’ve got some information for beginners and parents wondering what type of clarinet is best to get started on…
NEW: Altus Flute Range A9-A12 Models
The new Altus Flute range continues on the legacy of excellence created by the Japanese company. In this blog we discuss some of the new features of these stunning professional flutes.
NEW: Expanded Dawkes Store!
We’re delighted to have recently opened our newly expanded music store & venue. Based at our home in Reform Road, Maidenhead the overall Dawkes store size has now tripled.
Our improved space includes lots of amazing new rooms & features for musicians of all ages and experiences. Check out all the info below along with a quick video from our first launch event…
NEW STOCK: Open Hole Flute Pads
We’re delighted to now offer a full range of open hole flute pads to our customers. This means no more punching holes into standard pads, you can simply buy the size and pad type you need in the open hole configuration. Check out the video and text below which explains the different models we are stocking in 17mm-18.5mm sizes.