Mike’s Brass and Woodwind is a family-owned shop that combines instrument sales, full-service repairs, and community-focused programs for students and professionals.
You get certified techs, same-day diagnostics, and a loaner fleet so bands don’t miss a rehearsal.
Why players trust Mike’s Brass and Woodwind: reputation, expert techs, and local service
Decades of consistent local service mean musicians find predictable results and traceable repair histories at Mike’s.
All technicians hold certifications in brass and woodwind repair and provide documented workflows: diagnosis, parts sourcing, repair, and final play-test.
The shop partners with warranty providers and stands behind work with clear warranty terms and receipts for claims.
Quick turnaround is standard: same-day diagnostics for most instruments and typical repairs completed within 48–72 hours; overhauls take longer and are scheduled upfront.
For schools, Mike’s maintains a loaner pool and backup instruments to cover sectional needs and concert emergencies.
The staff doubles as active performers and teachers, so technical advice aligns with real-world playing and pedagogy.
Community partnerships with local bands and orchestras include bulk servicing, on-site clinics, and priority scheduling for ensemble instruments.
Real-world proof: customer reviews, school endorsements, and pro endorsements
Star ratings across review platforms consistently reflect prompt service, clear communication, and lasting repairs.
Before-and-after photos for dent repairs, pad replacements, and finish restorations document quality and increase resale value.
Quotes from band directors and professional clients focus on turnaround speed, sound improvement after setups, and respectful handling of vintage instruments.
Repeat-business metrics show long-term students and school fleets returning year after year for maintenance and upgrades.
Instrument restorations for orchestras provide case histories with work logs, parts used, and play-test video on request.
Brass instrument selection at Mike’s: trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas — student to pro
Inventory is organized by level: student, intermediate, and professional models, with both new and certified-used options clearly labeled.
Common brass brands carried include Bach, Yamaha, Conn-Selmer, Getzen, King, and Helleberg for horns and tubas.
Demo policy: you can test multiple instruments side-by-side, with mouthpieces provided for short trials and staff guidance on tonal comparison.
Advice on tonal differences covers bore size, leadpipe shape, and bell flare: larger bores yield broader tone and easier low register; small bores favor endurance for beginners.
Match instrument type to use: marching and school bands usually want durable student models; jazz players often prefer brighter, smaller-bore trumpets; orchestral players commonly select darker, pro-level instruments.
Choosing the right brass mouthpiece and accessories
Mouthpiece sizing matters: rim diameter, cup depth, and throat size change comfort, center, and how high you can play; try at least three sizes before deciding.
Rim shapes affect endurance: flatter rims increase comfort; rounded rims help articulation.
Essential accessories include valve oil, slide grease, durable cases, tuning slides, mutes for practice and performance, and routine cleaning kits.
Bring your mouthpiece to demos to check fit and response on the exact horn you want to buy or repair.
Woodwind offerings: flutes, clarinets, saxophones, oboes, bassoons — brands and student-to-pro options
Stock is split by instrument and level: student flutes and clarinets from Yamaha and Gemeinhardt; intermediate and pro models from Yamaha, Powell, Buffet, and Haynes.
Saxophone lines include player and professional models from Yamaha, Selmer (Paris), and Yanagisawa, with used options inspected for pad and body wear.
Oboes and bassoons are carried selectively; pro-level double reeds are sourced to match orchestral demands and include certified reconditioning reports for used instruments.
Used instrument quality checks focus on bore condition, key alignment, pad sealing, and tenon snugness before items are offered for sale.
Reeds, mouthpieces, and adjustments for better tone and response
Reed strength selection: beginners usually start at 1.5–2.0 for clarinet or 2–2.5 for sax; stronger reeds offer fuller tone but require more air support.
Cane vs. synthetic reeds: cane typically yields warmer tone; synthetic reeds are stable in humidity and last longer for marching and travel.
Break-in tips: rotate two or three reeds, clip a millimeter off the tip only if necessary, and alternate humidifying to prevent warping.
Mouthpiece fit advice: check shank taper and facing length; small differences change intonation and slotting, so trial several headjoints or mouthpieces before committing.
Repairs, restorations, and precision setups: in-house tech services
Available services include dent removal, pad replacement, valve and slide servicing, cork and tenon work, key regulation, and full overhauls.
Certified technicians follow a predictable workflow: written estimate, photographed condition report, parts approval, repair, and post-repair play-test with intonation checks.
Quality control tests include leak testing, timing and spring tension checks, tuning consistency across octaves, and a final sound assessment by a staff player.
Restoration capabilities cover vintage horns, plating and re-lacquering, and sourcing hard-to-find replacement parts; work is documented for resale or insurance.
Emergency fixes, school-season rush handling, and loaner programs
Fast-repair options include express dent routing, pad quick-replacement, and temporary slide fixes to get students back in class the same day.
After-school drop-off hours and prioritized scheduling for ensemble instruments reduce downtime during peak months.
Loaner policy: short-term loans are available with a refundable deposit and a weekly nominal fee; long-term rentals include maintenance while the instrument is on loan.
Everyday maintenance and troubleshooting players can do at home
Daily checklist: swab inside after each use, wipe exterior with a soft cloth, and store in its case upright to avoid key strain.
Weekly tasks: oil valves and slides on brass, grease corks on woodwinds, and inspect pads and springs for early signs of wear.
Quick fixes include: squeaks often mean a bent key or sticky pad—clean the pad area and test; sticky valves on brass usually respond to a thorough oiling; minor leaks can be temporarily sealed with key oil while you schedule a proper repair.
Seasonal care: use a humidifier for woodwinds in dry months and keep brass instruments away from extreme cold to protect finishes and solder joints.
Buying guide: new vs. used instruments, what to inspect, and saving tips
Inspection checklist for used instruments: check pad seating, spring tension, dents on brass, bore smoothness, neck fit, and play-test response across registers.
Pros of new: factory warranty, current model specs, and predictable playability; pros of used: lower purchase price and opportunity to buy higher-level instruments at a discount.
Certified-used inventory at Mike’s includes a repair log and limited warranty to reduce buyer risk.
Save money by timing purchases around back-to-school and holiday sales; consider trade-in credits or buyback programs that offset upgrade costs.
Rental programs, school partnerships, and student-friendly plans
Rental plans offer monthly rates with optional insurance and maintenance included; contracts specify length, upgrade options, and buyout terms.
Group rental discounts apply to school programs and come with on-site clinics and instrument delivery for large orders.
Rent-to-own and loan-to-own options allow monthly payments to apply toward purchase, with clear trade-up thresholds and defined deposit policies.
Pricing, financing, warranties, and insurance options
Typical price ranges: student brass and woodwinds often start in the low hundreds; intermediate models range mid-three-figure to low four-figure; professional instruments can exceed five figures depending on maker and custom work.
Financing includes short-term layaway, partner credit programs, and interest-bearing payment plans; ask staff for current offers and eligibility requirements.
Warranty coverage varies: factory warranties cover manufacturing defects; shop warranties cover repair workmanship for a specified period and note excluded items like accidental damage.
Insurance recommendations: insure instruments for replacement value, keep receipts and photos, and use Mike’s appraisal service for claims paperwork support.
Accessories, cases, and custom upgrades to boost playability
Essential accessories: reliable straps, proper ligatures, quality cleaning supplies, humidifiers for woodwinds, and an accurate tuner/metronome for practice.
Case advice: choose a flight-certified case for airline travel, a padded gig bag for local trips, or a custom-fit hardshell for high-value instruments.
Custom upgrades include mouthpiece re-facing, pad upgrades to leather or synthetic, slide tuning adjustments, and cosmetic work like re-lacquering or plating with documented finish options.
Online store, shipping, and virtual services: buy, book repairs, and lessons remotely
The online catalog lists new and certified-used instruments with photos, condition notes, and secure checkout options.
Shipping is insured with signature-required delivery for high-value items; special packing protocols protect instruments during transit.
Virtual services include video diagnostics for preliminary repair estimates, virtual try-before-you-buy sessions for select instruments, and high-resolution inventory photos on request.
Booking system handles repair drop-offs, lesson scheduling, and curbside pickup to streamline visits.
Lessons, private teachers, and student progression programs
Lesson offerings range from private one-on-one lessons to small-group classes, with method-based curricula tailored to beginners through advanced students.
Teacher bios list performance credits and teaching experience; lesson progress is tracked with regular evaluations and goal-setting sessions.
Mike’s runs summer camps, masterclasses, and audition prep clinics focused on honor bands and college auditions.
Community engagement: school clinics, sponsorships, and support for local musicians
Mike’s sponsors school events, offers scholarship instruments, and donates time for on-site repair clinics to keep programs active.
The shop hosts beginner nights, quick-repair demonstrations, and instrument demo days to support music education and teacher needs.
Teacher discounts, consignment rental fleets, and bulk-order services make outfitting classroom programs easier and more affordable.
Case studies: repairs, student success stories, and instrument restoration projects
One restoration returned a 1940s tuba to concert shape: dent removal, re-lacquering, valve rebuild, and a documented play-test that saved a regional orchestra performance.
A same-day repair case replaced pads and regulated a clarinet in time for a championship audition, reported improved intonation and faster response.
Students who upgrade through the shop’s rent-to-own pathway often report measurable progress tied to instrument quality and tailored setups from the techs.
Frequently asked questions and quick buying/repair cheat sheet
How often should I replace reeds? Replace daily-use cane reeds every 2–6 weeks depending on play time; rotate multiple reeds to extend life.
Is renting cheaper than buying? Renting reduces upfront cost and includes maintenance, but buying typically becomes cheaper long-term if you plan to keep the instrument for several years.
How long do repairs take? Simple repairs can be same-day or 48–72 hours; full overhauls usually take 2–6 weeks based on parts availability.
Symptom checklist: squeak on woodwind = likely pad leak or misaligned key; sticky brass valve = oil and play-test, escalate if persistent; major dents = schedule professional dent removal to avoid bore damage.
Visit Mike’s Brass and Woodwind: store hours, location, contact, and what to expect at your first appointment
Store hours and location are listed online and via phone; aim for weekday mid-mornings to demo with minimal wait.
Bring your instrument, mouthpiece, reeds, and any previous repair receipts to speed the diagnostic process.
Expect a signed estimate before any non-routine work, transparent timelines, and a loaner option if the repair will interrupt school or performance obligations.
Contact options include phone, email, online booking, and social media for flash sales and inventory updates.
