Woodwind Restoration Bournemouth | Craig Ferguson Woodwinds

Woodwind Restoration Specialist, Bournemouth

When an instrument needs more than a service, a full restoration brings it back to life. Craig Ferguson Woodwinds carries out complete repads and restorations on saxophone, clarinet, flute, oboe and bassoon, including vintage and heritage instruments. Restoration starts from £400.

Signs Your Instrument Needs Restoration

A restoration is usually needed rather than a repair or service when:

Multiple pads are worn, torn or perished
The instrument hasn't been played or serviced in several years
Corks and felts throughout are dried out or crumbling
Keys feel loose, worn or excessively noisy across the whole mechanism
The instrument has been inherited or bought second-hand in unknown condition
A previous repair only patched a deeper, underlying problem

If you’re unsure which category your instrument falls into, a free assessment will clarify whether it needs a repair, a service, or a full restoration.

What a Full Restoration Includes

Restoration is the most thorough level of work carried out at the workshop:

Complete strip-down of the entire instrument
Full repad, replacing every pad with new, correctly sized pads
Replacement of all corks, felts and springs
Deep clean of the body, keywork and tone holes
Straightening and realignment of keys and rods
Resoldering or repair of loose posts and fittings where needed
Full regulation and mechanism set-up
Final play test and fine-tuning

The result is an instrument rebuilt to feel as close to new as possible, while respecting its original design and character.

Vintage & Heritage Instruments

Older and vintage instruments require a different approach to modern ones. Rather than restoring purely for maximum modern playability, vintage saxophones and woodwinds are treated sympathetically, preserving original finish, engraving and character wherever possible, while still restoring a full, reliable mechanism underneath. This approach suits collectors, players of heritage brands such as Conn, Buescher and King, and anyone restoring a family instrument with sentimental value.

Pricing

Restoration starts from £400, depending on the instrument, its age and the extent of the work required. As with all work, a free assessment is carried out first, followed by a fixed quote before anything begins.

The Restoration Process

Assessment

the instrument is fully inspected to determine the scope of work needed.

Fixed quote

a clear price is agreed before any work starts, with no hidden extras.

Full strip-down

the instrument is completely disassembled for restoration.

Rebuild

new pads, corks, felts and springs are fitted, and keywork is realigned and regulated.

Play-test and fine-tuning

the finished instrument is tested and adjusted until it plays exactly as it should.

Instruments Restored

Restoration work is carried out on:

What Our Customers Says About our Servicing

Our customers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 11 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   R Chetwode 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig's work is exceptional. He gave my Tenor Saxophone a full service, stripping it down, recorking and changing old pads as required. The instrument is now tighter, quieter and plays really, really well. I highly recommend Craig if you need your instrument serviced or repaired.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   S A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig serviced my 1938 Buescher and it plays brilliantly now. Thank you  I will be bringing him another horn to look at soon
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   D Roach 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've know Craig for a while now and I always had great service from him when he was working at Howarth of London.

He has now branched out and set up on his own as a top class professional instrument technician based in Poole.

This move coincided with a need to have my Selmer Series 3 tenor sax re-paddded and Craig has really done a great job. Response and intonation have both improved and tonally the sax has come better into focus with Craig's adjustment of key heights etc.. This tenor finally feels the way I reckon Selmer's designers intended it to play!
I'm really pleased! Top job Craig!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   P Morgan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Having dropped my Saxophone from table height onto a hard tiled floor I desperately needed to find somewhere to get it repaired.  Craig was recommended to me and was amazingly quick in responding and organising collection.  I had done considerable damage and was worried it was beyond repair but with Craig’s skill set he quickly diagnosed everything that needed doing and within a week had my saxophone back to me sounding even better than before!  His professional approach and excellent repair means I would definitely use him again and certainly recommend him to anyone I can tell him about. I have even had two other players say what a lovely tone it has 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   C SAX 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been using Craig to service my Alto for years - highly skilled & trustworthy. As a professional saxophonist, he’s become an essential part of my network to ensure my instrument are maintained & returned quickly!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   N Sullivan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig has made fantastic repairs to my soprano and tenor saxophones. He is meticulous in his approach and always listens carefully to any instrumental issues I'm trying to sort. His approach is incredibly professional, respectful and thorough. Thank you, Craig!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   C Hatton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig is a fantastic repairer. Friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely commited to ensuring the job is done properly. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   A McNeill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig Ferguson is absolutely brilliant. The work he has done on various saxes I have brought him over the years such as Mark VI alto, Buffet S1 alto, and Mark VI soprano has been absolutely spot on. Craig understands the nuances that come with instruments with big personalities. At the same time, he has an amazing attitude which is completely client focused. He always goes out of his way to help make repairs / adjustments happen in as timely a manner as possible.

5 stars is not enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tootintate 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been taking my saxophones to Craig for many years, whether for quick repairs, routine servicing, or more extensive work. He also completed a full repad on my MKVI alto, and the results were outstanding.
Craig has consistently provided me with expert advice and always carries out repairs to the highest standard. He has a great understanding of the nuances of individual setups and knows exactly how to achieve the best possible setup for my playing. Most importantly, I can always rely on my instruments being in top playing condition, whatever performance or gig I have coming up. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Craig to any saxophonist looking for professional, knowledgeable, and reliable repair work.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   J Rom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig was incredibly efficient and professional when fixing my tenor saxophone which had a few issues. He was very knowledgeable and turned the instrument around very fast to get me back on the horn asap! Thanks again.

FAQ

Common Enquiries

How do I know if my instrument needs a restoration rather than a service?

If several pads are worn, the instrument hasn’t been used in years, or it’s been bought second-hand in unknown condition, a full restoration is usually the better option. A free assessment will confirm this.

How long does a full restoration take?

Restoration involves a complete strip-down and rebuild, so it takes longer than a standard repair or service. An estimated timeframe is provided after assessment, depending on the instrument and current workshop bookings.

Is it worth restoring an old or vintage instrument?

Often, yes. Many vintage instruments were built to a high standard and, once restored, can outperform some modern equivalents while retaining their original character and value.

Will restoring my instrument change how it looks?

No. The aim is a sympathetic restoration, preserving the original finish, engraving and character wherever possible, while rebuilding the mechanism to full working order.

How much does a restoration cost?

Restoration starts from £400, with the final price depending on the instrument’s condition and the extent of work required, confirmed with a fixed quote after assessment.

Bring Your Instrument Back to Life

Have an instrument that needs bringing back to life? Book a free assessment and find out what’s involved.