Dean Pelling Woodwind & Brass

10/07/2026

Always great when you get a review - this is a little different to my normal reviews though 🙂

Victoria Samek shares her joy and experience at the hands of highl...

09/07/2026

If your tuning slide is way out this may be a quick fix. This exercise will fix needing your tuning slide very far out to play in tune.

12/06/2026

Yesterday I had the task of making a new tenon ring for an old flute. Some brass rod, a lathe and a little silver plate to finish. Happy with the results and the blend to the other rings.

10/06/2026

I’m often asked why should I pay xyz for an instrument when I can pay xy for an instrument that looks exactly the same and is “modelled” after the more expensive instrument.

Well this is a case in point. An Chinese made instrument marketed as professional and with a good price tag, has burrs inside the valve casing / valve tube where it hasn’t been finished correctly

This will ultimately affect performance and intonation.

This is the easy one to see, and correct but the others can be seen with the borescope and correction would involve unsoldering all the valve slides.

I’m not bashing a particular brand or country of origin as some of the Chinese made instruments are exceptional. Nor am I suggesting that the “big brands” are exempt from manufacturing defects.

When you’re spending big bucks you’d expect a little better quality control - be careful when spending you money.

EDIT - Photo 2

Where the slide receiver is attached to the valve section. Instead of fitting the tubes correctly it has been crimped and forced together - another point you wouldn’t expect on an instrument costing £2500!

10/02/2026

Nothing to see here. As well as not good for the instrument this is not good for the players health either. Bearing in mind this is a sovereign Euphonium that occlusion is huge. Hazmat suit required!

25/01/2026

Always nice to see the results of my work and the impact it can have, not just on the instrument but the player as well.

30/12/2025

I have just serviced these two beauties and the customer wants to move them on to fund something a little more appropriate for his current needs (moved to big band playing). Both are in excellent shape with a few minor age related marks.

Bach Strad 304 Eb (with D mts)
Smaller bore than newer Ebs so perfect for chamber ensembles. With orig case though handle could do with a look at.

Back Strad 196 Picc. Takes trumpet shanks. With orig case

If you are interested let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the seller. UK only.