Est.1966 - Woodwind & Brass Specialists

Dawkes are a globally recognised UK-based Music Industry company that have expert staff who specialise in Woodwind & Brass. We offer new and pre-owned instruments, over 10,000 accessories and spares, and have the UK’s largest Wind & Brass store with accompanying Repair Workshop.

Originally established in 1966 as a Woodwind repair business, the company is now in the ownership of the third generation of the Dawkes family. Recently we’ve also welcomed the fourth generation to the team. With the largest sq.footage of displays in the UK we hold a unique stock of items from instruments to spare parts and repair materials.

Dawkes Music - Today

Our newly expanded store is both stunning and unique. This 12,000 sq.ft superstore features 8 themed pre-bookable testing rooms, a masterclass suite, live stage, amazing displays of instruments, and the UK’s largest and most experienced Repair Workshop. We promise you a music retail experience like no other!

Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, fix, learn or indeed listen to Woodwind & Brass instruments we can help. Not only do we offer sales and repairs, but we can also provide music lessons, masterclass experiences, live gigs and more! Our goal is to create, inspire and support musicians of all ages and experience.

Our store has recently expanded to 12,000 sq.ft and every part of the visiting experience has been improved. Our range of 8 pre-bookable testing rooms each offer a comfortable and fun environment to test new equipment in. Many of these spaces offer easy wheelchair access and if you have any specific requests or needs, we’d be happy to accommodate you. Just contact us with any queries.

Why Use Dawkes?

Dawkes Music & Windcraft Ltd has based all of its business and core values around the highly skilled area of woodwind and brass repairs. Now with over 50 years of successful business and continuous growth, the company boasts the largest team of repairers in the UK and is the largest supplier of spare parts and repair materials for wind instruments in Europe.

Our retail premises offers multiple testing rooms, including the UK’s only ‘Virtual Acoustic Room’ and a brand new ‘Studio Room". Our vast array of stock is available to try in-store or online, and we promise the best buying experience and advice in the business. We now also provide tuition for adults in the local area. This is all complimented by regular events to help create, inspire and support all woodwind & brass musicians.

Our History

The company was originally founded in 1966 by Jack Dawkes, grandfather of the current owners Jon & David. After leaving the military in 1946 Jack worked as a professional musician in London. His playing, arranging, recording, and broadcasting made him well known on the music ‘scene’. He also worked as a musical extra at Pinewood Studios which resulted in a brief appearance in the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’ – fame (but sadly not fortune!) at last.

However, his earlier military service caught up with him and led to the deterioration of his hearing. Wishing to remain involved with music, he took the opportunity to learn the art of musical instrument repair from renowned Woodwind genius Ted Planas. After plenty of studying, and gathering of experience, Jack developed into an expert Repair Technician.

Jack established a workshop in his garage and soon built up a fine reputation for repair work amongst his musician friends and colleagues. Gradually word of Jack’s high-quality workmanship reached the Royal Air Force Central Band and orders to refurbish their instruments began to arrive.

Throughout the 1970’s, 80s’, and 90’s Jack and his son Lindsay grew the business to evolve from just repairs into sales, rentals, accessories and more. Dawkes were one of the first UK music retailers to have a web site and after a successful period at a shop on the Bath Road we eventually moved into our current home in 2000.

In 2024 we undertook a huge renovation and expansion of our current home in Reform Road. The overall space was tripled, and this allowed us to continue expanding our offerings to Wind & Brass players from far and wide. The whole Dawkes team are very grateful for the ongoing support and trust of our customers, many of whom have used us for multiple decades.

How to find us

Dawkes Music Ltd is located in Berkshire just 10 minutes from the M4, 15 minutes from the M40 and 20 minutes from the M25. We are also in close range of Heathrow (15-20 mins in the car) and Gatwick (60 mins in the car). We have free car parking directly outside the shop. London Paddington is just 30-40 mins on the train.

ADDRESS: Dawkes Music, Reform Road, Maidenhead, SL6 8BT

Planning a Visit? Pre-Booking Required

Please note we are currently open for appointment bookings, please do not travel without pre-booking your trip in advance. You can make bookings for sales or repair related visits at a day/time of your choice. Please use our bookings page to reserve your space and find out more info about visiting safely.

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