With over 40 years experience in brass and woodwind.
Founder and Owner - All Brass & Woodwind
Dave’s instrument support career began in 1981 at the largest music shop the North of England, the renowned RS Kitchens Ltd. Here he quickly progressed becoming the head of the entire brass and woodwind repair department. He moved to BandSupplies in 1986 where he continued to work in instrument support, Dave also represented the company at large trade shows, advising the wider public and private sector on instrument solutions.
In 1992 Dave founded All Brass & Woodwind with a pure focus on innovation. His unique approach to instrument design resulted in a long-term collaboration with Geneva Brasswind as their Chief Designer and Technical Director. He was responsible for the innovation, design and production of the next generation of Geneva’s brass and woodwind range which are currently played by some of the World’s top instrumentalists. As part of his role, Dave also worked throughout China and Europe and was responsible for overseeing operations in regard to quality standards and commercial production of his designs.
With his unique approach, detailed expert knowledge and long-established reputation as a problem solver and innovator, Dave continues to deliver lectures internationally and in 2018, received the honorary title of Visiting Professor at Leeds Conservatoire, recognising his expertise and service to instrument design and tonal enhancement.
In his relentless drive to push the boundaries of instrument design, Dave currently works closely with World renowned musicians, analysing their individual styles and producing personalised instruments that reflect their individual requirements aiding their musical journey and development. These unique design skills also reflect a passion and commitment to create bespoke solutions for musicians with specific issues due to illness or injury.
In his spare time Dave competes in international dinghy sailing events, restores classic cars and undertakes specialist photography including for band tours, album covers and promotional material.
Serving both UK and internationally based clients, at AB&W we truly value all of our customers. Our welcoming and highly qualified staff all possess a deep understanding of the challenges you face as an instrumentalist. Irrespective of experience level, whether you’re just at the beginning of your musical journey or a seasoned professional, our team are here to help and advise you in any way we can.
With our far-reaching reputation, expertise and friendly atmosphere, you never know who you may bump into at AB&W. Working with some of the World’s most renowned touring musicians, you will regularly find artists dropping into the shop for advice, to explore and test our latest stock and innovations, or to simply have a chat and a nice warm cup of tea.
Here are just a few of our Lineage Saxophone endorsees:
• Nubya Garcia
• Shabaka Hutchins
• Ed Jones
• Pete Wareham
• Jerry Bergonzi
Built on quality service, reliability and mutual trust, AB&W are proud of their long standing, close and valued relationships with a number of leading UK and institutional clients which include Leeds Conservatoire (where Dave is a Visiting Professor), Northern Ballet, Opera North, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Northern Education Services and numerous Brass and Colliery Bands.
Need help or assistance? Our team is ready to help.
