Callahan Woodwind

About

About me

Kia ora, my name is Dan Callahan and I have been repairing and servicing woodwind instruments for over 20 years – nice to meet you!

 

I began my instrument repair journey in the late 1990s in Tasmania where I fulfilled an on-the-job apprenticeship, maintaining a large fleet of rental instruments, and supporting the local music education programs, keeping their instruments in good working order and in the hands of learners.

 

I relocated to Aotearoa in 2013 I continued repair work in a part-time in Lyttelton, building up a base of happy clients in and around Christchurch and several school music programs around the area. 2020 saw me relocate for the last time, landing in sunny Whakatū/Nelson, where I’m picking up the tools once again to support our local music community.

 

I have a background in community-based music engagement and my values still sit firmly in the philosophy that music is for everyone and access to music should be as easy as possible. I get the greatest joy and satisfaction in providing a valuable service for a community, keeping students’ instruments in good working order, and contributing to a vibrant and active music community.

 

I am a practicing musician myself and I understand the pressures and needs of my fellow musicians. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Arts (Music), specialising in drums and vibraphone, and I play many other different instruments, all to differing levels of ineptitude. In Tasmania I gained some proficiency on the baritone sax and the bass clarinet, and of course I have decades of play testing the instruments that have come across my workbench.

Frequently asked questions

Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

  • What can I do for you?

    I take a holistic view to the maintenance of woodwind instruments, dealing with the root causes of problems rather than providing “band-aids” that serve only to provide short-term relief and I will work with you to keep your instrument in the best working order it can be!

     

    My passion is keeping good quality student instruments in the best playing condition possible so the student can confidently make music with a reliable instrument.

     

    I have the skills, knowledge and experience to achieve quality work for all flutes, saxophones, and clarinets – from minor adjustments and full services, overhauls and re-pads.

     

    By understanding the intricacies of how an instrument operates and having best practice processes at my disposal (not to mention a whole world of pretty amazing and specialised tools!), I am able to assess and make the necessary adjustments required to get your instrument into its best condition for a strong future.

     

    And if you’re a music teacher, run a music education program, and/or have a fleet of rental instruments, I can help keep your instruments serviced and ready to go for the next enthusiastic student – just get in touch and we’ll talk!

  • How much will it all cost?

    My hourly rate is 80nzd per hour for larger jobs, and my price for general services for flutes, clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones is 140nzd.

     

    What you’re paying for here is many years of experience and a diagnostic eye for the root cause of problems, fixing it for the long-term and setting you up for success going ahead into your musical future.

     

    I’ll work with you so we can get the best results for your budget, and I am most happy to assess and advise you around what your instrument might need and we can work out a plan together.

     

    Rates for larger jobs, such as overhauls and re-pads, vary by instrument type and we can discuss this by appointment.

  • What does a full service entail?

    A full service will see the instrument assessed then stripped and cleaned. As I reassemble the instrument I address any issues, tightening keywork in posts, adjusting pad heights, straightening any bent keywork, checking tone hole levels, assessing pads, addressing any small leaks, and generally ensuring we have a solid base with which we can proceed with any deeper level work.

     

    The deeper level work involves pad replacement, tone hole levelling and this will involve more time required than for a general service.

     

    Rates for larger jobs, such as overhauls and re-pads, vary by instrument type, and we can discuss this by appointment.

  • Do you sell woodwind instruments?

    I do not sell instruments and am in no way a retail shop.

     

    I can and will however, share my experience and knowledge with you and if you’re looking to purchase a new or used instrument I’m very happy to some context so that you can get your hands on the best option for your needs.

     

    An important aside: Cheaply-made instruments from eBay and the like may seem like a bargain at the time but often these instruments will be riddled with problems straight off the factory floor, and in the long run this will cost you more! If in doubt, just get in touch.

  • Where am I?

    I work from my workshop at my home in The Brook, in sunny Whakatū/Nelson.

     

    Repairs are by appointment and you can book your job via contact page on this website, or you can text/email me.

  • How can you contact me?

    Either text or email me – see my contact page for details.

     

    I look forward to meeting you and hearing about your musical journey!