WindWorks.sg

Who We Are

WindWorks is a specialist wind instrument atelier by musicians, for musicians.

Since its inception in 2003, our technicians have revived countless instruments and we are proud to be the choice service centre for many band directors, be it their personal instrument or their schools'. Our clientele includes professional musicians of orchestras and wind bands in the region.

Our technicians are professionally trained in repair college and are factory-certified by world-renowned manufacturers such as Muramatsu, Miyazawa, Brannen, Powell, Buffet Crampon and Selmer Paris.

Being active performers, we completely understand the advantage and joy a well-serviced instrument can give to its owner.

Sean Tan

Sean is the woodwind repair specialist at WindWorks. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Nanyang Technological University and a specialist diploma in Band Instrument Repair Technology from Renton Technical College (USA). He is certified by factories of Buffet Crampon Clarinets (France), Verne Q. Powell Flutes (USA), and Muramatsu Flutes (Japan). He is also a certified Straubinger™

Lim Seng Tat

Seng Tat joined WindWorks in 2010 after a stint as a band director. He apprentices with Sean Tan in woodwind repair and focuses primarily on clarinets and lower woodwinds like bass clarinets and bassoons. He is factory-certified by Buffet Crampon

Chan Tung Hoe

Tung Hoe has been with WindWorks since 2008. Upon graduation with a Biotechnology degree from the university, he apprenticed under Sean Tan in woodwind repair and focuses on flutes and piccolos. He is factory-certified by Muramatsu Flutes (Japan), Miyazawa Flutes (japan), Brannen Brothere Flutemakers, Inc (USA) and Buffet Crampon (France).

Yap Yoke Lim

Yoke Lim is the brass repair specialist at WindWorks. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Nanyang Technological University and a specialist diploma in Band Instrument Repair Technology from Renton Technical College (USA). He is factory-certified by Selmer Paris Saxophones (France).

Our Vision

At WindWorks, we believe that a well-maintained instrument is just as important as a well-made one. This is why we always emphasise to our customers that a well-maintained but inexpensive instrument will always play better than one that is expensive but badly maintained.

Most schools spend hundred of thousands of dollars just to set up a band curriculum programme, yet very little is spent to make sure that these instruments function to their full potential. WindWorks believes that if more were spent on the maintenance programme, schools can cut down on unnecessary purchases of new instruments.

Behind The Scenes

TUBA VALVES

Before - A badly choked rotor valve section from a tuba. The grime is a 'concoction' of lubricants and residues from the player's saliva. Students must be educated to rinse their mouths before using their instruments.
After - The rotor valve looks new again after a good chemical wash.

BASS CLARINET NECK

Before - The interior of a bass clarinet's neck. Microorganisms grow and multiply in areas where moisture is being trapped. When students do not cultivate good habits to remove these moisture, it encourages the growth of these 'unwelcomed visitors'.
After - 'Invaders' are removed after a good chemical bath.

SAXOPHONE BODY

Before - Yeast and molds thrive in instruments that are not properly cleaned and air-dried before being stored in their cases, especially for silver-plated surfaces. This will happen when instruments are being kept in their cases for long periods of time, for example, during exams.
After - The instrument after a good clean-up! At Windworks, we emphasise the importance of instruments' hygiene as much as the cleanliness of the cases used to store them.

FLUTE FOOTJOINT

Before - A student model flute foot joint dented and damaged by a student.
After - Again, with proper tools, equipment and skills, the foot joint is restored to its original shape.

FRENCH HORN

Before - The body of a badly crushed French horn, after it was repeatedly dropped by careless students.
After - The body is being reshaped after extensive repair. This is only possible with proper tools, equipment and skills.

TUBA BELL

Before - Accidents happen, and this tuba suffered major damages to its bell when it was dropped.
After - The bell is restored back to shape after a major repair job. Crease marks after the repair is normal, this is a result of lacquer tear caused by the initial dents.

TARNISHED FLUTE

Before - This very old vintage flute belongs to a renowned flute teacher, who has not used it for a long time. It was not well-taken care of and thus tarnished due to age.
After - With dedication and time, our technicans did a full re-pad service for this beautiful instrument, and restored it to it's former glory after a full polish job. Another satisfied customer!

3 Rules For Extending The Life of Your Instrument

Never drop your instrument.
Keep instrument clean and dry.
Always use good synthetic lubricants.

TIP 2: Use antiseptic alcohol (from pharmacies) to wipe silver-plated and lacquered instruments. This gives them a clean shine and kills bacteria at the same time.

What You Don't Know

Wind and brass instruments breathe out melodious music that is a pure pleasure to listen to. But did you know that these instruments also pose a health risk?

How? If the instruments aren't fastidiously cleaned, over time the mouthpiece and internal chambers become fertile breeding grounds for a host of disease-causing bacteria and fungi (see inset pictures), according to a recent study published in the journal General Dentistry.

It is common sense, if you think about it - these are the parts that come into contact with the musician's mouth, and where moist air, along with saliva droplets, are blown into. Coupled with Singapore's humid weather conditions, bacteria, molds and yeasts will thrive in these instruments (and their cases), and lead to serious skin infections around the mouth, asthma and a host of other illnesses.

What then should you do? Observe good hygiene habits such as keeping your musical instrument and case clean and dry.

For a better peace of mind, send your instruments for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Moldy instrument case

Clogged valve section of euphonium

Grime build-up in tuba valve section

Decomposition of tenor cork

Mold- and yeast-infested clarinet case

TIP 1: Pull out all valves and tuning slides (at least once) during every practice. This will prevent them from binding.

What We Do

CHEMICAL CLEANING SERVICE
removing build-up and calcification inside pipes of brasswind instrument
DENT REPAIR SERVICE
smoothening uneven surfaces, dings and bumps caused by accidents
MECHANICAL OVERHAUL & REPAD SERVICE
tightening of loose keywork and replacement of pads for woodwind instrument
CLEANING, OIL ADJUSTMENT SERVICE (COA)
regular maintenance and servicing that will extend the lifespan of woodwind instrument
PLAYING CONDITIONING SERVICE (PC)
specific repair for a particular malfunctioning part to return an instrument to good playing condition

CUSTOMISATION
specialised adjustment to further enhance an instrument
INVENTORY APPRAISAL
physical inspection and documentation on the condition of instrument inventory
MAINTENANCE CONSULTATION
workshops on instrument care, handling and maintenance
ON-SITE INSPECTION & SERVICING
specialist service to inspect and rectify any potential problems before a major concert or competition
USED INSTRUMENT RECONDITIONING
refurbishing used instrument to give it a second life

Where We Are

37, Lorong 23 Geylang, #06-01,

Yu Li Industrial Building. Singapore 388371

tel: +65 8020 9720 fax: +65 6747 9606

email: hello@windworks.sg

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday: 11:00 to 19:00 | Lunch: 13:30 to 14:30

Saturdays: By appointment only (Tel: 8020 9720)

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays