About Det Lille Saxofonværksted
My name is Morten Brejl Borup, and Det Lille Saxofonværksted (“The Little Saxophone Workshop”) is my workshop in Odense, where I service saxophones from all over Funen. I work on saxophones from most well-known brands and models. My jobs typically range from minor adjustments to thorough overhauls:
- Repairs and leak adjustments
- Cleaning, oiling and polishing
- Replacement of pads, cork, felt and springs
- Fine-tuning of mechanism and tone holes
- Removal of small dents
- General service check
Whether you just have a question, your saxophone needs a service check or you need a bigger repair, you are welcome to contact me.
Prices
A condition check of your saxophone is completely free, and you always get a specific estimate before any work begins. My hourly rate is DKK 600.
How long does a repair take?
My working time as a saxophone repairer is limited, and I only take in a few instruments a month – precisely because I want to give each saxophone the time and attention it deserves.
Small repairs typically take only 1–2 days. These are usually adjustments, minor leaks or the replacement of a single pad or a bit of cork. More extensive repairs and thorough overhauls can take anything from 2–3 days to a couple of weeks.
Loan saxophone
If your saxophone needs to stay in the workshop for several days, you can borrow a saxophone to take home in the meantime, so you can keep playing. I currently have an Armstrong alto saxophone and a Yamaha YTS-23 tenor saxophone available for loan.
About me
I started playing the saxophone more than 25 years ago, and after a long break I have taken it up again. My interest in repairing saxophones began as a hobby a few years ago. At first I bought old, worn horns, restored them and sold them on. Gradually I also started repairing better saxophones for other musicians, and my little workshop grew along with the work.
I have always had a strong interest in practical craftsmanship and tasks that require precision, patience and working with my hands. DIY projects, repairs and precision-mechanical work were a natural part of my interests long before saxophones came into the picture. When I started repairing my own instruments, the craft itself was therefore not new to me – what was new was learning the saxophone’s mechanism and the techniques that belong to the trade.
I especially enjoy the “fiddly work” in a saxophone’s mechanism – the small movements, spring tensions and adjustments that make everything work precisely. For me it is almost zen-like to sit with a single pad and work on it until it seals completely.
How I work
I work in a detailed and patient way, at a pace where I can stand behind the result.
During a standard overhaul I check, among other things, the mechanism, pads, springs and regulation. Leaks are checked with a leak light, and the instrument is adjusted so that the mechanism, keys and pads work optimally together.
I do not replace more than necessary. If an existing pad, cork or other part works perfectly, it is generally left in place.
If a repair is beyond what I believe I can do properly, I say so and instead recommend that the instrument goes to a workshop with the necessary specialist knowledge or the right equipment.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have a saxophone repaired?
A condition check of the saxophone and a price estimate cost nothing. Only then do you decide whether the work should be carried out.
I charge DKK 600 per hour, with a minimum charge of DKK 300 (30 minutes). I keep a small stock of the most common materials, pads and spare parts, and in more specific cases other parts are ordered in for the job.
The price of a saxophone repair depends on how much needs to be done. On the Prices page you can see guideline prices for the most common repairs and overhauls.
Which brands and types of saxophone do you work on?
I work on most brands and types – alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophones.
How do I drop off my saxophone?
Send me a message by phone or email, and we will agree on a time for drop-off in Odense.
Do you cover all of Funen, or only Odense?
Most of my customers come from Odense. I am happy to take saxophones from all over Funen, but of course also from the rest of Denmark.
Can I come from Jutland?
Yes, of course. I am happy to take customers from all over Jutland. If you live in Southern Jutland or the Triangle Region, Odense is closer for many people than the workshops in Aarhus and Copenhagen. You drop off and collect the saxophone yourself at my place in Odense V – contact me and we will find a time that suits you.
What is your experience with saxophone repair?
I am self-taught and have supplemented my practical experience with several online courses in saxophone repair. I have been repairing saxophones for more than two years and place great emphasis on thoroughness and quality in all my work. I only take on jobs where I am confident that I can deliver a good result – if a job is beyond my skills, I say so honestly from the start.
Do I need to book an appointment, or can I just drop by?
You always need to book an appointment in advance – I do this to make sure I have time to give your saxophone the attention it deserves. You drop off and collect the saxophone yourself at my place in Odense.
Can I get a price estimate without dropping off my saxophone first?
I can often give a price estimate in advance for specific maintenance jobs or standard repairs – e.g. replacing pads, cork or felt. If your saxophone is generally leaking or has taken a knock, it can be somewhat more difficult to assess the extent and give a price estimate.
Feel free to send me a message with photos and a description of the problem.
What are your opening hours?
There are no fixed opening hours, as the workshop is in my private home. All visits are by appointment – call or write to me and we will find a time that suits you.
Can I borrow a saxophone while mine is being repaired?
Yes. For longer repairs you can take a loan saxophone home, so you do not have to go without playing while your own is in the workshop.
I currently have an Armstrong alto saxophone and a Yamaha YTS-23 tenor saxophone as loan instruments.
Contact
If you would like to know whether I can take in your saxophone, contact me by email, phone or via the contact form.
Email: info@detlillesaxofonvaerksted.dk
Phone: +45 2398 0000
Address
Det Lille Saxofonværksted is located at my private address at
Kancellivej 2, 5200 Odense V.
Opening hours
I do not have fixed opening hours, but as the workshop is part of my private home, I am very flexible. We simply agree on a time that suits you.
