Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Woodwind Instruments & Supplies in Berkeley
Forrests Music has been a trusted provider of woodwind instruments and supplies in Berkeley, California, since 1944. Established by Dutch and Kathryn Forrest, the business has maintained a legacy of excellence through generations of ownership, including the Klatt family and current proprietors Cynthia Hanson and Audrey Jackson. Specializing in double reed instruments, the store offers oboes, bassoons, English horns, and accessories, alongside repair services and educational resources.With decades of combined expertise, the team caters to professional musicians, students, and educators worldwide. Their commitment to quality is reflected in curated products like handmade reeds, precision tools, and premium cases. The store also hosts a vast library of sheet music and recordings, supporting musicians across genres. Located near the University of California, Forrests Music remains a cornerstone of the local and global woodwind community.
Services
Woodwind Sales
Instrument Repair
Reed Making Tools
Music Accessories
Sheet Music
Case Sales
Online Ordering
International Shipping
Educational Resources
Used Instruments
Details
- Year established: 1944
Highlights and features
- We offer over 80 years of expertise in woodwind instruments since 1944.
- Our team provides specialized knowledge in double reed instrument repair and maintenance.
- We carry exclusive products like handmade reeds and precision reed-making tools.
- Our store stocks over 2,150 items, including rare and professional-grade instruments.
- We offer international shipping and personalized customer support for musicians.
What people say
Expert staff
High-quality reeds
Excellent repair service
Wide selection
Fast shipping
Services
Woodwind Instrument Sales
Forrests Music offers a comprehensive selection of woodwind instruments, including oboes, bassoons, English horns, and their accessories. The store carries premium brands like Lore, Howarth, and Leitzinger, alongside rare and vintage instruments. With options for beginners to professionals, customers receive expert guidance to find the perfect instrument.
Reed Making Tools
The store provides complete reed-making tool kits with knives, mandrels, cutting blocks, and precision instruments. These tools cater to both oboists and bassoonists, featuring customizable options for knife types and materials. Educational resources accompany kits to support first-time reed makers.
Instrument Repair
Forrests Music offers professional repair services for woodwinds, performed by experienced technicians. The team handles adjustments, restorations, and emergency fixes for instruments, ensuring optimal performance. Repairs include key work, pad replacements, and structural fixes for professional musicians.
Music Accessories
The store stocks essential accessories like cases, stands, swabs, and tuning devices. Products include BAM cases, ergonomic support pegs, and specialty tools like magnetic reed soakers. These items enhance playing comfort and instrument longevity for students and professionals.
Educational Resources
Forrests Music provides method books, sheet music, and instructional guides for woodwind players. Resources cover beginner to advanced levels, including etudes, competition repertoire, and practice routines. The store supports educators and students with curated collections for skill development.
People
Cynthia Hanson
Co-Owner
Cynthia Hanson transitioned to ownership after years of experience in woodwind sales and customer service at Forrests Music. She focuses on maintaining the store's legacy while expanding its digital presence and product offerings.
Audrey Jackson
Co-Owner
Audrey Jackson brings extensive knowledge of instrument repair and double reed expertise to her role as co-owner. She works to preserve the store's tradition of quality service and specialized product curation.
Questions
What types of woodwind instruments do you sell?
We specialize in oboes, bassoons, English horns, and their accessories, including rare and professional-grade models.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we welcome international orders and provide shipping options tailored to your location.
What reed-making tools are available?
We offer complete tool kits, mandrels, reamers, and precision instruments for oboe and bassoon reed making.
Are there educational resources for beginners?
Yes, we provide method books, practice guides, and starter kits for woodwind students and educators.
Do you repair vintage instruments?
Our technicians specialize in restoring vintage woodwinds, including pre-1950s models, using traditional techniques.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, checks, and money orders for purchases through our store and website.
