Choosing the right musical instrument is a crucial step in any musician’s journey. From beginners to professional performers, the quality, setup, and ongoing maintenance of your instrument can make a world of difference. This is why purchasing from a dealer with in-house workshop facilities and repair expertise is essential.
At Ackerman Music, with stores in Hove and Chichester, decades of experience meet dedication to quality. Every instrument is carefully checked, adjusted, and supported long after purchase, ensuring an exceptional playing experience.
A Legacy of Expertise
Founded in 1994 by Brian Ackerman, Ackerman Music has grown to include:
- Two shops and a large warehouse and dispatch centre in Sussex
- A thriving online presence serving musicians nationwide
- A team led by Brian and his wife Lynne, both lifelong music enthusiasts
Brian Ackerman’s decades of experience in playing, making, and repairing woodwind instruments earned him the ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for services to music. Lynne brings expertise in sheet music and active involvement in the local musical community. Together, they lead a knowledgeable team dedicated to providing high-quality instruments at competitive prices.
Why a Workshop Makes a Difference
Purchasing from a dealer with workshop facilities ensures your instrument:
- Is properly set up and regulated before use
- Functions flawlessly right out of the box
- Has a longer lifespan due to expert adjustments
- Receives professional ongoing maintenance
Instruments arriving from manufacturers are often designed for shipping, not playability. Bridges may be unfitted on violins, or cork blocks may support clarinet keywork during transit. Without careful setup, these instruments may not perform to their potential.
At Ackerman Music, every instrument undergoes thorough inspection and adjustment, from woodwind and brass instruments to orchestral strings and digital pianos.
Specialist Knowledge for Orchestral Instruments
Ackerman Music specialises in a wide range of instruments, including:
- Woodwind: Clarinets, flutes, saxophones
- Brass: Trumpets, cornets
- Strings: Violins, cellos
- Keyboards: Yamaha and Casio digital pianos
Clarinets are a particular specialty. Brian has spent decades not only playing clarinets but also making clarinets and mouthpieces from scratch. This rare level of expertise allows the team to provide tailored recommendations for students, intermediates, and professional musicians.
Full Workshop Facilities for Setup and Repairs
Ackerman Music’s in-house workshop is central to its service. It offers:
- Setup of all new instruments to ensure perfect playability
- Repairs for woodwind, brass, and orchestral stringed instruments
- Overhauls and restorations for instruments of all ages
- Free advice and repair estimates
This combination of sales and repair expertise guarantees that musicians have ongoing support for their instruments. Small issues are resolved quickly, preventing costly problems and ensuring instruments always perform at their best.
Instruments Ready to Play
Buying from a workshop-equipped dealer means every instrument is ready to perform immediately. Key benefits include:
- Correct assembly and regulation
- Smooth operation of keys and mechanisms
- Accurate tuning and intonation
- Confidence that the instrument will last
Every instrument purchased from Ackerman Music comes with a one-year guarantee and access to expert maintenance, offering peace of mind to musicians at all levels.
Expert Repairs Across All Instruments
The repair team at Ackerman Music handles:
- Woodwind: Pads, keywork adjustments, full restorations
- Brass: Valves, slides, and structural repairs
- Strings: Bridge adjustments, string replacement, full restorations
Hundreds of repairs are undertaken annually, demonstrating the trust placed in their expertise. Free advice and estimates ensure transparency and help musicians make informed decisions about maintaining or upgrading their instruments.
Competitive Prices and Extensive Stock
Despite offering expert setup and repair services, Ackerman Music provides highly competitive prices. Key advantages include:
- Large buying power, resulting in lower prices than average music shops
- The largest stock of woodwind, brass, and orchestral stringed instruments in Sussex
- Extensive selection of digital pianos, guitars, and sheet music
The Hove store includes a digital piano showroom featuring all models of Yamaha Clavinova. As one of the largest suppliers of Yamaha and Casio keyboards in the country, Ackerman Music combines specialist knowledge with comprehensive selection to meet musicians’ needs.
Local Expertise and Personalized Service
Buying from a local, knowledgeable dealer ensures access to:
- Direct advice from experts familiar with the instruments
- Tailored recommendations for schools, orchestras, and individual musicians
- Hands-on support for setup, maintenance, and repairs
- A personal connection with a team committed to the local musical community
Unlike online-only retailers, a local dealer with a workshop provides reassurance and personalized attention to every customer.
The Importance of Investment
Purchasing a musical instrument is more than a transaction—it is an investment in your musical journey. Choosing a dealer with workshop experience:
- Guarantees quality, reliability, and performance
- Provides ongoing support and expert repairs
- Enhances the learning and playing experience
- Protects your investment by prolonging the life of the instrument
Whether buying a student clarinet, a professional violin, or a digital piano, selecting a dealer with workshop expertise ensures your instrument will perform at its best.
Conclusion: Quality, Expertise, and Peace of Mind
Ackerman Music exemplifies the value of buying from a dealer with workshop expertise. From thorough inspections and meticulous setup to expert repairs and ongoing support, every instrument is treated with care and knowledge.
Musicians benefit from:
- Instruments that are ready to play immediately
- Expert advice from specialists with decades of experience
- Reliable, ongoing repair and maintenance services
- Competitive pricing and extensive product selection
Invest wisely in your music. Choose a dealer with experience, workshop facilities, and a passion for supporting musicians. Your instrument, your playing, and your musical journey will flourish as a result.
Vist the Ackerman Music website here
