For more than 30 years, Paul Maslin, founder of PM Woodwind Repair, has been the go-to expert for saxophonists around the world who demand the highest level of craftsmanship and care for their instruments. A professional saxophonist himself, Paul understands exactly how a horn should feel and respond. Every saxophone that passes through his hands is personally tested and adjusted to meet professional performance standards.
Paul’s journey began as a young saxophonist in Alabama and evolved into a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence. After years of performing across Chicago and studying under renowned teachers, he discovered his true passion for instrument repair. Learning the craft through hands-on experience and apprenticeship, Paul opened PM Woodwind in Evanston, Illinois, in 1991. What started as a small repair shop has since grown into a respected destination for saxophone repair, restoration, and sales: serving both local players and international artists.
PM Woodwind is known for its dedication to quality. Whether it’s a vintage Selmer Mark VI or a modern Yamaha, every instrument is treated as a player’s instrument. The shop’s reputation has attracted top musicians, including the late Michael Brecker, Ernie Watts, and countless others who trust Paul’s expertise.
Beyond repair work, Paul continues to perform and support the music community by hosting clinics and masterclasses featuring leading artists. His commitment to quality, musicianship, and service has made PM Woodwind a cornerstone of the saxophone world; a place where craftsmanship meets passion.
⏯️ Tune in and know what does it take to build one of the most trusted saxophone repair shops in the world?
⬇️ Find exactly what you’re looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below:
00:00 How he got into music and schools he went to
05:31 The reason behind PM Woodwind’s success
08:47 Paul’s repair mentors
10:25 Time it takes to do repairs
14:09 How Selmer makes their bells
17:34 Why the neck is so important
20:03 Always have a backup neck
22:33 Simple repairs and how to fix the octave key
26:36 What he means by a bent or pulled-downed neck
31:24 You’re the one that makes the sound
32:42 Another simple adjustment every sax player can do
35:43 The real problem is halfway between…
39:21 Are all cheap horns bad?
42:20 Best brand for entry level saxophones
45:06 What to look for when buying brand new horns
46:23 Pro-level brands he carry
47:16 What to consider or check when buying used horns
50:24 Lacquer vs. no lacquer
52:33 Offerings in his shop
58:15 – Selmer Supreme – black limited edition horn
01:03:08 – Sad reality of good shops going out of business
01:05:15 – The difficulty of looking for repair people
🔗Paul Maslin and PM Woodwind Links:
- PM Woodwind’s Website: https://pmwoodwind.com/
- PM Woodwind’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pmwoodwind/
- PM Woodwind’s X: https://x.com/PM_Woodwind
- PM Woodwind’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmwoodwind/
- https://evanstonroundtable.com/2024/01/28/saxophone-paul-maslin-pm-woodwind-evanston/
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💡This episode is sponsored by the free Masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence
It’s not about memorizing more theory. It’s about unlocking the instincts and tools you already have so you can finally solo the way you hear it in your head.
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