The manufacture of our wind instruments is a clever combination of manual operations, necessitating numerous working hours on wood and metal, and hundreds of factory operations, automated or semi-mechanised, on high-performing machines in order to ensure a constant and irreproachable quality level. Each instrument passes through the hands of several dozen artisans. In the secret of the workshops, from generation to generation, our master instrument-makers have learned the precision of each action necessary in the manufacture of instruments of reference. This manual work gives a soul to each one of our clarinets, saxophones, oboes, trombones, trumpets…
 Assembler
The assembly of an instrument requires many years of experience and an excellent knowledge of the instruments.
He is, above all, a talented welder, with skill and know-how close to that of a goldsmith. He delicately and solidly assembles each part of the instrument by pewter welding or brazing.
The assembler is a fanatic who thinks , above all, about the musician who will play the instrument.
|
 Blacksmith
To practise this demanding trade requires the essential qualities of rigour and tenacity. The formation of a musical instrument housing demands particularly thorough training.
The metal is cut, formed, silver welded, then put back on a chuck, turned, crimped on a snap ring then smoothed.
It’s necessary to be inventive, rigourous, open and persistent, all at the same time.
|
 Drawer
An essential stage in the manufacture of brasses, drawing consists of obtaining the right diametre and the right length of the sliding tubes and the instrument brackets. Everything is a question of hundredths of millimetres. The drawer is trained in the metallurgical trades, he has an excellent memory and is very thorough.
|
 Finisher-varnisher
The finisher prepares the breaking-in of the slides, adjusts the pistons to the right diametre, touches up a part prior to varnishing.
He puts the final touch to the instrument. He has a rich knowledge of the instruments and the various operations to master.
He is trained on-job for close to three years and knows the secrets of the finish of the brand, like, for example, the interior varnishing of a part, or parts already assembled.
|
 Piston Maker
To practise this trade, particular to musical instrument workmanship, the artisan must know how to use all types of machine. A minimum of four months on-job training are necessary to be able to produce the piston bodies and assimilate the brand know-how.. The operations are numerous and varied from the assembly and the silver welding. The piston maker is very meticulous, persevering and patient.
|
 Polisher
The polisher is a tradesman for finishing. Once the instrument is assembled, it must be made perfect.
Other than good, general mechanical knowledgede, he has to have a year’s on-job training to achieve a smooth and brilliant surface and to perfect each part.
The polisher controls substances, plugs, pastes and abrasive material.
His actions are repetitive to achieve work of precision, strength and care.
|
 Quality controller
Quality control is an enthralling trade because it requires not only specialised knowledge of manufacturing procedures, but also the mechanical function of the instrument’s acoustics.
The quality controller checks, analyses, and takes corrective action if necessary. He is in contact with musicians, sales people and the Product Manager.
He, himself, is a musician and technician.
|
 Slide Adjuster
Particularly well-organised and working with good order and methodology, the slide adjuster is a shape turner. His work consists of adjusting various parts of the instrument slide. He works to the micron, his knowledge is invaluable because each part is unique and the adjustment must be perfect
|
