Welcome to Collins Hornworks, Birmingham's own saxophone repair shop!

Thank you for checking out the web page. Collins Hornworks is a repair shop that focuses on saxophone repair for both band students and pro players. My name is Steve Collins and I am the owner and repairman. The shop is located at my house, 5256 Willow Way, Birmingham AL, 35242. It's in the Oak Mountain area off Valleydale Rd. and Caldwell Mill Rd. Please call for saxophone repair, or advice on buying or selling a saxophone. (I also do a great job on other woodwinds!)

I began repairing band instruments in Atlanta as an apprentice, and instantly loved the work. After working on all wind instruments for 3 years, I began to specialize in woodwinds and then mostly saxophones. By repairing saxophones 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week for 5 years, I learned a lot about the unique problems of the saxophone and how to make the horn play well. Actually, what I discovered is that most people are playing on saxophones that don't really play very well. Even a new one may not be set up to play well. I've had students, band directors, and pro players bring me a saxophone they thought was in good playing condition. After I've worked on it, the reaction is always the same... " I didn't know it could play like this!" As more people brought their saxophones to me I realized that I was the only one in the area who was able to really make a saxophone play well. I decided to set up my own shop, Birmingham's own saxophone shop. My specialty is complete repads, since it allows me to set up the horn in every detail. I also do small repairs, and I'll work on other woodwinds, too.

The saxophone is a woodwind instrument, but is made of brass. That means it has potential problems with pads, keys, corks, and felts, as well as dents, soldering, and fittings. A saxophone plays well when all the pads completely cover the tone holes, all the keys function and fit properly, and all connections fit and seal properly. A qualified repairman must be able to accurately diagnose the problem. Then, he must have the proper tools, materials, and skills to make the repair. After the repairs are made, the instrument should be play-tested. The repairman must be a competent saxophone player to know if the horn plays well!

Steve has been a band instrument repairman in the Birmingham area for 9 years. He worked in a local music store repairing all brass and woodwind instruments, then specializing in woodwinds, and for the last 6 years specializing in saxophones. He has a unique combination of being a skilled repairman and a competent musician. Most important is his passion for his profession to make sure every student or pro player receives a horn that works well and is fun to play.

As a musician, Steve has played baritone sax for 33 years, and marched in the Alabama Million Dollar Band with an alto sax. He played in the Alabama Jazz Ensemble, is a member of the Tuscaloosa Horn Section, and currently plays in several bands including the Night Flight Big Band, Horndogs, Power and Glory Big Band, and the “ Class of ’65.”