Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Musical Instruments & Lessons in Monterey, CA
Kurt Heisig Music has been a cornerstone of musical excellence since 1968, founded by master craftsman and educator Kurt Heisig. Our mission has always been to provide the finest instruments, mouthpieces, reeds, and educational resources to musicians worldwide. With decades of experience, we specialize in crafting high-quality saxophones, trumpets, and flutes that rival instruments costing thousands more. Our repair services, honed over 62 years, restore and enhance woodwind and brass instruments to their peak performance. As a teaching hub, weve trained students from beginners to professionals, including artists whove studied under legends like Stan Kenton and John Coltrane. Our endorsements from world-renowned musicians, including Grover Washington Jr. and Claude Gordon, reflect our commitment to quality and innovation.We pioneered the first instrument in space, collaborating with astronaut Dr. Ron McNair, and continue to push boundaries in instrument design. Located in Monterey, California, we serve local communities and global clients with personalized service. Our inventory includes vintage and modern instruments, custom mouthpieces, and rare reeds aged for optimal performance. With a legacy of craftsmanship and education, we remain a trusted resource for musicians seeking excellence.
Services
Saxophone Repair
Trumpet Customization
Flute Maintenance
Mouthpiece Design
Music Lessons
Reed Restoration
Clarinet Overhauls
Brass Instrument Repairs
Vintage Instrument Restoration
Custom Instrument Orders
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer handcrafted instruments with decades of acoustic research and endorsements from top musicians.
- Our repair services combine 62 years of experience with techniques from retired Selmer designers.
- Custom mouthpieces tailored to individual playing styles, tested by legends like Grover Washington Jr.
- Music lessons taught by instructors with ties to institutions like Stan Kenton and Eastman School of Music.
- A legacy of innovation, including the first instrument played in space.
What people say
Most enchanting fluid instruments
Most beautiful tenor I've heard
More compliments on my HEISIG
Free blowing through 5 octaves
Truly an amazing mouthpiece
Services
Saxophone Repair
Expert restoration of saxophones, including vintage Selmer MK VI models, using techniques learned from retired Selmer designers. Services include pad replacement, key adjustments, and acoustic enhancements to improve tone and playability. Our repairs ensure instruments perform like new, with attention to historical accuracy and modern performance needs.
Trumpet Customization
Tailored modifications for trumpets to enhance playability and sound quality. Services include valve adjustments, bell reshaping, and custom engraving. Drawing from decades of experience with brands like Benge and Schilke, we optimize instruments for both classical and jazz performance, ensuring each horn meets the player's unique style.
Mouthpiece Design
Handcrafted mouthpieces for woodwinds and brass, designed to individual specifications. Using feedback from artists like Grover Washington Jr., we create pieces that improve airflow and tonal richness. Our designs cater to all skill levels, from students to touring professionals, ensuring optimal comfort and sound quality.
Music Lessons
Personalized lessons for saxophone, trumpet, flute, and clarinet, taught by instructors with global acclaim. Curriculum includes classical training, jazz improvisation, and performance techniques. Students benefit from methods refined over 50 years, with many advancing to professional careers in music.
Reed Restoration
Specialized reed aging and adjustment services to enhance durability and playability. We stock rare reeds from the 1960s-70s and offer custom shaping for saxophone, clarinet, and oboe. Techniques improve response and tone, with advice on maintenance to extend reed lifespan for both amateur and professional musicians.
People
Kurt Heisig
Owner & Master Craftsman
Kurt Heisig founded the business in 1968 and has spent over 50 years perfecting instrument design, repair, and music education. A multi-instrumentalist and protg of renowned teachers like Claude Gordon, he pioneered the first space-bound saxophone and crafted instruments used by Grammy-winning artists.
Questions
What makes HEISIG instruments unique?
HEISIG instruments combine decades of acoustic research with handcrafted precision, offering professional-grade quality at accessible prices. They are endorsed by top musicians for their rich tone and playability.
Do you offer repair services for vintage instruments?
Yes, we specialize in restoring vintage saxophones and clarinets, including Selmer MK VI models, using historical techniques and modern enhancements for optimal performance.
Can I get custom mouthpiece fittings?
We design custom mouthpieces tailored to your playing style, tested by artists like Grover Washington Jr., ensuring improved airflow and tonal richness.
Are music lessons available for all skill levels?
Our lessons cater to beginners through professionals, covering classical, jazz, and improvisation techniques with instructors trained by industry legends.
What repair services do you offer for brass instruments?
We provide valve adjustments, dent removal, and custom modifications for trumpets, trombones, and horns, optimizing playability and sound quality for all skill levels.
