What does Woodwind Instrument Insurance Cover?

Woodwind instruments are revered for their lyrical tone, rich history, and the exceptional craftsmanship involved in their creation. From centuries-old flutes to rare clarinets and limited-edition saxophones, woodwind instruments are both essential to orchestral and jazz traditions and highly collectable in their own right. Whether handcrafted by legendary makers or previously played by iconic musicians, these instruments carry with them a resonance that transcends performance—making them treasured artefacts in any serious musical collection.
Core families of woodwind instruments:
Flutes:
Flutes are played by blowing air across the mouthpiece rather than through a reed. Known for their bright, agile tone, flutes are among the oldest known musical instruments.

- Western Concert Flute
- Piccolo
- Alto Flute
- Bass Flute

Single-Reed Instruments:
These instruments produce sound via a single reed vibrating against a mouthpiece.
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone)

Double-Reed Instruments:
These use two reeds that vibrate against each other to create sound, offering a more nasal, expressive tone.
- Oboe
- Cor Anglais (English Horn)
- Bassoon
- Contrabassoon

Key models sought after by collectors:
Louis Lot Flutes (19th Century):
Louis Lot, a Parisian maker, is considered one of the greatest flute craftsmen in history. His silver flutes are revered for their refined tone and flawless mechanism, and are highly sought after by both flautists and collectors.

Selmer Mark VI Saxophones (1954–1974):
Perhaps the most iconic saxophone model ever made, the Selmer Mark VI is famed for its warm, responsive tone and exceptional playability. Vintage models, especially tenors from the early years, command premium prices and are coveted by jazz musicians worldwide.

Heckel Bassoons:
Made in Germany, Heckel bassoons are considered the gold standard in orchestral woodwinds. Their precise construction and dark, rich tone make them a favourite among professional bassoonists, with vintage examples fetching extraordinary sums.

Buffet Crampon R13 Clarinets:
Crafted in France, the R13 model has been a staple in professional orchestras since its launch in the 1950s. Earlier models with specific serial numbers and wood quality are particularly valued by clarinettists and collectors.

Loree Oboes:
Founded in 1881, F. Lorée is the oldest specialist oboe maker in the world. Known for their consistency and rich sound, vintage Loree oboes are especially desirable, often passed down through generations of professional players.

Muramatsu Handmade Flutes:
Crafted in Japan, Muramatsu flutes—especially the handmade 9K, 14K, and platinum models—are collected for their flawless intonation and exquisite build. Limited production runs add to their desirability in the collector’s market.

Our bespoke insurance ensures your collectable woodwind instrument is fully protected. Whether it’s a rare Selmer saxophone or a historic Louis Lot flute, we offer tailored coverage against theft, damage, or loss—preserving the tone, value, and story of your instrument for years to come.

What else we cover

We offer extensive coverage for items across different categories, all within a single policy.