Roberto's Winds Inc. — Local services in New York

I met Roberto Romeo when he started working for Saul Fromkin in 1983. I’d been taking my horn to Saul for several years already after I’d gotten a tip via Sam Rivers that this was the man to go to. It seems that Sonny Rollins & many others have felt the same. Saul eventually passed on the business to Roberto, and the quality of HIS work maintained the same same quality of clientele.

There are good reasons. His craftsmanship & integrity are of the highest caliber. He’s kind & considerate, and the care he dedicates to his work shows consistently. I haven’t trusted my instrument to anyone else in NYC because of that for good reason.

Some might find his rates a bit high, but this should be kept in perspective as he’s maintained a shop in Midtown Manhattan under far less than friendly real estate pressures for decades. Besides this, he backs up his work thoroughly — and his repairs & overhauls hold up much longer than one might ordinarily expect.

Over time, I bought a replacement vintage saxophone from him on his very sound advice (saved me money AND directed me to a much better quality instrument). Eventually, I adopted one of his wooden ligatures, which was another extremely welcome improvement. Finally, I can vouch as well for his reeds, which are amazingly consistent & long lasting. And, the saxophones he’s designed are at the same level. Beyond that, he’s invested and has maintained one of the few quality rehearsal studios in the neighborhood.

If you want your instrument artistically cared for with personalized attention, you can count on...

Wow! What can I say..Robertos Winds, simply the best! And the thing is, he’s the best in the best city in the world! You could literally run across top professional musicians if you happen to walk into Roberto‘s on any given day! I remember one time I went to Roberto’s for a minor repair and Gato Barbieri walked in. It was the most hilarious thing he was hugging and kissing Roberto and speaking with this thick accent. Gato must’ve been wearing about a gallon and a half of aftershave! It was crazy! Nobody could breathe! I remember that like it was yesterday and that had to be about 15 maybe 20 years ago. Just take a look at his picture wall. If you know anything about music you will recognize about 95% of the musicians there. He’s definitely a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to the saxophone. (mouthpieces, ligatures etc.) Even if you just want some information and guidance he shares it freely. It’s rare to find a technician with as much talent and longevity as Roberto. I’ve had multiple overhauls to my Mark VI Saxophone by him over the last couple of decades. If you want your horn serviced right go to Roberto‘s winds. Located in the heart of the Busy Times Square District he services top Jazz musicians and Broadway musicians alike. All the while maintaining that small family...

Roberto is the best! His work is amazing, knowledge is deep. I just bought a tenor MK VII from Roberto and he and his son were nothing but great. Helpful, not pushy, made tweaks I wanted on the spot, and a great horn, despite what many say about the VIIs, Roberto knew this one was a great horn! Even offered to tweak after the sale as I got used to horn, which I will take them up on. You don't get service like at Roberto's many places, especially in NYC. Many shops are not as open and inviting, many repair places are very limited to overhauls only, or just not easy to get on with. Every time I walk into Roberto's they immediately make you feel welcome, no matter who you are.

UPDATE: As I continue to use Roberto’s he and his son Nick are without a doubt the best repair / sax shop in NYC. Repairs are always top of the class and you feel like you are part of their huge saxophone family. Add onto that their reeds are simply the best, better than any...