Hello. We are Luke and Heidi Woodhead and we founded Woodhead Horns to provide a professional, craftsman-led repair service for the horn playing community. We are based in the UK but offer a worldwide service. We are assisted by Sam who helps us with all of the business admin.
Having amassed an extensive amount of knowledge and craftsmanship during our time at Paxman Musical Instruments Ltd, we decided to launch Woodhead Horns in 2009. Repairs are undertaken with the highest level of skill, service, and professionalism in our workshops in London and Ampthill – but we aim for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere – with Bedfordshire’s finest coffee, Wooden Hill, usually at the ready. We repair, sell and make horns here in Ampthill. We are now working on a double horn design, watch this space!
Luke and Heidi Woodhead, Lewes Castle 2006. (Mahillon and Courtois!)
About Luke
Luke studied as a horn player at the Birmingham Conservatoire, and after graduating in 2000, he began his career at Paxman as a repairer. From 2004 – 2009, Luke managed Paxman’s London workshop as well as training repairers/horn builders and latterly taking on the role of Production Coordinator for the company. In 2007 Luke was made an honorary member of the Birmingham Conservatoire for outstanding achievement in the musical industry within ten years of graduation. He and Heidi set up Woodhead Horns Ltd in 2009 where they continue to make, sell and repair horns. Luke is, of course, a keen horn player.
About Heidi
Heidi Woodhead (née Bowdler) completed her undergraduate studies in Perth, Australia, then moved to London, to study horn at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, completing her PDOT in 1997. Since graduating she has worked as a professional horn player in London as well as spending four years working as a repairer at Paxman. After completing a Masters degree in 2010 Heidi resumed work as a repairer for Woodhead Horns where she continues to make, sell and repair horns. Occasionally she misses out on the recognition she deserves for all her repair work! She is currently mastering the craft of hand engraving.
About Samantha
Samantha joined us in 2015 and has become invaluable. She provides the admin backbone of the company and generally keeps our paperwork in order! You may well receive emails from her regarding the sale of a horn, or an invoice query.