5 Minutes with… Howarth Dealers | MusiCraft
We would like to introduce you to MusiCraft for another instalment of ‘5 minutes with… Howarth Dealers’.
Priding themselves on a high quality of work, MusiCraft have been providing sales and repairs to students, schools, universities, orchestras, military bands and professionals throughout South Africa since 1991.
What is the name of your shop/business?
MusiCraft! We are a cottage industry with five technicians, and two front of house employees who deal with accessories and assessments etc. Victor De Freitas (business owner) is on hand front of house and oversees the workshop. He regularly does the servicing and repairs himself.
Where are you based?
Ottery, Cape Town, South Arica. We do however courier throughout SA, servicing students, schools, universities, orchestras, military bands and professionals throughout South Africa.
Tell us about your music education and career!
Victor and Gabriel have years of experience in classical and jazz and play various instruments. Gabriel completed his music degree at University of Cape Town, was a customer of MusiCraft’s through his student years and joined the business 6 years ago.
How did the business get started and/or why did you decide to open the shop?
Victor De Freitas showed an interest and talent for repairing instruments while he was still playing in bands and busking in the early 80’s. He did an apprenticeship with a South African brass and woodwind technician & later on he joined a company called Orchestral & Band Suppliers for about nine years where he really embraced business knowledge, repairs and of course his skills increased dramatically. Even way back then his reputation as a skilled instrument technician grew quickly.
Orchestral & Band Suppliers liquidated in the early 90s and Victor decided to keep the repairs, refurbishing and supplying of specialised instruments going. There were very few brass and woodwind technicians at the time.
The marketing has really been through word of mouth and the quality of the workmanship speaks volumes in this industry. We have clients that are loyal and very satisfied with the workmanship. Times however have changed and we are slowly updating the online shop and social media pages. The sales side of new, second hand and accessories started slowly and only in the early 2000’s did Victor decided to take it on more seriously. He visited a number of international conferences and made the choice to only stock and sell good quality affordable brands.
What is your favourite Howarth oboe and why?
Howarth has always been an excellent brand, our first choice if the client is on board. The S40 is a great instrument and affordable for the intermediate player. We have always recommended Howarth Oboes.
Anything to add?
We’ve had an amazing working relationship with Howarth throughout the years and we’re thrilled to continue the partnership for years to come. The staff are wonderful to work with and the instruments are truly superb. We’re always thrilled to find new homes for every new Howarth oboe that comes through our shop.
Contact the team at MusiCraft:
+27 21 703-2902