Happy Halloween ! 🦇

It was a short week and lots of things happened at House of Toot during the 4 working days. I am not allowed to say much here... yet but a big news is coming up !!!!!!! I am not talking about Mummy’s birthday or Zara’s birthday…. or even not my birthday…bigger than that 👽🙀

It’s already the end of October and Halloween…and Christmas is coming. Wow, 2021 so fast…faster than my eating 😹

Unfortunately, my sales’ skill didn’t shine this week but I am sure my big sis, Zara will make it up for me. Lots of accessories went out and they have gone to all over New Zealand.

Auckland now has reached 80% fully vaccinated - that’s a great news…and 10% to go ! At this rate you all will be able to see me soon 😸

Well, my furball friends, it’s time for me to try and sneak outside while Daddy’s not looking….meow, meow, meow ! 😻

Already October….Meow !

My big sis, Zara and I cannot believe it’s already October…during Level 3, we are open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday. It means Daddy and Mummy have lots of time in the morning before they go to the showroom/workshop. Daddy is happy to practice a tuba every morning…Sorry, our neighbours. For both of us, we got used to the sound of tuba…Toot toot 😹

Monday, a new shipment of Gonzalez reeds arrived safely from Argentina. It’s good to see lots of reeds in stock. Please remember the Gonzalez reeds are chemical free reeds and good for your environment and your lips and available from DR TOOT only in NZ….wow !

We also heard Daddy and Mummy were talking about “Laskey” Is that a name of a new cat or virus ??? Noooooo, Laskey is a name of a mouthpiece ! They were famous before and closed down as the owner passed away. Then, they have a new owner…the mouthpieces are back on the market. They have produced mouthpieces for French Horn and Tuba so far. Some of tuba mouthpieces are on the way to DR TOOT ! Who’s excited ? Of course, Daddy is 😋 They will make mouthpieces for trombone/Euphonium, cornet and trumpet soon !

It was good to see some customers came to drop off instruments for repair/service this week. Unfortunately, no one is allowed to enter the showroom/workshop during Level 3 but in distance, Daddy can talk to them with facemask 😺 and everything is contactless…ummm, humanoid is complicated !

Well, Taka will be back to work tomorrow after 2 months leave…finally ! We are looking forward to seeing him 😸

Another interesting week at House of Toot 😻

As all we know, another week of Level 4 lockdown in Auckland. As we mentioned before, it’s been quiet without seeing our customers…and Zara and I are missing to see lots of cars with customers !!!

Nowadays, we see only courier vans and drivers…but it is still fun to see different courier vans and drivers come to deliver goods and pick up orders from our customers around NZ. Thank you, customers…without your support, we cannot EAT 😸

On Tuesday, we received a pre-loved Yamaha French Horn from Japan as Mummy posted it on instagram. She has found a new home in Auckland at the same day - It was totally coincidence ! A customer emailed to us the other day and they were looking for a French horn for their son. The lucky French horn was out of our door next day !

The same day, Wednesday, another pre-loved instrument, Yamaha alto sax YAS475 found a new home too. It has gone to Dunedin 😸

Speaking of Wednesday, it happened a lot at House of Toot…ummm, Daddy was fine in the morning and after breakfast, he was at workshop as usual. Then, he felt very dizzy suddenly…he was lying down for a while in the living room. It was not really good timing, but after a long wait his new tuba has finally arrived safely from Miraphone in Germany !!! He was sooo excited Monday, Tuesday…and Wednesday, the tuba is here but he could not play it. After he unpacked it, he saw the tuba and had to go to bed to rest…Poor, Daddy.

Thursday, Daddy went to see his doctor (really one 😼) with Mummy. As you may know, Mummy does not drive, so they took Uber. They came back and Daddy went back to bed. We were so worried…especially, Zara was !

Then, Friday, we all heard that Daddy played the new tuba, Miraphone New Yorker CC tuba…wow, what a sound…and wow, Daddy is back ! Saturday and Sunday, he practised a lot and we all heard the noise…no, the sound 😹

Hopefully, we will move to Level 3 this coming week, Auckland !!! Meow, meow, meow 😻

Happy Father’s Day in Bubble !!!

Auckland is still on Alert Level 4 and it’s been quiet here…No customers…No phone calls…but courier drivers still come for deliveries and pickups, which makes me happy somehow…humanoids !

Daddy tried to catch up all repairs and long waited a pair of vintage clarinets finally completed this week and have gone up to their home in Whakatane. With a new Protec case, they looked fabulous 😻

A parcel from Japan and Australia arrived safely this week. There were two pre-loved instruments from Japan - Yanagisawa alto sax A902 (bronze saxophone) and Yamaha Custom SEV Bb clarinet. Daddy serviced both of them, and the Yanagisawa saxophone has already found a new home in Hamilton ! It was delivered to a customer, who is one of our long term customers, and they are very happy with the new saxophone !  Yep, Mummy read an email from them to me this morning 😼

A parcel from Australia was a full of accessories…Mummy tried to re-stock all the time. More Gonzalez reeds have been ordered and they should be arriving here soon.

Last night, we had a phone call from the owner of Zara’s siblings. Sadly, Zara was told that her real brother, Pretty has passed away…Zara told me that she doesn’t remember him much. I also have some siblings but I came to the House of Toot after a few months later I was born, so I really don’t remember them at all.

Daddy has decided to make an adaption about his tuba…So, he says “Good bye” to his tuba, Anton soon when Alert Level changes, Anton is leaving for a new home in New Plymouth. Well, about his new tuba, maybe Zara can tell you more next week.

It was a Father’s Day in New Zealand today and Zara and I wrote a card and gave him big hugs and kisses…hehehe. For us, it is hard to write a card…you know, but we did it anyway 😺😸

 

Cattery Calling...

Yes, Daddy is back from Christchurch and united. Needless to say, my big sis, Zara was so happy to see him and of course, sat and slept on his lap as usual…yes, the life is back to normal here 😺

As you all know, I am not a just chubby tabby…I am Princess Alfa and I can deliver !!  This week was “Epic” - the middle of the school break and the DR TOOT repair team was soooo busy.

Lots of customers visited us too. From Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Hastings… Did they all come to see me ???  Wow !

Wednesday, a gentleman visited DR TOOT showroom for testing a pre-loved Buffet A Clarinet RC. He is a professional clarinettist/teacher from Christchurch, who happens to be in Auckland for his holiday. He tested the A clarinet for his student. He was a very happy with it and his student purchased it online immediately. The clarinet found a new home in Christchurch !

Thursday, one of brand new Miayazawa flutes found a new home. One of our customers who lives in Hamilton tried the 602REB and loved it. Yes, the flute found a new home in Hamilton !

Taka has finished servicing a pre-loved Yamaha tenor saxophone YTS62S (yes, silver colour like me 😉) which was a special order from one of our long term customers. She is ready to leave for a new home in Gisborne on Monday.

Saturday, we saw a familiar face with a new face - He brought his friend to test the two pre-loved Yamaha French Horns, which arrived from Japan the other day. She really liked one of them and she was so excited to own the new French horn ! Well, the French horn has gone to Hastings !

Daddy and Mummy told us that we have to stay at a cat hotel for a few days this coming week. The Concert Band Festival is happening in Napier on Saturday, 31^st July (NB: The DR TOOT HQ will be closed from Friday, 30^th  - See you on Monday as usual). Daddy and Mummy will have a pop up store at the Napier Municipal Theatre all day. Sorry, Zara and I cannot be there but we will be sending our love and cheers to everyone from the cat hotel….meow, meow, meow 😻😸😺

 

Sleeping Beauties...

It’s been raining all day here in Howick. It’s a typical winter Sunday and I snuggled under my purple blankey all day….hiding from my big sis, Zara ! She was sleeping all day too on the big black cushion….yes, she was blended in and sometimes we can’t tell if she is really there…ha ha 😹

Well, it was a bit quiet week for me…but the DR TOOT Repair Team, Taka and Daddy were very busy as usual. Taka finished working on the beaaaaauuuutiful silver plated Selmer Paris vintage alto sax Mark Vl the other day. It was made in 1955 (yes, vintage, vintage….a year older than Daddy!). The owner came in and collected it from us on Friday and he was quite surprised to see how it turned up. When the saxophone was brought in, it had not been played for a while and it was tarnished. Daddy polished very well by a machine and hands and it is soooo shinny now ! The owner tried it and it produced gorgeous sounds ! Taka used Pisoni Pro pads with metal resonators which resonated very well😸 Anyway, he was very happy and we were all happy too !

We welcomed some customers during the week and it was so busy on Saturday ! We saw new faces and familiar faces…One of customers was a family of a father and three children from North Shore. A son is a clarinet player who has done the Grade 6 and wanted to upgrade his clarinet. He tried a few clarinets and liked a pre-loved Yamaha Custom SEV clarinet - Zara and I heard beautiful sounds. He went home with his new clarinet and smile…we hope that it will bring him lots of joy and sweet memories, meow, meow, meow !😺😻😸

Daddy is not only busy with his work at the workshop but also he has been busy with playing a tuba. He had lots of rehearsals during the week nights and weekend…and gigs are coming up this coming weekend.

I guess lots of people are also busy with practising… it sounds very good. Stay warm and healthy…and Happy Tooting from the DR TOOT Team ! 😸

Come and Go !

It was an international week at DR TOOT 😺

Monday, a parcel from Japan arrived safely. We received a pre-loved Yanagisawa tenor sax T901ll and Buffet RC Bb clarinet.

Tuesday, a brand new Berg Larsen Bronze Duckbill tenor sax metal mouthpiece arrived from Berg Larsen in Belgium. It was a special order by one of our customers and it has gone to a new home in Tauranga.

Also, a new shipment of Briccialdi flutes from Italy was delivered to us later that day. It’s very good to see more Briccialdi flutes in stock !

On Wednesday, a small parcel from Australia arrived….it was another special order by one of our customers in Auckland - Guo New Voice piccolo (ABS piccolo in a very nice wooden case !) The customer came in the next day to collect it. He tested and wow…it sounded jut lick a normal piccolo. The white colour body with black keys…ummmm, it just like me actually 😻

Saturday, more pads arrived from Italy. In the morning, a son and a father visited DR TOOT. The son was interested in the pre-loved Yanagisawa tenor sax T901ll which arrived on Monday. He contacted our Mummy before and Taka serviced, set up and tested the other day and it was ready for him. He was happy to see the saxophone and became the new owner !

Daddy played the tuba with MCB (Manukau Concert Band) Saturday night for celebrating their 50^th birthday…over 200 audiences gathered and it was a successful night. It was a looooong day for Daddy.

It was a nice weather in the morning, but it turned not nice weather today. We had lots of rain here…Hopefully everyone had a safe and sound weekend. Zara and I are feeling chilly and curled up together…I know Zara doesn’t mind 😸

Another Well Done Me week for Princess Alfa….😻

Yes, I am talking to myself 😺 It was a fabulous week…Monday started with a pre-loved Yamaha cornet sales (BTW, we still have another Yamaha cornet YCR4330GS for sale ! ) The gentleman visited us to try the pro model cornet and he loved the sound. Happily left here with his new cornet 😸

Then, the vintage King Super 20 tenor saxophone has found a new home in Auckland. The new owner is one of our young customers who has grown up ! He plays the baritone sax and the alto saxophone…and he wanted to start playing the tenor sax. He tried the vintage King Super 20 tenor sax…what a sound ! He loved the sound and he became a new owner…😺

At DR TOOT, all about the sound !!! I can make a good sound…meow, meow, meow…..

Also, we have received a few special orders from customers. If you cannot find an instrument you are looking for on our website, Daddy and Mummy will try to find one for you. Please contact them !

Well, the repair team of two have been very buy with repairs/services. Taka and daddy have worked on lots of clarinets. Taka has done an overhaul work on a flute and serviced one of our stock saxophones. It’s a Yamaha alto sax YAS475 and was ready on Friday.

On Saturday, a mother and a son visited us with his saxophone teacher (another familiar face 😻 ) and tried this YAS475. Well, no brainer…they went home with the new saxophone with big smile. Zara and I are always happy to hear and see lots of customers with our instruments…😊

Daddy has been busy with playing the tuba with Howick Brass Band (the national contest is in July) and also Manukau Concert Band (the 50^th anniversary concert is coming up soon).

It was sunny Sunday today 🌞 Hope that everyone enjoyed the nice autumn weather !!! 

BAC should be "Beautiful Alfa Cat" !?

My big sis, Zara called me “BAC - Bad Alfa Crazy” ??? in her last blog. Zaaaarrraaa….you are very wrong…BAC should be “Beautiful Alfa Cat” 😻

Well, Monday was off…and it was a short week - Another busy week at DR TOOT. A pre-loved Kohlert bassoon found a new home in Hastings. So, it was a good start for me 😺

On Thursday, a familiar face visited us who came earlier last week, and his student with his family also came in to try one of our pre-loved tenor saxophones. The Selmer Paris Series lll tenor sax has found a new home in Auckland !

Then, it was a very nice weather on Saturday and we had lots of customers ….BTW, it’s already May !!! A few customers came in to pick up repaired/serviced instruments and a few instruments have found a new home !

First thing in the morning, a gentleman came with a baby and tried a pre-Loved Yamaha Custom EX alto sax and he has left with the saxophone ! Another gentleman from Tauranga, who visited our pop up store at Baycourt, has purchased the BAC New York trumpet. Then, we saw a lady, who visited DR TOOT before, came back to purchase a brand new Chateau alto sax - she is going to learn !!! Also, a mother of a clarinet player visited us to purchase a recent arrival, Buffet R13 clarinet !!!  Ohhhhhh, Well Done, Me again…..hehehehe 😸😻🙏

After Daddy had a very busy long weekend last week, he does not have any rehearsals or gigs this weekend and he was still practicing the tuba this morning. Zara and I were brought up with tuba sounds, so we don’t mind that Daddy is playing the tuba in the living room where we stay.

It was a beautiful weather in Auckland during the weekend. Hope that everyone had a safe and sound weekend….and have a great week ahead !!! 😻😺😸

Another What a Week !

My big sis, Zara had a very good week last week, so I had a bit pressure…but it turned a very good week for me and DR TOOT 😻

Monday, it started with another Cornet sales. A friend of the customer who purchased the JP cornet came in and picked up his brand new JP silver plated cornet. Yes, DR TOOT sell brand new John Parker (JP) instruments. So, if you are looking for any JP instruments, please contact Mummy or Daddy !

Tuesday, a familiar face visited us. The customer who has an older Selmer Paris Bb clarinet and wanted to try some other clarinets. Mummy mentioned about the brand new Selmer Paris Privilege (top of their professional models) in store. The customer wasn’t thinking to get another Selmer Paris clarinet but he came back to DR TOOT next day and tried it here (actually the front of me and Zara…) and fell in love with the clarinet 😺

The same day in the afternoon, a lady visited DR TOOT. She contacted us earlier about an A clarinet and we happened to have a pre-loved Selmer Paris 10Sll in stock - Just arrived from Japan and Taka serviced it and replaced all pads. As you might know, it is not easy to find an A clarinet in excellent condition...so, she was happy to find an A clarinet !

On Thursday, the Selmer Paris Reference 54 “antique look” tenor sax arrived safely from France ! It was an ordered by a customer. Taka has checked over, set up and tested and now she is waiting to meet the new owner !

Well, it sounds that we had Selmer Paris week !? I am Alfa, Princes Alfa….I am not an eating machine or looser…..I deliver !!! 😸😼

PS: Tomorrow 12 years ago on this date, this blog started….WOW ! 🙀🙀🙀

Well done you, Emirates Team NZ !

Yes, as many of you know already, Emirates Team New Zealand won the 36^th America’s Cup. So, America’s Cup stays in New Zealand….and America’s Cup is still New Zealand’s Cup and Zara’s dish is still Alfa’s dish, hehehe 😺

I must admit that I have been eating maybe too much…As a house cat, I don’t go out that means I do not do excise much. I sometimes run run run inside of the house like maniac, but otherwise I sleep. So, I have to watch my weight, I guess…

Fortunately DR TOOT seems to be still very busy…Zara and I see different courier drivers come and go everyday. Instruments for repair/service are arriving from everywhere in NZ.

Also, a huge parcel was delivered on Tuesday. It was our first brand new Chateau baritone sax and two alto saxophones. It came by a big ship ! The baritone sax was ordered by one of schools in Auckland. The two saxophones are happy together and now displayed at our showroom 😻

Well, after my big sis, Zara published her blog last Sunday, a pre-loved Yamaha alto sax YAS62 with G1 Neck has found a new home.  On Monday, she left for Christchurch !

On Thursday, a new arrival pre-loved Yamaha French Horn YHR688ND found a new home in Auckland.  Hopefully the new owner has been enjoying playing the gorgeous horn ! …and a pre-loved Yamaha Custom SEV clarinet YCL853llV has also found a new home in Auckland 😊

Well done, me….it was a very good week for a little Alfa 😸🐱🐾🐾

Level 3 to 2 😻

Our week started under Level 3 in Auckland (the rest of NZ was Level 2) and since this morning at 6.00am, we are now Level 2 (the rest of NZ is Level 1).

So, under Level 3, we were open everyday but customers were not allowed to enter the shop. BUT, we still saw some customers for contactless picking ups and dropping off instruments.  Courier drivers delivered some instruments for repairs everyday too. Good to see still some activities were happening !

The fact is that Taka, Jordan and Daddy have been still busy with repairing and servicing instruments. There are some instruments lined up…So, please understand there is a waiting time. The team is trying to do their best they can ! My big sis, Zara and I are also cheering them up everyday !!! 😻 

One of deliveries was from Japan - Pre-loved Yanagisawa soprano sax S991 and Yamaha clarinet YCL450. The soprano sax was a special order by one of our customers in Christchurch. Also, they have purchased a pre-loved Jupiter flugelhorn we had in stock. The both instruments have left for the new home…happy together !  The Yamaha clarinet YCL450 has also found a new home in Auckland...very local 😊

As you remember, Zara mentioned in her last blog that Daddy was delivering a Sousaphone to a customer in Wellington. Due to the travel restriction under Level 3, he could not go to Wellington. Well, he is now on the way to Wellington ! He will be meeting the customer tomorrow 😲

It was a bit strange and different week…even I had poo incident…but I don’t want to talk about that…I am very fine now and hope that the new week will bring more customers, happiness…and food 🙀😺😻

Happiness in the tins 💜

It’s been nice weather in Auckland and just like summer again !

Well, after my big sis, Zara published her blog last Sunday, our Prime Minister announced that Auckland would be at the Alert Level 3 for three days and the rest of country would be at Level 2. So, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we worked following the Government Level 3 guidance. Everyone was wearing mask at DR TOOT…of course, except me and Zara 😺

We saw some customers under Level 3 but they were not allowed to enter the shop. So, it was a bit strange transaction…then, on Thursday, Auckland was back to Level 2 and the rest of country were back to Level 1. It was very good to see some customers visited us.

Sunday night, one of pre-loved Trumpets found a new home in Christchurch via Trade Me. It was a near new condition Yamaha Xeno trumpet. The customer, who purchased it, has left a very nice feedback on TradeMe. It was for her daughter and she is very happy with the trumpet !!!

Also, another customer in Auckland phoned up and ordered a brand new JP Euhonium for her son who is going to start playing it. They came to collect it from us on Wednesday and they were happy with the Euphonium !

On Thursday, a pre-loved King trombone 606 found a new home in Auckland too. The customer collected it from us…another happy customer !

The same day, another customer came to pick up the serviced/repaired flute from us and she purchased a pre-loved Yamaha alto sax YAS275 which Taka just finished the overhaul work. It was for a her son !

Thank you all customers for your support…without your support we are unable to continue our business 💗

Mummy and Daddy have been trying to feed more and more to Zara as she requires to gain her weight. They gave her nice meal (you know it comes in tin) and of course, I have been eating them too…I must watch my weight…maybe eating too much…I can’t help it…they are too delicious to avoid. For me, Birthday and Christmas came at the same time….ummmm, yum, yum, yum 😻😻😻

Another short week...

It’s another short week (Waitangi Day today in New Zealand) and I had a very good start in February. 

On Wednesday, the Briccialdi flute 1849 found a new home in Whangarei.  Hope that the new owner has been enjoying playing it 😻

The same day, father and son visited our showroom and purchased the Backun Beta Bb clarinet. The son goes to a local college and he plays a piano. For him, it’s the first time to play the clarinet….wow, he is lucky to start with such a beautiful and quality clarinet !

On Friday, Mummy and Daddy had a phone call from Christchurch who was looking for a tenor horn for herself and a curved soprano saxophone for her husband. Well, we ordered a brand new JP tenor horn for her and we happened to have a pre-loved Yanagisawa soprano sax with twin neck (BTW, we have another Yanagisawa curved soprano sax in stock). The lady could not believe that we have two in stock. She was happy to purchase one with twin neck for her husband and the saxophone will be serviced and leaving here soon !

Yesterday (Sunday), we had a very special (…like me 😋) guest from Wellington. His name is Trent Hamilton who is a very famous brass instruments reviewer on YouTube. He has his own channel, so please google him and watch his funny videos ! In the morning, he and Daddy had a zoom interview with Mike from BAC in Kansas City in USA - you can watch the video via DR TOOT facebook page. In the afternoon, Trent tried the BAC trumpets and trombones, reviewed and recorded. We will all see them soon via his YouTube channel. Zara and I heard all the sounds in the living room and we are looking forward to watching the videos with Mummy and Daddy !

Well, the weather has been very good here in Auckland. I enjoy being outside with Zara ! Speaking of Zara, she is now eating well. I think that the medicines are working for her. Mummy and Daddy are hoping she eats more and gains her weight…Take care, Everyone !!! 💓💛💜

Happy Tooting 2021 !!!

This is the first blog in 2021 by me, so I would like to say Happy “mmmeeeow” Year to everyone from me, Alfa….your princess Alfa 💜

I guess that lots of people are still on holidays and enjoying a summer break. We feel the summer is finally here…the temperature has gone up ! My big sis, Zara seems to be enjoying to sleep outside nowadays. I sometimes enjoy outside…of course, with my friend, leash !

The Team of Jordan, Taka and Daddy continued working on the instruments from schools as well as from private customers. Daddy thinks that the end of tunnel is getting closer !!!

We have been waiting for the shipments from Japan and they are taking much longer than usual….patience, patience. Good things come slowly !

This week, BAC Apprentice Series trumpet has found a new home in Auckland via our online store. She is leaving for a new home tomorrow 😊

In New Zealand, our daily life seems to be close to “normal” but Zara and I understand that most of rest of world are still far from the normality…so, we are sending our thoughts to you who lives outside of New Zealand. Take care, friends…and stay safe…and keep tooting ! 😻😺😸

Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all !!!

It’s a public holiday today in New Zealand. The team is having a 4 days short break till today. It was a quiet week last week all though the repair team has been very busy with instruments’ repairs and services.

Zara and I had lovely meals (salmon, chicken, turkey…etc) in the last few days and I enjoyed very much 😻😻

The team will be back to work tomorrow, 29^th December for 3 days and they will have another 4 days short break !

It’s nearly the end of 2020…It was a weird year for us as we didn’t stay at a cat hotel at all. I didn’t have any chance to meet another cat…🙀

We hope that everyone is having safe and sound holidays….We wish 2021 will be a much better new year, meow meow meow !!! 😸😺🐾🐾

Waiting for Santa !

Yep, Christmas tree is up and my favourite place is back…under the tree ! I can see you but you can’t see me, hehehehe 😺

It was another busy week at DR TOOT.  The week started with the Mark Vl tenor sax.  She has found a new home in Wellington ! The new owner came in the other day and tested it, loved it…and went home. He tried a few other saxophones but he selected this one - A big thank you from the DR TOOT Team 😻

On Wednesday, a son and a father visited us. He wanted to order the Backun pro model Bb clarinet called “Protégé”. So, Mummy contacted Backun in Canada and ordered it for the customer. It’s now on the way to DR TOOT ! It will be the first Protégé for us and Zara and I are looking forward to see another beautiful clarinet from Canada 😸

Thursday, a lady walked into the DR TOOT showroom in the afternoon and asked about a trumpet for her husband, who has always wanted to play the trumpet, as a Christmas present (secret Santa). Her eye caught on to a beautiful BAC Apprentice trumpet. His wishes will be fulfilled soon…lucky man !

Saturday, a son and a mother…with a daughter and a dog visited us. The son wanted to try the pre-loved P. Mauriat vintage look alto sax which Taka serviced it and Mummy listed on our website on Friday. He loved the look and the sounds…he left the showroom with the saxophone and big smile !!!

Then, today, Sunday, a son and a father came to try the pre-loved Yanagisawa alto sax A902 in the afternoon. The son tried the alto sax and loved the sounds ! Well, another saxophone has found a new home in Auckland 😻

Well, well, well….Well Done, Me…Alfa 😸I am a Prince Alfa after all 😺 Hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend….and Yes,  Santa is on the way ! 🎅

Life goes on…

It was a bit wired week…I must say.  We had a famous Auckland weather “four seasons in one day” - rain, sunny, cloudy, windy, cold…etc.🙀

The team seems to be very busy with lots of repair work. Zara and I heard lots of noise coming out from Taka’s workshop and the showroom. Daddy, Taka and Jordan have been working hard to get through lots of instruments. If you are thinking to get service for your instruments, please contact us in advance as we have already fully booked for a while.

Two pre-loved alto saxophones have arrived from Japan - Yanagisawa bronze A902 and P. Mauriat Custom Class System 76 2nd Edition dark lacquer finish. Both of them are in excellent condition as you expect from DR TOOT ! Taka has been doing a big job on a few instruments, so as soon as he is available, he will service them and Mummy will list them on our website 😺

We are so grateful that the life in New Zealand seems to be almost normal as before the pandemic. Daddy is now busy with playing a tuba with different groups and goes out for rehearsals most of nights….Zara is not impressed as you know 😼

Yesterday, we had an annual Howick Brass BBQ party here at DR TOOT. We host the party every year and we were not sure if it would be on this year….but we are glad that we could host it again.  Zara and I stayed at Mummy and Daddy’s bedroom as every year, and it was very good to hear that people were talking and laughing 😸

Well, November’s almost finished…wow…Do we Jingle Bells in the distance?....😻

Cerebration Week at DR TOOT

I must say that we had a very unique week here at DR TOOT 😺

Monday, we kicked off a day with celebrating Mummy’s birthday 😻 Zara and I gave her lots of hugs and kisses, hehehehe.   Also, two clarinets have found a new home - the pre-loved Yamaha Custom CX clarinet has gone to Wellington and the brand new Backun Alpha (not Alfa) clarinet has gone to Beach Heaven on Shore….Meow !

Tuesday…it was the 10^th of November…it was the day, Daddy arrived in New Zealand 46 years ago…from Canada !

Then, Wednesday, it was, of course, my birthday !!! I turned 9 year-old  😺   Mummy and Daddy forgot to buy special meals for my birthday…well, they felt guilty (should be !) and Zara and I could have special breaky and dinner on Friday ! That was YUMMY 😻😸

On Thursday, that was the day, Mummy, Daddy, Zara and Rico moved in this house 9 years ago. Times really fly… I moved in this house (adopted) in January 2012. 

Daddy has been busy with some rehearsals and had a concert last night. He played the tuba with Manukau Symphony Orchestra. It was the first concert for this year…and for Daddy, it was the last concert with MSO for this year. He can’t wait to play again next year !

We received three pre-loved instruments from Japan. The Yamaha 311 flute, Sankyo Etude flute, and Buffet E13 clarinet. They should be serviced soon by Taka and ready for sale !

Our busiest time of a year seems to be started…already ! I saw that Taka’s room is a full of instruments now…and more to come 😼

Well, it’s my big sis, Zara’s birthday tomorrow ! It means I can have special meals again…Meow, Meow, Meow ! 😸🙏😻

It's already November !

As my big sis Zara wrote her blog on Monday (not Sunday), it was Labour Day…it means it was a short week.

Tuesday, everyone was back to work and started an interesting busy day ! Lots of customers came in…from the new entrance. The first customers (a couple) were from Whangarei who brought in the Buffet clarinet for an overhaul work. Then, we saw some familiar faces…Zara told me that she walked through the back door to the entrance which is now widely open as it’s been a nice weather and warm already ! Well, the recent arrived Jupiter alto sax has found a new home in Auckland 😻

A few more pre-loved instruments have arrived from Japan - Two Yamaha Bb clarinets YCL650 and Custom CX and a Yamaha alto sax YAS380. They will be serviced by Team and listed on our website soon !

More instruments have arrived for repairs/services from customers, which keep Jordan, Taka and Daddy busy ! Now, Mummy has her computer and desk at the new showroom and she is always there to welcome all customers….it means that I cannot see her during the day time unfortunately 😿. As you know, I used to visit her at her office everyday and spent time there…but the office is now Taka’s workshop and I am not allowed to enter the room. Ummmm…..meow, meow, meow….😿

Friday late afternoon, roll up blinds were installed. That was the final thing for the new showroom. So, it is now completed....for now 😺

Come to visit our new showroom !!! There are lots of nice brand new and pre-loved instruments - flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets and trombones…and a sousaphone !  Also, a wide range of accessories - mouthpieces, mutes, reeds, cleaning products….etc. It was introduced on the local paper, Times….wow, world famous in Howick !!!

It’s already November…and getting warmer ! November is a very special month which you will all see why soon😼. Hope that everyone had a safe and sound weekend 😸