bobbernard.co.uk
musician · teacher · composer
The Heritage Behind the Name
Welcome to R.V. Bernard & Sons. While our retail business is a modern, family-run enterprise, our foundation rests on a lifetime of musical excellence and uncompromising standards.
The heart of our business is our founder, Bob Bernard—a lifelong dedication to music. With distinguished service in the Royal Military School of Music and nearly six decades of experience playing and teaching the clarinet, the R.V. Bernard name represents a depth of knowledge that simply cannot be manufactured. It is this expertise—forged over decades of elite performance and instruction—that informs every instrument we source, evaluate, and sell.
The R.V. Bernard & Sons Standard
We specialize exclusively in high-quality, second-hand woodwind instruments. We know that a well-crafted, meticulously maintained instrument has a soul and a history that a brand-new, factory-line model often lacks.
Because we operate as a private, family-run business based in Kent, we maintain a close, personal connection to our inventory. We don’t rely on generic appraisals; every piece is assessed with an expert ear and an eye for traditional craftsmanship.
Our Promise
- Expert Curation: Instruments evaluated by true woodwind specialists with a lifetime of classical and military training.
- Honest Trading: Transparent, straightforward assessments of every second-hand piece.
- Enduring Quality: A commitment to extending the life and legacy of exceptional woodwind instruments for the next generation of players.
Contact us to enquire about an instrument or arrange a meeting in the Tunbridge Wells area or London.