Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Authentic Musical Instruments
Established in 1980, Knock on Wood is a Suffolk-based business founded by musicians and music enthusiasts. We specialise in sourcing high-quality musical instruments, recordings, and tuition materials from over 100 global suppliers, prioritising Fair Trade partnerships in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Our product range includes handcrafted instruments such as djembes, samba drums, xylophones, and kalimbas, alongside accessories and educational resources. As a musician-run company, we rigorously test every product to ensure durability and authenticity. We collaborate with renowned brands like LP, Pearl, and Meinl while supporting local artisans through sustainable procurement practices. Our commitment to cultural preservation and ethical sourcing underpins our mission to make world music accessible.We provide impartial advice, sound therapy solutions, and educational tools for schools, therapists, and hobbyists. With decades of industry experience, we combine expertise in instrument design, global trade, and music education. Our teams hands-on approach ensures every product meets professional standards, from beginner kits to advanced performance instruments. We actively invest in community development projects, such as replanting trees and improving production facilities for our partners in Ghana and Vietnam. This dedication to quality, ethics, and education has solidified our reputation as a trusted authority in world music.
Services
Samba Instruments
African Drums
Fair Trade Products
Sound Therapy Tools
Educational Resources
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We are musicians-run experts with 45 years of global instrument sourcing experience.
- Our Fair Trade partnerships ensure ethical production and community investment.
- We rigorously test every product for professional-grade quality and durability.
- We offer impartial advice and educational resources for schools and therapists.
- Our inventory includes exclusive handmade instruments from 100+ global suppliers.
Services
Samba Instruments
We supply premium samba drums, shakers, and accessories for schools, bands, and festivals. Our range includes caixas, repiniques, and surdos crafted from sustainable materials. Each instrument is tested for tonal quality and durability, ensuring professional performance standards.
African Drums
Our African drum collection features hand-carved djembes, dundun sets, and repair services. Instruments are sourced from artisans in Ghana and Mali using traditional techniques. We offer reskinning services and tuition materials to support players of all skill levels.
Fair Trade Products
We prioritise partnerships with Fair Trade cooperatives in Kenya, India, and Vietnam. Our procurement model invests in tooling, reforestation, and storage facilities for producer communities. This ensures fair wages and long-term sustainability for traditional crafts.
Sound Therapy Tools
Our sound therapy range includes singing bowls, gongs, and rainsticks for meditation and wellness. These instruments are selected for their acoustic properties and therapeutic applications. We provide guidance on usage for stress reduction and mindfulness practices.
Educational Resources
We supply instrument-specific tuition materials and class packs for schools. Resources include method books, play-along CDs, and teacher guides for percussion, ukulele, and world music ensembles. Discounts are available for educational institutions.
Questions
Do you offer international delivery?
Yes, we ship worldwide using tracked and insured services. Delivery times vary by destination, with additional charges possible for customs clearance in non-EU countries.
Are your Fair Trade claims verified?
We maintain direct partnerships with producer cooperatives and publish case studies of our investments in Ghana and Vietnam. We avoid unverified 'Fair Trade' labels and prioritise transparent sourcing.
Can schools order on account?
Yes, UK educational institutions can place orders via purchase orders and pay by BACS within 30 days. Free delivery applies to orders over £79.16 ex VAT.
Do you provide instrument warranties?
We offer a 30-day returns policy for faulty items. Manufacturer warranties apply to branded products like LP and Pearl instruments. Contact our team for specific terms.
How do I choose between nylon and hide drum heads?
Nylon heads are weather-resistant and ideal for outdoor use, while hide heads offer traditional tone but require humidity control. Our specialists can advise based on your environment and playing style.
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