Who are you?
PWIC was created by musicians, for musicians, to streamline the process around the selection and acquisition of musical instruments and related equipment. Founder and owner Mark Sloss holds a degree from Northwestern University where he studied with some of the top orchestral clarinet players including his principal teachers Clark Brody (Chicago Symphony) and Russell Dagon (Milwaukee Symphony), as well as taking private and masterclass instruction with Robert Marcellus (Cleveland Orchestra).
Who are your consultants?
Our consulting artists are active performers and pedagogues who know and live their craft and have a distinctive ability to select and curate instruments and accessories for their colleagues and peers. We also work with top repair technicians across the country. From initial contact to delivery of your instrument you will only work with trained, performing artists and craftsmen who “get it.”
What do you carry?
Wind instruments and accessories. Specifically — woodwind instruments. We are principally a clarinet and saxophone dealer, and selectively work with flutes and oboes as well. We also have relationships with some of the top boutiques in the business so if we don’t have it and you need it, we can probably connect you with someone we trust to get it. You will find many but not all of the top brands in the market in our studio, as well as unique hand-crafted custom offerings as well.
Our Philosophy
Our goal is to create a friendly, relaxed environment for you to find the best equipment possible, that personally suits your specific playing style. No two instruments are the same, and no two musicians are the same either. We specialize in putting the right instruments and accessories with the right players. Whatever your needs are, we understand and have probably been there ourselves. And most importantly, we won’t sell something we wouldn’t play ourselves.
Do you have a storefront I can visit?
While we do not have a standard retail space, we are available for you to come try instruments, accessories, etc in our private consulting studio. Since we work exclusively by appointment, we do not take walk-in traffic. If you are meeting with us, you have our undivided attention and full access to our studio, curated inventory and resources. If you are consulting with one of our concert artists from a distance, we can ship the selected instrument(s) to you. For information on our location, visit our Contact page.
What are your hours?
We work by appointment only, to make sure to give each client the individual attention necessary. We also understand musician hours. Call us or email us and we will set up an appointment that fits with your rehearsal, performance and teaching schedules.
Why are there no prices on your site?
We are not an internet/e-commerce retailer so there is no click-to-buy option. You will always work with a knowledgeable professional for each and every consultation and purchase you make. We offer extremely competitive pricing, usually commensurate with internet prices, honoring all MAP and MSP manufacturer programs. We do process mail orders, and if you know what you need we can more than likely have it shipped to you.
Do you take trade-in’s?
No. But… We maintain a vibrant community of client artists, teachers and serious students around us and can often help our clients network to directly find homes for high quality used equipment without the frictional cost of consignment and other fees.
Do you sell used instruments?
Also no. If you are in the market for a high quality used instrument we can often make introductions to clients of ours that have something to sell, and then we leave it to you.
Who is Northbranch Records and why does it show up on charges from PWIC?
NBR is our record label and was our first business venture. It is a boutique CD label focused on developing new artists in the classical and jazz space who have the artistry and ideas, but with the dismantling of the major labels, not the access to record development and distribution. PWIC is dba for Northbranch Records, LLC.
Please feel free to browse our site and then contact us by phone (908-252-2828), social or email us with any questions or to discuss your needs.