In 1960, musician, inventor, and master-craftsman George Koregelos opened House of Woodwinds in Oakland, California. In a few short years, his talent as an instrument repair technician was attracting word-renown performers such as Jean-Pierre Rampal, James Galway, Dave Brubeck, Lew Tabackin, and Robert Stolzman, to name just a few. From 1980 – 1995 he produced top-of-the-line hand crafted flutes in gold and silver. These instruments are now sought after by serious players and collectors. Through the years, George saw the need for a better method of cleaning and protecting woodwind instruments. In 1975, he invented the original HW Pad-Saver®, a de-moisturizing swab designed to wick corrosive moisture from the bore, tone holes, and pads. The HW Pad-Saver® revolutionized woodwind maintenance, was granted a patent, and HW Products, Inc. was established to manufacture the line. Ever the inventor, George later took on the problem of cleaning brass instruments and in 2000 the HW Brass-Saver™ brush was born. Unlike anything before it, this metal-free brush could easily negotiate the curved tubing of everything from trumpets to French horns, providing a safe and effective way to clean and maintain brass instruments. Once again, George had contributed the perfect solution to a major maintenance problem and he received another patent. In addition to having found a solid place in the music world, this invention is now being developed for industries outside of music such as pharmaceutical, food processing, and aerospace. When he’s not inventing great products for the music and other industries, George enjoys adventuring on photo-shoots. |
