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Before work begins each flute is thoroughly inspected and
the following questions are asked:
- Has the flute been dropped and if so where,
- Is the flute straight?
- Is there damage to the tone holes, are they caved in
or out of round?
- Has the headjoint been bent or dented and does it fit
smoothly?
Evaluated in this manner, dismantling can begin. Keys
are swaged for perfect fit and the rods must slide smoothly
through the hinge tubing. Posts are aligned so the keywork
and post abutt one another, If needed, old pivot screws
are replaced.
 Work
proceeds though the entire flute in this meticulous manner.
Dents are removed, tone holes are examined and made level
and round if necessary, stack rods and posts must be in
a straight line and if the flute is old the rods are examined
for rust. Springs are checked for rust and resiliency of
tension. If these qualities are found lacking they are replaced.
All solder joints are checked, especially soldered tone
holes, and fixed if need be.
Once this work is completed, the flute is given a bath
in a biodegradablecleaning agent, polished, and then assembly
begins. The pad cups are leveled, correct size pads are
chosen. Only the finest sheet cork, felts and teflon are
used for the combinations and on the feet of the keys. Key
arms are bent if necessary so that from a side view pad
and key cups are parallel, and when each pad seats perfectly
the key combinations are balanced.
The entire instrument is reassembled with attention to
every detail. Upon completion it sits for a day, then is
checked again. Finally the flute is played by a professional
musician, intonation problems dealt with, and the action
set. The fit of the head and foot joints is of utmost importance,
when done correctly your flute will sing. Straubinger pads
are available, they are exceedingly stable and do not react
to climatic changes as do felt pads. Additional charges
will apply for their use. As a professional musician and
technician, my thirty years of experience has led me to
conclude that the same tension and resiliency should be
felt through out the flute under your fingertips, and the
result will be the minimum of effort to create the clarity
of musical thought.
Pricing for repairs:
| Student flute overhaul |
$325 |
| Intermediate silver closed hole |
$475 |
| Intermediate silver open hole |
$525 |
| Professional open hole |
$725 |
| Professional w/Straubinger or Schmidt pads |
$975-1050 |
| Alto and bass flute |
$725 |
**Shipping, handling, insurance and sales tax are not included.
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