Your instrument will be evaluated upon arrival with a meticulous, mechanical inspection and a thorough playing test. Recommendations will be offered and an estimate provided before work begins. Repair fees are based on two price levels, one for pre-professional instruments and another for professional instruments. Four categories of service are offered: Adjustments, Yearly Service (YS), Pad Replacement (PR), and Complete Restoration (CR). A six month warranty on the materials and labor is provided. Please see the description of the four basic services.
ADJUSTMENTS
Pads, felts, cork, and even the mechanism tubing will change over time as a flute is played in various temperatures, seasons, and with normal handling of the instrument. You may find a slight play in the key to key alignment, uneven key height, lost motion, or sticking of keys. Headjoint fitting, dent removal, spring tension adjustments, mechanical noise reduction and more can be improved without a COA or OH. Adjustment work is charged by the hour with a minimum charge of $50.
YEARLY SERVICE (YS)
A yearly clean, oil, and adjustment is a must to ensure that your flute is fully responding with a vibrant sound and effortless mechanical accuracy. Your instrument will be completely disassembled. Pins are removed and rods, screws, rollers, and mechanism tubing are cleaned. The oil is removed and replaced. The body tubing is cleaned and polished. The keys are cleaned as well as possible without disturbing pads or adjustments. The flute is re-assembled. Pads are re-shimmed as required to cover with a light touch. The mechanism is checked for any play, lost motion, radial movement, or loss of spring tension (additional charges may occur for the replacement of springs, head cork, pads and bumpers). The instrument is then thoroughly play-tested to determine response, agility and intonation. More adjustments are made accordingly. This procedure can take 2-3 days, depending on the condition of the instrument.
PAD REPLACEMENT (PR)
Pad replacement is recommended when the overall condition of the instrument is fine but one or more pads have a tear or becomes dry and therefore no longer flexible enough for shimming. Or, in the case of sideways motion in the mechanism, pads may need replacing after the mechanical tubing has been adjusted to a snug fit again and the impression on the pad no longer aligns with the tone hole. If more than two pads require replacing, a complete restoration (overhaul) may be needed.
COMPLETE RESTORATION (CR)
Restoration begins with the complete disassembly of the instrument including pinned sections. Pads, felts, and adjustment materials are removed. Dents are removed for cosmetic, acoustical, and mechanical purposes. Every part of the instrument receives an ultrasound cleaning and hand polishing. The historical patina may be left intact at the client’s request. Otherwise, the usual markings of routine cleaning are buffed smooth and the instrument will be in like new condition. Tone holes are checked and faced if not level. Springs are tested and replaced as needed. The head cork is replaced. All pads, felts, and adjustments are replaced with the highest quality materials. Traditional pads are included in the price. An additional fee of $120 is required for Straubinger pads. All mechanisms including rods, rod screws, pivot screws, rollers, and hinge tubes are cleaned and oiled. After fully assembled, the instrument is adjusted and regulated to exacting professional standards. Finally, the instrument is played in and allowed to set. At his point, it will be evaluated many times and over several days; and adjusted accordingly. The service usually takes two weeks to complete. A 6-Month Warranty on Services Performed is honored.