Standard repair services range from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. All makes of modern and vintage flutes and piccolos are serviced. Pricing will vary according to the needs of a particular instrument. The following list may be taken as a general guide to the cost of repairs on instruments that do not have heavy wear or special problems.
Fitting of Tenons
Proper fitting of head and foot tenons brings out the best response from a flute by enhancing the connections between head, body, and foot, and by relieving stress on the tube. With many instruments, this can greatly improve response, richness, and evenness of tone. This is done through a slow and careful process of fitting and play-testing. Although these techniques were first developed on vintage instruments, all flutes will benefit equally from this process. Gary became an expert in this area during his many
Time at the workshop: 1-2 days.
Fee: $250
Clean, Oil, and Adjust
This type of maintenance should be done on flutes two years to prevent slow action of keys, leaky pads, and deterioration of sound.
- Complete disassembly of the instrument (including disassembly of pinned sections) to clean all parts and replace old oil.
- Clean minor tarnish from the body and mechanism.
- Replace head cork (if needed).
- Replace one or two worn pads as needed. Extra charge for replacing additional pads.
- Repair minor dents.
- Minor adjustment to head and foot tenons. (A complete fitting is a lengthy procedure that requires an additional charge. See Fitting of Tenons, above.)
- Complete adjustment of all pads, clutches, and spring tensions for an excellent feel and seal throughout.
- Any other minor adjustments as needed to bring the instrument into excellent playing condition.
Time at the workshop: 2-3 days.
Fee: $425
Full Overhaul with Lucien Pads
A full overhaul should be performed every 5-10 years, depending on how regularly a flute is played.
- All work included in a Clean, Oil, and Adjust (see above).
- Complete hand polishing of the body and mechanism.
- Remove all dents.
- Full fitting of the head and foot tenons.
- Replace all corks and felts.
- Replace pads.
- Adjust pivot screws and hinge tubing to remove all excess side-to-side motion.
- Any other minor adjustments needed to bring the flute as close to original condition as possible.
Time at the workshop: 2-3 weeks.
Fee: $1,500
Special Repairs
Major repair work is also available. Please contact Gary for an estimate.
- Resoldering
toneholes . - Conversions to open hole.
- Embouchure alterations and replacement.
- Rebuilding the occasional run-over instrument.
- Dents and damages from accidents.
- Normal wear and tear from years of playing.
Please contact Gary for an estimate.
Repair and Maintenance Policy
Free Evaluations:
Gary provides free evaluations and estimates. You will only be responsible for shipping and insurance fees to and from the workshop in Eureka, CA. All estimates are good for 30 days from the date of evaluation.
Payment:
Full payment is required at the time of service. Checks, money orders, and credit cards (via PayPal) are accepted.
Warranty:
Complete overhauls and rebuilds have a full one-year warranty from the time of shipping. All other services have a six-month warranty from the time of shipping. The warranty excludes accidental damage or damage done by faulty repair performed elsewhere.
Shipping:
Additional shipping and insurance fees apply to all repair quotes. USPS Express Mail, USPS Priority Mail, and USPS Registered Mail services are offered.