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About Joe Piccolo
Expertise
all things related woodwind repair and maintenance. I do not accept qustions regarding serial numbers and the value of new/used flutes.

Experience
Repair at the Balanced Scale is not Sax Pads considered in terms of “good enough” for a student instrument and meticulous for the professional. Traditional and time-tested materials and practices are coupled with modern band instrument repair tooling, techniques, and materials to provide excellent repair for all instruments.

Organizations
Part of a Larger Organization N.A.P.B.I.R.T. (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians), of which I have been a member since 2004, is an international professional association comprised of musical instrument repair technicians from all over the world. A network of colleagues, mentors and friends, the Association encourages the continuing growth of the industry’s knowledge base through its newsletter, yearly conferences, and workshops.

Education/Credentials
Continuing Education - Student for Life In 2004-2006, I attended and completed the practical portion of a highly specialized program focusing on brass and woodwind repair at Keyano College. The Music Instrument Repair Program (M.I.R.) is the only one of its kind in Canada. The Program offers students a comprehensive foundation of repair theory coupled with practical application followed up with industry feedback and guidance. During my time at Keyano, I developed a deep interest in flute repair. In 2007, this interest took me to Straubinger Flutes in Indianapolis, Indiana where I received specialized training and certification for the installation and servicing of Straubinger pads. Experience and Training at a Glance Straubinger Flutes, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA 2007 – Straubinger Pad Certification Keyano College - M.I.R. Lab, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada 2004-06 - Student Shop Assistant Tool Trade, Windsor, Ontario, Canada 1993-2004 - All aspects of manual machining related to the tooling industry: Precision grinding E.D.M. (electrical discharge machining) Layout and inspection Hand polishing Spotting and fitting I.S.O. training University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada 1990-92 - Music Education

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Flute > foot joint

Flute - foot joint

Expert: Joe Piccolo - 10/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: I currently have been having some issues with my foot joint on my flute(I'm in marching band). It has been from falling off to being to tight in one practice. Is it just the weather or is it an issue that should be fix. (my teacher can't fix flutes well also) O cleaned it but it doesn't help at all

ANSWER: Hi Bethany,

I hope you marching season goes great!

It sounds to me as though the "tenon" that is the area of the flute that fit's onto the foot is no longer round.

Assemble the flute and the foot. Does the foot wiggle if you gently rock it back and forth/up and down? Now turn the foot a little and try it again? What did you notice ?

IF you find that it fits snug "here" and loose "there" your tenon is out of round. Fortunately this is an easy problem to fix; bring your flute to a local music repair shop and ask to have the foot joint "re-fit"

If you need a recommendation for a repair shop...provide me with your state/city/Zip and I can recommend a shop.

Good luck for great notes!

Joe Piccolo (no kidding)

Visit The Balanced Scale online @

www.thebalancedscale.com

IMAGE: Foot joint

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok thanks last month I've got my foot joint joint to be re fitted since it fell off in middle of drill and on concrete (i know not the best thing) so how much time it takes for it to be worn down?

Answer

The Balanced Scale log

Bethany,

I am not really sure they "SHOULD" wear down?

Does it appear to have been sanded?

Does it look round?

If you attach the foot to the body and GENTLY turn the foot...do you feel an even "drag" or does it get loose then tight..then loose...then tight......then...well you get it.

If that is the case..the foot has not been properly re-fit.

That foot should stay put once it has been adjusted.

Let me know if you need me to recommend a repair tech for you.

Good luck for great notes.

Joe Piccolo (no kidding)

www.thebalancedscalecom

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