AboutJoe 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
Question I am trying to decide between two used flutes the Yamaha 225 SII and the Yamaha 211S. The 225 SII is $150, used one time and about 4 or 5 years old. The 211S is $75 was used for 2 years and is about 3 or 4 yeas old and was serviced just before she upgraded. Which of these two would you choose for my 6th grader just starting out.
Congratulations on purchasing your daughter her own flute.
I would recommend the 225S II over the 211 hands down.
My other reccomnedation would be to bring the flute to a flute specialist, or qualified woodwind repair technician to ensure it is in Good Working Order, G.P.O. and a thorough cleaning and sanitizing.....we don't want to eat somebody else's breakfast!
If you can provide me with you state, city, postal code I can recommend a repair technician.
Please visit my website for more detailed information at the links found below:
)