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Flute/Flute Repair/Maintenance

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Expert: Joe Piccolo - 9/16/2009


Question
My flute has been through relatively heavy use for the past 6 years.  It has never been tuned-up or repaired.  Over the last two years it has been rained on heavily multiple times during Marching Band.  Now, the pads often stick, the B flat key on the foot sticks completely and won't come up.  Also, I've noticed a change in my tone quality from clear to airy, as well as a loss of the ability to play the lowest C.  
Is it time to replace my pads?  What else could be the culprit for these problems?  If any repairs are neede, what would they be, and what would the relative cost be?

Answer

expert flute repair Th
Jacob,

It sounds as though your flute is suffering from moisture on the steel rods that the keys run on, as well as needing an overhaul.

Tell me a little more about your playing needs?

That will dictate the materials and level of attention needed for the repair to assist your continual musical growth. That in turn will allow you to create a realistic budget.

Visit my web site @

http://www.thebalancedscale.com/fass.html

http://www.thebalancedscale.com/foh.html

http://www.thebalancedscale.com/bopflute_sale.html

How can I help you further.

Joe Piccolo ( no kidding )  

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

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