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 My daughter has just begun to play the flute for her grade 6 band and she is excited about it. Her school is charging $210. to rent it for the year. I have found a used one in what seems to be fairly good condition (I'm not sure about the pads) but I do not know anything about the flute. It is an Andre Bardot flute and in tiny letters it says Gemeinhardt Made in USA. The price being asked for it is $165. I just wanted to know your thoughts on this instrument. Thank you so much for your help!
Congratulations for encouraging your daughter to learn music!
My suggestion would be to pass on the Andre Bardot flute.
New vs. Used Flute
Buying a New Instrument
There are many places to gather information regarding your purchase; your teacher has a wealth of knowledge, she/he may recommend a certain make or model.
our local music store may carry a new/used line of band instruments. If this is the case, ask to try as many as you can, not all instruments are created equal!
If the instrument feels good under your fingers, ask if you can show it to your teacher before you agree to make the final purchase.
And finally, the very best place to buy is at a band/orchestral specialty store. Your questions will be answered by knowledgeable people and as a bonus you won’t hear any searing guitar solo’s in the background!
Questions to ask before buying:
* Is there a trial period?
* Has the instrument been “set up” from the factory?
* Is there a warrantee, and if there is, is it “in store” or a manufacturer’s warrantee?
* Ask about shipping particulars - see Shipping Instructions.
* When your instrument is away for repair, will they provide you with a loaner?
* Are replacement parts available for the instrument? There are many affordable “off-shore” instruments found at local music stores but should you need to repair the instrument, the availability of replacement parts can be difficult.
* Does the instrument come with a cleaning kit, and all the accessories needed to keep your instrument in top shape?
* What is the return policy should you wish to return the instrument?
* Does the store offer repair services in-house, or do they send your instrument out? This is your opportunity to develop a dialog with a repair technician. The more your repair technician knows about the relationship you have with your instrument, the better she/he can assist with mechanical adjustments. Check out the Service Guide to gain more repair insight.
Buying a Used Instrument
Not all used instruments are in “excellent” or even “P.C.” playing condition. Should you decide to purchase a used instrument, factor in a trip to your local repair technician for a check up, and a thorough cleaning.
That being said, purchasing a used instrument is an excellent way to get a better quality instrument within your means.
Questions to ask before buying:
One way of determining the condition of a used instrument is to speak with the original owner. Ask questions like:
* Are you the original owner?
* Who has played it?
* When was it played last?
* Where did you buy it from?
* What was the original price?
* Who has repaired it?
* Why are you selling it?
Things to look for:
* Check the condition of the case. If the case is clean and free of damage, it is likely the instrument has been well looked after.
* Avoid instruments with foul smelling cases as them may have been in a flood.
* Inspect pads for ripped or fuzzy edges - this is an indication the instrument is in need of service.
* Check for dents and cracks, large and small. Look down the bore of the instrument.
* Depress the keys to ensure they move freely and evenly - listen for any clicking.
* Assemble the instrument and check that the pieces fit together.
* Check for matching serial numbers on all sections of the instrument.
* Check that all accessories are included: mouthpiece/ligature/cap, cleaning/tuning swab, neck strap, all lubricants, and cork grease.
Where to buy a used instrument:
If you decide to purchase “on line”, make sure you have the option of a trial/return period. Ask for warrantee information and store policies. See Shipping Information.
If you decide to purchase from a music store, ask the salesperson for the history of the instrument, and get contact information for the previous owner.
Ask for advice from your teacher or your musical friends. They may recommend a store or even a certain brand and model of instrument. Ask them for feedback on the condition and sound of the instrument once the purchase has been made.
Do some comparison shopping, make certain the time and money you're investing for the used instrument is worth it. Research the instruments’ original cost. Visit a few shops, compare prices on-line.
Not all used instruments have been maintained alike. There is a wide range in quality of materials and methods used in the care and maintenance of musical instruments.
The Entry Level Flute
Entry level flutes range from $99.99 for an E-Bay special to $1900.00 for a quality name brand instrument that will accommodate the needs of the student until their technique and the demands of their music require an upgrade or “step up” instrument.
Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong 104, Artley, Blessing, Buffet Crampon, Dean, Emerson, Gemeinhardt 2sp, Jupiter 301s, Pearl, Selmer, Trevor J. James, and Yamaha 221.
Features of the Entry Level Flute
Body tube
Entry-level flutes are made from nickel silver and are often silver plated, although a few are nickel plated. Most beginning players will benefit from the less slippery silver plated models; often sweaty hands make for a slippery flute.
Key rib
Ribbed construction is recommended, as post and key mechanisms are fastened to the rib [a strip of metal attached to the tube] and not directly on the body tube itself. This construction assists with the alignment and strength of the flute’s mechanics.
Toneholes
Rolled and drawn toneholes are standard on all but a few student models. This manufacture set up allows many flutes to be produced in a quick and efficient manner.
Keys
Most entry level and inexpensive flutes have plateau or closed keys because they're easier to play. Open-hole flutes feature a small hole in the center of the touch keys.
In line & off set
Some teachers prefer students to start on an open-hole flute (French model) as the open holes “force” proper finger posture. This style of key is used by the majority of serious students and professional players.
Off set keys offer small and novice hands more comfort with less of a stretch to reach the “G” key.
Adjusting screw
Regulation of the key mechanism on entry/student/intermediate model flutes is accomplished through the use of adjustment screws. Some screws are visible from the front view and others are set behind the keys.
Footjoint
There are two basic models, a “C” foot, and a low “B” foot. The C footjoint has a range to low C while the B footjoint’s playing range extends a half-step lower to low B. The majority of student flutes have a “C” foot.
Headjoint
A quality headjoint is critical to the sound of the flute. Fortunately, most brand name manufacturers offer good head joints on their beginner models.
Case
Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the flute is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your flute. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.
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