Hi There!
I'm thinking of purchasing a used Brannen Bros. flute that has been overhauled. It looks and plays like new. But still quite spendy, since it is a Brannen.
My question is this. The fact that it has been overhauled, does this compromise the flute and/or does it mean that it was not treated well or used extensively. Can a flute be overhauled again and again? If I purchase this flute, I want it to last a life time.
Thanks for any advice!
Flute Overhaul
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
-
fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
Re: Flute Overhaul
Assuming that you mean a true and complete overhaul it should be like it's practically new. When a specialized flute technician performs an overhaul they typically strip ALL soft parts (pads, felts, corks, and shims) and do a mechanical overhaul. This is where they go through and remove any mechanical damage or imperfections like loose keywork, loose joints, dings, scratches, dents, and any other metal/mechanical issues. After a good final polishing they then replace all soft parts (new headjoint cork, all new pads, shims, corks, felts and other soft materials), and put it in 'like-new' condition. They then test play the flute over a period of time making adjustments as the flute settles.
Depending on the age of the instrument an overhaul could mean neglect, but it could also mean extensive use. The only times I've seen an overhaul performed on a flute when neither of these were at faul was when a flute was extensively damaged. The body had been bent into the shape of a banana, tone holes became unsoldered, keys snapped, and in order to truly put it into proper working order an overhaul had to be done in addition to the extensive custom repairs.
On a flute like a Brannen I don't see why it couldn't be overhauled numerous times over the course of a lifetime. Any top notch flute will last decades if properly cared for, regularly adjusted, and overhauled as needed when parts start to deteriorate because of age and use.
Depending on the age of the instrument an overhaul could mean neglect, but it could also mean extensive use. The only times I've seen an overhaul performed on a flute when neither of these were at faul was when a flute was extensively damaged. The body had been bent into the shape of a banana, tone holes became unsoldered, keys snapped, and in order to truly put it into proper working order an overhaul had to be done in addition to the extensive custom repairs.
On a flute like a Brannen I don't see why it couldn't be overhauled numerous times over the course of a lifetime. Any top notch flute will last decades if properly cared for, regularly adjusted, and overhauled as needed when parts start to deteriorate because of age and use.
Re: Flute Overhaul
Thanks so much fluteguy.
The flute, I was told was hardly played and stored in a closet for a long time. It was made in 1996.
What was a little odd was that although I was told this, the case seemed worn. A little too worn, imo, to have not been played very much.
It did play quite nicely though.
Anyways, thanks again for your reply and explanation on overhauling a flute.
Best!
The flute, I was told was hardly played and stored in a closet for a long time. It was made in 1996.
What was a little odd was that although I was told this, the case seemed worn. A little too worn, imo, to have not been played very much.
It did play quite nicely though.
Anyways, thanks again for your reply and explanation on overhauling a flute.
Best!
-
fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
Re: Flute Overhaul
That could be another reason it was overhauled. If an instrument is in storage for a long period of time a number of things can happen to it. Rust, pads drying out, pad mites munching on the soft parts, and potential exposure to heat, cold, and moisture could readily cause a flute to need an overhaul after 17 years in storage.
That is at least my understanding. I'm not a repairman but I have very good friends who are extremely refined flute technicians. Having worked with them at a music store in the past I learned a lot from them about repair from a theoretical standpoint.
You might want to investigate if it was truly 'overhauled' or if it just received a 'COA' (Clean Oil and Adjust). A COA is basically where they clean the flute, refit all the joints, replace the headjoint cork, and adjust all the pads to ensure they are sealing properly. Occasionally torn or damaged pads, felts, and corks are replaced as needed. In terms of pricing a standard COA on a flute like a Brannen can run anywhere from $200-400 and an overhaul could be between $900-1800.
That is at least my understanding. I'm not a repairman but I have very good friends who are extremely refined flute technicians. Having worked with them at a music store in the past I learned a lot from them about repair from a theoretical standpoint.
You might want to investigate if it was truly 'overhauled' or if it just received a 'COA' (Clean Oil and Adjust). A COA is basically where they clean the flute, refit all the joints, replace the headjoint cork, and adjust all the pads to ensure they are sealing properly. Occasionally torn or damaged pads, felts, and corks are replaced as needed. In terms of pricing a standard COA on a flute like a Brannen can run anywhere from $200-400 and an overhaul could be between $900-1800.