Flute fix

TheScarecrow · Post by **TheScarecrow** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:14 pm

Just the other day someone was holding my flute and a key broke off. The part of the A flat key that covers the hole snapped off. No one in my area is able or willing to fix it. It is a solid silver upper level pearl flute. Does anyone know of a place I can get this fixed. Thanks!

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:57 pm

I would try Pat at Cincinnate Fluteworks. You can find her online at www.fluteworks.com

She specializes in flute repair. The key itself can be replaced if it is not fixable.

TheScarecrow · Post by **TheScarecrow** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 5:02 pm

Thank you. The music stores in my area do not carry this line of flute (they generally work with beginners) so they are unwilling to replace the key for me. Also the only instrument repair man is booked all the way through nexy November, and I can't work with my old flute that long.

Thanks again!

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:49 pm

you might try contacting Pearl. I am sure that they can help you somehow. Try their website to get thier number or their email.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:51 am

From whom did you buy the flute? They should be able to point you in the right direction. Does the instrument have a warranty? You can find out through your dealer or through Pearl. A repair tech unaffiliated with your dealer or Pearl can't service your flute without voiding your warranty, and parts are almost never available to retailers who aren't dealers of a particular instrument. Good luck!
*This is testament to the value of forging a relationship with an actual, brick-and-mortar music store with a reputable repair department, even if it's a couple hours from home.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:02 am

this happened to my student model one in grade 8 - i was very new to flute and i noticed it starting to lift up more then usual so I bent it back. eventually I did that enough times that it snapped off. its weird that yours just randomly snapped off like that though!

I dont know where it is but ive heard nothing but good things about "Elmer and Melanie's" but I think they run it out of their home. not sure!

TheScarecrow · Post by **TheScarecrow** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 1:28 pm

Thank you all for your advice it has been very helpful. I had already tried contacting Pearl about this and they are unwilling to sell parts.

I originally bought the flute through a company called Woodwind Brasswind but they are unfortunately bankrupt now. The warranty I had is now over for I have had this flute for a few years now and the warranty only had a year and a half warranty.

I now called Interstate music and they said they will contact their manufacturer for the part and then my local repairman will put it on.

MonikaFL · Post by **MonikaFL** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 2:30 pm

TheScarecrow wrote:I originally bought the flute through a company called Woodwind Brasswind but they are unfortunately bankrupt now. The warranty I had is now over for I have had this flute for a few years now and the warranty only had a year and a half warranty.

WW & BW is bankrupt?!?!?

TheScarecrow · Post by **TheScarecrow** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:02 pm

I called WW & BW and they are just selling what they have in stock which is almost nothing. I called my repairman who always fixes my oboe and he always sends people their direction and he said that they emailed him not to anymore because they are bankrupt.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:08 pm

WWBW filed for bankruptcy a few months ago. There was talk of a takeover by Conn-Selmer, who received considerable flack from their dealers, including my store. Kind of a conflict of interest, having their own means of distribution that way.
P.S. Most instrument makers won't sell parts, as they're usually quite conscientious about how they're installed.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:46 pm

Yes, I believe that WWBW filed bankruptsy in september.... or october, but I think it was september.

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:46 am

Actually, wwbw got bought out by Guitar Center

http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/s ... ily27.html

MonikaFL · Post by **MonikaFL** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:52 am

Aww that makes me sad.