flute check
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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shortandsilly
flute check
how much does a flute inspection usually cost? before they do anything..how much does it usually cost for them to take a look at the body?
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flutepicc06
- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm
If they don't actually do any work beyond loking at it, it shouldn't cost anything. If they have to take it apart partially to get a look at something specific, they may charge a few dollars, but even then, my tech doesn't charge anything. If they find the pads need replacement, or it needs a full overhaul, then it can get a bit pricey (I've paid $900 for an overhaul). If your flute needs work, make sure to take it to a flute tech rather than someone who is in band instrument repair. Band instrument repair folks know a little about a lot of instruments, but a good repair tech will know a lot about YOUR instrument, which means a better quality job.
Last edited by flutepicc06 on Fri Dec 08, 2006 7:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I just paid $350 for a COA (clean, oil, adjust) but it was a little more than usual because I have an inline invisible Split-E. I have paid $1150 for a complete overhaul at the Haynes factory (which I think is a bit pricey for the work they do because each of the 3 times I've had to have things corrected locally after I received the flute back).
ouch!
This is horrific! There must be an easier (affordable) way to have our flutes cared for?
those who hear not the music think the dancers mad
Dflute,
I see that you are from the SF Bay Area. Me too.
I bought my Haynes from House of Woodwinds (George Koregelos) in Oakland, CA back in 1972. They were an authorized Haynes repair shop. So when I had problems with the 3 overhauls from Haynes, they said to take it there and they would pay for the repairs locally (instead of me shipping the flute back to Boston). That business has been sold and is now A&G Music.
If you (or anyone) could recommend a good local repairperson, that would be great. I've been shipping my flute to Carolyn Nussbaum in TX and have been happy with her work but it is $40 each way for UPS 2 Day Air.
I see that you are from the SF Bay Area. Me too.
I bought my Haynes from House of Woodwinds (George Koregelos) in Oakland, CA back in 1972. They were an authorized Haynes repair shop. So when I had problems with the 3 overhauls from Haynes, they said to take it there and they would pay for the repairs locally (instead of me shipping the flute back to Boston). That business has been sold and is now A&G Music.
If you (or anyone) could recommend a good local repairperson, that would be great. I've been shipping my flute to Carolyn Nussbaum in TX and have been happy with her work but it is $40 each way for UPS 2 Day Air.
I got a great overhaul from Alberto Grossi woodwinds (Virginia) this summer for $700. The tech is Muramatsu-trained, but I'm unsure about other brands. I'm also unsure of the prices for the other serices, but I'd recommend them. Unfortunately, there's still shipping!
"There is no 'Try'; there is only 'Do'."--Yoda
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flutepicc06
- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm
I don't know of anyone in the Bay Area, but if you're willing to send it down to SoCal, I use a tech by the name of Paul Rabinov who does fantastic work. If you'd like his information, feel free to PM me.cflutist wrote:Dflute,
I see that you are from the SF Bay Area. Me too.
I bought my Haynes from House of Woodwinds (George Koregelos) in Oakland, CA back in 1972. They were an authorized Haynes repair shop. So when I had problems with the 3 overhauls from Haynes, they said to take it there and they would pay for the repairs locally (instead of me shipping the flute back to Boston). That business has been sold and is now A&G Music.
If you (or anyone) could recommend a good local repairperson, that would be great. I've been shipping my flute to Carolyn Nussbaum in TX and have been happy with her work but it is $40 each way for UPS 2 Day Air.
cflutist repairs in sf bay area
Hi CFlutist 
I have taken my flute, for the past 6 years, to a place in Concord called C&L Music. They are a family owned, operated, multigenerational music store and have been around for a very long, long time. Their repair tech, Randy, can be a bit gruff and (tossing my reserve to the winds) his communication style can be unnerving. For example, when you take your flute in for service or repair, he can be a bit slow in getting back to you (this could be because he is really overloaded with repairs). He sometimes seems overtly uninformative when he actually does leave a telephone messages or written assessments on a service invoice, which the other staff know little or nothing when you call or visit the store...(usually he is gone). You are left to decipher fragments of pertinant information. This is annoying because you have to take several extra steps to collect the facts so you can make an informed decision. )Just dealt with him over the last three days so I am freshly annoyed)
If all you need is simple service, he is probably ok. They are no where near as expensive as what you mention in earlier posts. I think my last major service/tune up (performed 6-9 months ago) which included also included pad reseating and I think replacement of one or two pads, and cork change at head joint was under or somewhere near $200.00. So after reading your posts...perhaps I will deal with my gruff flute fixer
Today, I visited House of Woodwinds in Danville (I am considering upgrading my flute) and was very very impressed. Their informative and genuinely kind onsite staff (I was helped by a man named Larry, I think) and their music book selection outclasses any other I have found in the Bay area. The books go beyond the 3rd grade clip art drenched picture books so often cluttering up and filling the book cases in most music stores.
Larry also seemed to know his materials. He gave me suggestions for test driving the two midrange flutes (a Powell and a Gem) and was sincerely interested in what I noticed when testing the two flutes. I asked him about the Azumi model (did he carry this brand at his store) that I had tried two weeks ago at Best Music (he doesn't).
Larry asked me if I had the technician at Best Music take a look at my frustrating flute. He said the Best Music on site technician (he mentioned him by name) was quite good and could often discover and make easy adjustments on an otherwise funky flute(my paraphrase...not his actual verbage).
So, if you are near Oakland, you might give them (Best Music) a try. They have the most complete and varied assortment of upper end (those past entry level) and unusual flutes as well. I tried a bass and several alto flutes during my visit to Best. It was great! The staff were also helpful and patient...I spent the better part of the afternoon there
I wish I had better info to share with you...but that is the fragmented lot...right out of my frazzled head to your screen
I would be interested in your music adventures in the bay, great stores, brands, teachers, and those ones to avoid at all costs..
keep posting
I have taken my flute, for the past 6 years, to a place in Concord called C&L Music. They are a family owned, operated, multigenerational music store and have been around for a very long, long time. Their repair tech, Randy, can be a bit gruff and (tossing my reserve to the winds) his communication style can be unnerving. For example, when you take your flute in for service or repair, he can be a bit slow in getting back to you (this could be because he is really overloaded with repairs). He sometimes seems overtly uninformative when he actually does leave a telephone messages or written assessments on a service invoice, which the other staff know little or nothing when you call or visit the store...(usually he is gone). You are left to decipher fragments of pertinant information. This is annoying because you have to take several extra steps to collect the facts so you can make an informed decision. )Just dealt with him over the last three days so I am freshly annoyed)
If all you need is simple service, he is probably ok. They are no where near as expensive as what you mention in earlier posts. I think my last major service/tune up (performed 6-9 months ago) which included also included pad reseating and I think replacement of one or two pads, and cork change at head joint was under or somewhere near $200.00. So after reading your posts...perhaps I will deal with my gruff flute fixer
Today, I visited House of Woodwinds in Danville (I am considering upgrading my flute) and was very very impressed. Their informative and genuinely kind onsite staff (I was helped by a man named Larry, I think) and their music book selection outclasses any other I have found in the Bay area. The books go beyond the 3rd grade clip art drenched picture books so often cluttering up and filling the book cases in most music stores.
Larry also seemed to know his materials. He gave me suggestions for test driving the two midrange flutes (a Powell and a Gem) and was sincerely interested in what I noticed when testing the two flutes. I asked him about the Azumi model (did he carry this brand at his store) that I had tried two weeks ago at Best Music (he doesn't).
Larry asked me if I had the technician at Best Music take a look at my frustrating flute. He said the Best Music on site technician (he mentioned him by name) was quite good and could often discover and make easy adjustments on an otherwise funky flute(my paraphrase...not his actual verbage).
So, if you are near Oakland, you might give them (Best Music) a try. They have the most complete and varied assortment of upper end (those past entry level) and unusual flutes as well. I tried a bass and several alto flutes during my visit to Best. It was great! The staff were also helpful and patient...I spent the better part of the afternoon there
I wish I had better info to share with you...but that is the fragmented lot...right out of my frazzled head to your screen
I would be interested in your music adventures in the bay, great stores, brands, teachers, and those ones to avoid at all costs..
keep posting
those who hear not the music think the dancers mad
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atoriphile
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:35 pm
- Location: Washington, DC
I agree with MeLizzard that Alberto Grossi Woodwinds ( http://www.agwoodwinds.com ) does an excellent job. I would highly recommend him, especially for those in the Washington, DC metro area (no shipping!).
For open-hole student flutes (including my Yamaha 581), a COA costs $110 and includes replacement of up to three pads.
He is also a Straubinger Certified Technician and repairs piccolos and oboes, too.
For open-hole student flutes (including my Yamaha 581), a COA costs $110 and includes replacement of up to three pads.
He is also a Straubinger Certified Technician and repairs piccolos and oboes, too.