New screw?

zummerzet_lou · Post by **zummerzet_lou** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:28 pm

Went to practise my piccolo (a yamaha YPC-32) the other night, to find that the upper rod was lose at one end, as the screw that secures it onto the post had come out.

Have searched high and low, and there's no sign of the missing screw.

Spoken to a couple of local music repair places, and they didn't have anything suitable.

A local flute maker can make a new screw, but before I do that, does anyone know if I can order just the correct screw from Yamaha?

Thanks,

Lucy

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:09 pm

Your best bet in my opinion would be to have the screw custom made if the maker is reputable. Depending on how old your Yamaha is, the screws they have now might not fit the instrument you have right now.

You could try calling a few places like Flute Specialists Inc, or Carolyn Nussbaum to see if they have any ideas.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:41 pm

Yamaha does sell replacement parts, including pivot screws for the YPC-32. However, there are two problems. 1) I don't think Yamaha sells to individuals - You'll probably have to go through an authorized Yamaha dealer or repair shop. 2) For the pivot screws, Yamaha has a minimum order of 10 screws, so the shop that orders it will have a lot left over - that may be why they didn't volunteer to order the part for you.

The Yamaha part number is: K0141430 The same screw is used on the YPC-31, 32, 61, and 62 models.

Even if you don't have a Yamaha dealer nearby, if one of your local repair shops does business with Allied Supply, they can order the screw from them. (Allied does not sell to individuals either)

The Allied part number is: Y-K01-41430.

They also have a 10 screw minimum and they have a $5 service charge on orders less than $25. (Yamaha probably does something similar) A single screw should be under $5. So this route would be about $10 plus shipping charges for a special order. (probably no more than $15 total)

If you have the local flute maker make a screw, just be sure that is EXACTLY what he/she does. I've seen some shops take another screw from a different brand and re-tap the instrument post. If that happens, the factory screw will no longer fit. Just be sure to ask for an exact replacement with no instrument modifications.

In the meanwhile, if you need to play, you can use the point end of a round toothpick. Break off about 1/2 inch piece and then just twist it into the post with your fingers - just not too tight. It won't hurt your picc and you can get by until you are able to get a replacement.

zummerzet_lou · Post by **zummerzet_lou** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:09 pm

Thanks everyone ...

We recently moved to New Zealand from the UK, so am struggling to find which are the reputable music repairers etc. Used to have a fab guy lived in the next street from me - who'd have thought I'd have missed that?

I'm going to visit the flute maker this lunchtime - he's just down the road and had a full order book which I hope is a good sign?

Cheers,
Lou

zummerzet_lou · Post by **zummerzet_lou** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:05 pm

Well, my flute is now with a man what fixes ... turns out he's 86 and used to play in NZ Symphony Orchestra, and has made loads of flutes so hope alls well.

Will find out in a few days time - fingers crossed,

Lou