where to go for professional flute repair?

[kimberlyneudorf]

thanks

[fluteguy18]

I would definitely send an instrument of that caliber to someone who at least specializes in high end woodwind instruments, preferably a flute specialist. I am sure that if you contacted some local orchestral players they could help you out. Or, you could contact Yamaha, and they will have a list of certified technicians in your area.

Shipping your flute: I have done this several times. In fact, my flute came back today from a quick emergency repair (round trip overnight shipping and a complete COA with some minor repair to the toneholes was EXPENSIVE!!!!!). If you ship it, make sure that it is insured. If you have insurance on it already (not homeowners/renters though) then it should be fine. If you only have homeowners or renters insurance (or no insurance at all) pay for insurance when you go to ship it. I generally send my flute overnight or by 2 day shipping. It depends on how fast I need it back.

I would look into buying a box specifically for shipping flutes. They are designed so that they have about 3 inches of dense (and yet squishy) foam all the way around the flute. The foam fits very tightly in the box, and the flute case fits into it quite snugly. I have had no problems shipping my flute.

In terms of selecting repairmen, I have chosen mine because I have gotten to know them a little bit, and because of recommendations from other people. I usually send my flute back to the distribution center (Miyazawa is in Iowa), and Cris (head tech) works on my flute. If Cris or Erik can't work on it or fit me into their schedule, I will either send it to Robert Johnson (the owner of the dealership/company I bought my flute from) or Carolyn Nussbaum (a woman who's business and repair work I have become familiar with through friends and conventions I have seen her at).

But because these are all in the U.S., I doubt you want to ship your flute internationally. Customs would cost a fortune.

[kimberlyneudorf]

Thank you!