Share About Your Current AND DREAM Flute or HeadJoint...

[Zevang]

Congrats on the new Nagahara. I tried a couple of them at the last NFA convention and was very impressed by them. I'm sure you will love it.
Please give us a report on your Landell flute course. Should be most interesting...

You would be surprised by the size of the shop and also about how many tools he has for building flutes! He owns a small factory around here! It's consisted of four rooms, each one with a specific function. There is a machinery room, where the basic heavy tools are located. There is a polishing room, where you have two sinks and a big mandrel with vents that suck all the dust that come out from the polishing wheels. There is another room more like an office, with the computers and the last room where the fine making works are done. That's the one I use. I'm about to finish the trainning over Flute Tuning (cleaning, oiling) and Padding & Adjusting (It took me one week). The next course will be on Overhauling and Mechanics this week.
Later this year I plan to attend also to the Headjoint Making course.

Follow some photos.

[cflutist]

Zevang,

Great picture of you and your flute !!!

[pied_piper]

Zevang, thanks so much for sharing those photos. You should be a true pro flute tech by the time you are finished. Also, I'm glad to see that in the photo of you at the bench, you are working on a silver flute and not your new 14K Nagahara!

[flutego12]

Zevang, thanks so much for sharing those photos. You should be a true pro flute tech by the time you are finished. Also, I'm glad to see that in the photo of you at the bench, you are working on a silver flute and not your new 14K Nagahara!

Agreed!

Q: What sort of flute did you work on at the tuning course? Landell's stock or BYO?

Thank you for the workshop description - am really intrigued by the types of machinery he uses.

Incidentally, I just dropped my Yamaha "step-up" HJ for the second time (first time the sound improved) and this time heartbreak...the tube is (albeit just) a tad dented at the bottom edge - it is barely discernible but the circle isn't perfect anymore - there is a small pimple on the bottom edge of the tube (you can feel it as you clasp the opening with your fingers and turn the flute... a half pimple can be felt!). Not sure how it is affecting the sound - I'm blowing very badly today.

I could do with a mandrel right now! (http://www.repairmyflute.com/2012/10/de ... joint.html)
Any tips how this can be fixed? I'm so tempted to use a (padded) plier to ply it back but dare not.

Lesson for the day: When handling the flute (esp when fatigued), make sure you do it on soft floor covering.

[Zevang]

Zevang, thanks so much for sharing those photos. You should be a true pro flute tech by the time you are finished. Also, I'm glad to see that in the photo of you at the bench, you are working on a silver flute and not your new 14K Nagahara!

Hahahaha, good one... Indeed Landell made this joke about "now we can completely dismount this new flute of yours and discover all Nagahara secrets..." ))

[Q: What sort of flute did you work on at the tuning course? Landell's stock or BYO?
Thank you for the workshop description - am really intrigued by the types of machinery he uses.
Incidentally, I just dropped my Yamaha "step-up" HJ for the second time (first time the sound improved) and this time heartbreak...the tube is (albeit just) a tad dented at the bottom edge - it is barely discernible but the circle isn't perfect anymore - there is a small pimple on the bottom edge of the tube (you can feel it as you clasp the opening with your fingers and turn the flute... a half pimple can be felt!). Not sure how it is affecting the sound - I'm blowing very badly today.
I could do with a mandrel right now! (http://www.repairmyflute.com/2012/10/de ... joint.html)
Any tips how this can be fixed? I'm so tempted to use a (padded) plier to ply it back but dare not.

Lesson for the day: When handling the flute (esp when fatigued), make sure you do it on soft floor covering.

Oh, FluteGo, this always hurt inside the chest, you know, that pulsing thing we call heart!
Really sad to see a dent in any part of a flute, specially ours! There are a few techniques that may be used to fix it. Generally you will use some kind of mandrel, the whole peace of a partial mandrel. With the complete mandrel you might have to use a dent roller with the radius appropriate to the tube of the headjoint, exactly as described at the link you provided above. The partial mandrel may be used with a dent removing hammer (it's small and has hardened rubber at the ends of its head). BTW I will be learning exactly this technique this week I'd do it for free for you if you can send it to me in time, as I'm learning with the surpervision of Mr.Landell. I leave the USA next february 12th. Or maybe you want to come with the headjoint, you're welcome. Just let me know. The good news is that if it affects your sound, it's so little that it would be impossible to note it when you play. The problem is really the bad feeling that a dent gives us...

Landell bought some used flutes on e-bay and we can work on them. Not all flutes on e-bay will do the job, because there are lots of trash there that would be just impossible to work with! Then he chooses some. I would have bought one before I came here, but I had many problems with e-bay and paypal, because I live in Brazil, then he decided to help me.

And CFLutist, thank you!

[flutego12]

Oh, FluteGo, this always hurt inside the chest, you know, that pulsing thing we call heart!
Really sad to see a dent in any part of a flute, specially ours! There are a few techniques that may be used to fix it. Generally you will use some kind of mandrel, the whole peace of a partial mandrel. With the complete mandrel you might have to use a dent roller with the radius appropriate to the tube of the headjoint, exactly as described at the link you provided above. The partial mandrel may be used with a dent removing hammer (it's small and has hardened rubber at the ends of its head). BTW I will be learning exactly this technique this week I'd do it for free for you if you can send it to me in time, as I'm learning with the surpervision of Mr.Landell. I leave the USA next february 12th. Or maybe you want to come with the headjoint, you're welcome. Just let me know. The good news is that if it affects your sound, it's so little that it would be impossible to note it when you play. The problem is really the bad feeling that a dent gives us...

Thank you for the repair tips and your most kind offer Zevang, I feel much better already. I would catch the next plane if I could but the dent is not big enough for you to get your money's worth out of Landell's course - you'd want a much bigger one . By the time I reach Landell's (planes trains and automobiles) you would probably be back in Brazil

I've tried inserting (about 3-4mm) and twisting a padded dowel (abt the same diameter) in the headjoint. It appears to have made some difference but I'm not entirely convinced. The half pimple is less detectable to the finger now. I will certainly reread your repair tips till I get it and do some googling and YouTubing to clarify. Thanks anyhow.

Landell bought some used flutes on e-bay and we can work on them. Not all flutes on e-bay will do the job, because there are lots of trash there that would be just impossible to work with! Then he chooses some. I would have bought one before I came here, but I had many problems with e-bay and paypal, because I live in Brazil, then he decided to help me.

Just curious what level flutes Landell buys for you to fix - lower intermediate student models or high end ones for tuning complexity?
Love the look of the workshop. My dad when he was alive did RC helicopters and aeroplanes and is a bit of a tool collector - a lot of things in this workshop I half-recognise, including a lathe and benchgrinder which I kept. I almost feel obliged to build a flute. When I master it, that is.

And CFLutist, thank you!

[JButky]

Hey Zevang..

Looks like you're having too much fun! Say Hi to Jon and Marci for me.
Great to see pictures. Lots of good memories there..

[Zevang]

Hey Zevang..
Looks like you're having too much fun! Say Hi to Jon and Marci for me.
Great to see pictures. Lots of good memories there..

Hi Joe! In fact I did that the first day I was here, because you were kinda "responsible" for my decision about coming here to Vermont I'm really having a good time here and learning lots as you might imagine, I'm sure. They send you their hello as well (What nice people they are!).
I was also with your friend Patrick in N.Y. We will meet again next week when I go back to Brazil (on tuesday). We'll have some lunch and probably play together one more time then.

Wish you all the best!

[JButky]

Hi Joe! In fact I did that the first day I was here, because you were kinda "responsible" for my decision about coming here to Vermont I'm really having a good time here and learning lots as you might imagine, I'm sure. They send you their hello as well (What nice people they are!).
I was also with your friend Patrick in N.Y. We will meet again next week when I go back to Brazil (on tuesday). We'll have some lunch and probably play together one more time then.

Wish you all the best!

Any stories Patrick tells you about me are all lies...Especially the ones about pizza...

Enjoy your stay and keep having fun!

[Zevang]

FluteGo, sorry I didn't respond to your message before. I just realize that now...

Thank you for the repair tips and your most kind offer Zevang, I feel much better already. I would catch the next plane if I could but the dent is not big enough for you to get your money's worth out of Landell's course - you'd want a much bigger one . By the time I reach Landell's (planes trains and automobiles) you would probably be back in Brazil

Indeed, I'm home now, after a whole day and night travelling. We've made a stop at N.Y., where I was received by my friend PDillery for some playing and lunch.

I've tried inserting (about 3-4mm) and twisting a padded dowel (abt the same diameter) in the headjoint. It appears to have made some difference but I'm not entirely convinced. The half pimple is less detectable to the finger now. I will certainly reread your repair tips till I get it and do some googling and YouTubing to clarify. Thanks anyhow.

Great. Keep searching. You can collect some knowledge before going to actual practice. If I may be of any further help, just ask

Just curious what level flutes Landell buys for you to fix - lower intermediate student models or high end ones for tuning complexity?
Love the look of the workshop. My dad when he was alive did RC helicopters and aeroplanes and is a bit of a tool collector - a lot of things in this workshop I half-recognise, including a lathe and benchgrinder which I kept. I almost feel obliged to build a flute. When I master it, that is.

Oh, you already have a lathe!!! And that benchgrinder can make quite a job! We used both a lot during my trainning. Is this lathe one of those big ones on the floor, medium over the table, or the smalest watchmaker's lathe?
Of course you will master flute making and some day I will too

I will most probably come back later this year for a Landell's "Make your own headjoint" course, and maybe I can get also a "Straubinger" pads trainning then. I'll let you know.

Best regards

[pied_piper]

So, Zevang, what do you plan to do with your newly acquired skills and knowledge?

[flutego12]

FluteGo, sorry I didn't respond to your message before. I just realize that now...

Thank you for the repair tips and your most kind offer Zevang, I feel much better already. I would catch the next plane if I could but the dent is not big enough for you to get your money's worth out of Landell's course - you'd want a much bigger one . By the time I reach Landell's (planes trains and automobiles) you would probably be back in Brazil

Indeed, I'm home now, after a whole day and night travelling. We've made a stop at N.Y., where I was received by my friend PDillery for some playing and lunch.

So nice to hear fro you again. Your notes are so refreshing like a window into Landell's workshop, I'm sure quite a lot of us feel like you've brought us along with you on your trip Thanks for exhilarating insights.

I've tried inserting (about 3-4mm) and twisting a padded dowel (abt the same diameter) in the headjoint. It appears to have made some difference but I'm not entirely convinced. The half pimple is less detectable to the finger now. I will certainly reread your repair tips till I get it and do some googling and YouTubing to clarify. Thanks anyhow.

Great. Keep searching. You can collect some knowledge before going to actual practice. If I may be of any further help, just ask

Incidentally, I found a minute dent NW to/near the yamaha logo it is not immediately noticeable but oh so noticeable now I know it's there

Just curious what level flutes Landell buys for you to fix - lower intermediate student models or high end ones for tuning complexity?
Love the look of the workshop. My dad when he was alive did RC helicopters and aeroplanes and is a bit of a tool collector - a lot of things in this workshop I half-recognise, including a lathe and benchgrinder which I kept. I almost feel obliged to build a flute. When I master it, that is.

Oh, you already have a lathe!!! And that benchgrinder can make quite a job! We used both a lot during my training. Is this lathe one of those big ones on the floor, medium over the table, or the smalest watchmaker's lathe? Good t'know! To A your Q... tis the ye olde anglaise type that literally weights a tonne but sits on a special table, I've seen some intricate metal machining parts my dad's done with it but haven't a clue yet how to operate. will definitely go for a course how to use. Which type did you use?
Of course you will master flute making and some day I will too amen! amen!

I will most probably come back later this year for a Landell's "Make your own headjoint" course, and maybe I can get also a "Straubinger" pads trainning then. I'll let you know.
I love the sound of "make your own headjoint" course - it suggests notions of an open highway to infinite tonal adventures & possibilities, great savings (!) and perhaps a new brand
We shall hang on for the ride.

What sort of flutes did you repair/ work on?

Best regards

[Zevang]

So, Zevang, what do you plan to do with your newly acquired skills and knowledge?

Firstly, to be honest, I think I'll need lots of practice alone. When you have the teacher at your side keeping track of everything you may do wrong is one thing, other is when you're by yourself and need to catch up with all the memories of the instructions received. This takes time and pacience and maybe some trash flutes to practice on

My main purpose is to become one of the good repairmen that already are in action in Brazil, specialized in flutes, but there is a huge market and of course it will include a great dosis of mutual cooperation between us.
Later, as my experience goes on, I will begin making headjoints and one day, maybe we'll have the first Brazilian hand made flute!

Thanks for asking

[Zevang]

Good t'know! To A your Q... tis the ye olde anglaise type that literally weights a tonne but sits on a special table, I've seen some intricate metal machining parts my dad's done with it but haven't a clue yet how to operate. will definitely go for a course how to use. Which type did you use?
Of course you will master flute making and some day I will too amen! amen!

Good policy! I bought this book "How to Turn a Lathe". Seems like an old one, but has everything you need to know about lathes. Maybe Jon can send you a copy (mine was $45.00 - jonathon.landell@gmail.com).

I love the sound of "make your own headjoint" course - it suggests notions of an open highway to infinite tonal adventures & possibilities, great savings (!) and perhaps a new brand
We shall hang on for the ride.
What sort of flutes did you repair/ work on?

Indeed, it's the best journey if we can make it with someone interested in the same way I'll let you know when my plans are ready. Headjoint making is just a start, but the sensation of playing a self made HJ must be awesome!
Forgot to answer about the flutes, the first flute I worked on was a pretty old Emeritus Armstrong all silver, C foot, with a golden lip plate. Padding was fine and didn't bring me any major problems. This can be an excelent student flute.
The second one was an old Conn (now Selmer), all silver plated. The trick here was making an overhaul, including dent removal and polishing, without scratching the plating. Man, those silver plated metal mech tubes were hard to swage!
Then, the third was in the last day. It was kind of a challenge. I don't remember the name of the tr... I mean, flute... but it was in a bad, bad shape! My mission was taking the less time possible to return it to a "playing" condition, without any pad replacement or fine adjustment. This was supposedly a US$ 10.00 budget work. I could feel the rush most repairman must face with band instruments and their "delicate" conditions...
About the lathes I used, mostly two types. The one I used most was the watchmaker's lathe. You can see it at the left side or Mrs.Landell (she's actually hand making a new flute) first picture. Se other one, bigger, you can see its end in the other picture and at the very right portion of the third picture (the main room). I used it for making handles on the tool making section of the course (yes, I made several tools I now will use at work!)
I also used very much a belt sander, a stone grinder, and lots of different types of files and sand papers.

[Zevang]

BTW, today was my first rehearsal back to work at the orchestra. Colleagues are very excited about my new flute (they seem not to believe it's actually all gold... ). To my taste, It will take me some more weeks (months?) to get the most out of it. But just starting was so great!
Now I can say I am reeeeeeally happy!
Thanks to all of you that were vibrating all this time along with me!