Sankyo flutes and warranty work

[WalterSK]

Has anybody here had experience in the US with repairing a Sankyo flute under warranty? Does it go to Sankyo, or to the vendor where it was bought?

[JButky]

Has anybody here had experience in the US with repairing a Sankyo flute under warranty? Does it go to Sankyo, or to the vendor where it was bought?

Typically, warranty service is obtained through the dealer of purchase. They have to determine if it is truly a warranty issue or one of maintenance. If they have no repair tech, they'll point you to Sankyo. If the dealer is not cooperative or incapable of dealing with the issue for whatever reason, then you should contact the local Sankyo distributor for your country.

[WalterSK]

Thanks for the reply. I'm considering buying a new but discontinued model (Sankyo CF401 Artist) at half the price of the current CF401 model from an online only vendor (Woodwind & Brasswind) with a 45-day return policy, but wonder about their ability, then, to service the flute if it fails.

[JButky]

Thanks for the reply. I'm considering buying a new but discontinued model (Sankyo CF401 Artist) at half the price of the current CF401 model from an online only vendor (Woodwind & Brasswind) with a 45-day return policy, but wonder about their ability, then, to service the flute if it fails.

WWBW has no repair facility. If there is a warranty claim, they will either send it to Sankyo or have you do it directly. There's not a lot of difference between the Artist model and the 401, they are essentially the same flute. Service will be through whomever you choose as a reputable and able flute repairer. What most people think are warranty issues are really maintenance or repair issues. Warranty issues on flutes like this are really, really rare.

If its an Artist Model, it's probably old stock, and given the price, it might have been in and out more than few times. But, given such a low price, I would suspect it will need service. The plus side is that, even if it needs a complete repad, it's still a pretty good savings. I would take the chance, see it, have a good repair tech look at it, and if it's worth it, you got a great deal. If not, send it back.. That's what the 45 day return policy is for. People use it to try out expensive instruments. Unlike smaller dealers who service them in between, WWBW doesn't have this ability. So they discount it out as an older model.

Definitely worth a look...

[WalterSK]

Well, I'm nervous about this, but if it pays off, it's a good flute for the money. I'm probably gonna lose enough sleep over this that they'll be out of stock by the time I get ready to order it...

I appreciate the advice, and probably will get it.

[Zevang]

Has anybody here had experience in the US with repairing a Sankyo flute under warranty? Does it go to Sankyo, or to the vendor where it was bought?

I think you should contact directly Sankyo America in the person of Mr. Lawrence Lee. He is actually the distributor and also works with Sankyo maintenance. He may have accurate information about this.

[JButky]

Has anybody here had experience in the US with repairing a Sankyo flute under warranty? Does it go to Sankyo, or to the vendor where it was bought?

I think you should contact directly Sankyo America in the person of Mr. Lawrence Lee. He is actually the distributor and also works with Sankyo maintenance. He may have accurate information about this.

Lawrence Lee is not the distributor for Sankyo USA anymore. (over a year) Sankyo is being distributed through Miyazawa. Ask for Liz..

[WalterSK]

Has anybody here had experience in the US with repairing a Sankyo flute under warranty? Does it go to Sankyo, or to the vendor where it was bought?

I think you should contact directly Sankyo America in the person of Mr. Lawrence Lee. He is actually the distributor and also works with Sankyo maintenance. He may have accurate information about this.

Lawrence Lee is not the distributor for Sankyo USA anymore. (over a year) Sankyo is being distributed through Miyazawa. Ask for Liz..

Will do, tomorrow. Great idea.

[WalterSK]

Lawrence Lee is not the distributor for Sankyo USA anymore. (over a year) Sankyo is being distributed through Miyazawa. Ask for Liz..

I spoke to Liz at Sankyo. Thanks for the suggestion. She went a long way in calming my anxiety about this purchase. She knew the vendor and specific model flute, and said it was not covered directly under Sankyo's warranty since it actually is a discontinued model. However, she verified the makeup of the flute and said she would not discourage me from buying it. I told the man at the vendor, and they offer an "extended service" warranty that includes wear and tear, maintenance, and even accidental damage at what seems a reasonable price...they even include shipping costs back and forth, and send it out to a repair person they work with. He also said for maintenance they also would authorize payment from them to a flute repair/maintenance service in my local area.

At any rate, I played on a current model of the flute with the same headjoint I am going to get. I liked it very much, so I did order the flute today. Got my fingers crossed, and will let you all know how it goes.

[Kaylyn]

Welcome to Sankyo ownership! I hope you love it!

[Zevang]

Lawrence Lee is not the distributor for Sankyo USA anymore. (over a year) Sankyo is being distributed through Miyazawa. Ask for Liz..

Really? Thanks! I had no idea. Sorry for giving the wrong information!

Anyway, I had a Sankyo before my current Nagahara and I just loved it! Truly. I wanted a flute that was brand new, that's the reason I sold it.