Worth the overhaul?

[csmwinters]

I have a Gemeinhardt 3SHB that I purchased new in 1987. I only played it for a year recreationally and have had it stored in the case ever since. I'd like to start playing again. I assume that it will need an overhaul rather than a COA simply because of its age. I know the Gemeinhardt's are no longer in favor, but for the $400 I'll pay for an overhaul, is there a better option? The prices today floor me - I only paid $400 for the 3SHB new, and that was expensive at the time!

[pied_piper]

If you only played it a year, it should not need an overhaul. It might need a repad because of its age but that's not an absolute. Overhauls are meant to take care of parts that have worn from use. Unless you played it 24 hours a day, it should not be worm enough to need an overhaul. Normally, a repad service will replace all the pads, corks, etc. that might have deteriorated and then adjust and regulate the mechanism.

Take it to a flute repair shop for an estimate. Then you'll know what it needs and how much it costs. Don't tell the shop what it needs, just tell them it was used for 1 year and then stored since 1987. Just ask them what it needs to put it in good playing condition again.

[BuckeyeFlute]

I was looking at flutes on ebay, and saw a service for a man who repairs and repads. I sent him both my flute and piccolo, for less than what a local place wanted for the flute, and he did a wonderful job. He does it in a home workshop.

[BuckeyeFlute]

His EB name is bandroomdepot. He charges $69, plus $20 shipping, which is really the return shipping to you. I think I paid $69 for each instrument, but only one $20 shipping charge, as he was able to send them together. The reviews of his work were very high. He is located in St. Petersburg, FL. I was quoted $200 for the flute when I phoned a local store. I'd always taken care of both, but the flute hadn't been repadded since 1978, and I'd never had the piccolo repadded. I haven't played in several years.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flute-Repad-Ser ... hH-pcVmkAw