Repairing Guides

how to repair a flute

by Loy McClure Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

  • In the case that you are missing a felt pad entirely (just a bare cup), you can still fix your flute temporarily.
  • Cut a small strip of teflon tape (about 4" )
  • Holding both ends, slip the tape under the key with the missing felt pad. It's quite the surgery, but manageable.
  • Make sure the part where the key makes contact with the body is fully covered.
  • With the remaining tape, twist it together at the top to hold it in place.
  • This is a temporary fix, but works perfectly.

Part of a video titled Flute Expert explains How Flute Repair Works - YouTube
1:28
8:57
A special tools used to remove the grommets from the pads for all other keys a little heat is usedMoreA special tools used to remove the grommets from the pads for all other keys a little heat is used on top of the key to heat up the glue that's underneath the pad to remove them with a pad hook.

Can I get my Flute repaired?

Flute World offers expert repair services on C flutes, Piccolos, Alto Flutes, and Bass Flutes – from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. Sending your instrument in for routine service will keep it performing like new! Please call today to schedule your appointment: 248.855.0410 If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

What kind of cleaning does a flute need?

Clean, Oil, and Adjust (COA) A professional COA is the single most important service for keeping your flute in top playing condition and every flute should have a COA once a year. The procedure involves complete disassembly of the instrument. The body, headjoint and footjoint are thoroughly cleaned and polished.

Why disassemble a flute?

Disassembly will offer the flutist a thorough understanding of flute parts and how these parts work together to allow a flutist to produce quality sounds. The flutist will then be able to make basic repairs to the instrument including the following: padding, oiling, cleaning, adjusting and replacing corks and felts.

What tools do I need to replace the pads on flute?

When the seal is broken or the skin is ripped, pad replacement should occur. The following list of tools and supplies will be required for the replacement of old pads on the flute: needle point tweezers, screwdriver, needle pin vise, flute pad iron, alcohol lamp, denatured alcohol, felt pad, stabilizer, shims in various sizes, and contact cement.

image

How much does it cost to repair flute?

Flute & Piccolo Repair PricesFlutesAverage for Playing ConditionComplete Repad*Closed Hole$80.00$310.00Open Hole$100.00$360.00Low B FootAdd $30.00Professional12 more rows

How do I restore an old flute?

0:305:15How To Clean A Tarnished Flute - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what we're doing is putting a little sponge here and kind of rubbing it on a little bit until weMoreAnd what we're doing is putting a little sponge here and kind of rubbing it on a little bit until we get the luster to come back and some of the tarnish to come off.

How much does it cost to Repad flute?

FlutesServiceEstimate of PriceFull Repad$265Adjustment & Budget Repad$225Adjustment & Partial Repad$160Pad Replacement w/ Adjustment*$8.005 more rows

Can a bent flute be repaired?

Your flute can definitely be repaired.

Can you restore a flute?

In all likelyhood there will not be any problems playing a tarnished flute. Chances are that you will have a hard time restoring it to the original condition, but you can prevent it from getting worse, and maybe make it look a bit better than now.

How do you repair a cracked wooden flute?

Most cracks can be dealt with and rendered stable by simply filling with a small bead of superglue along the length. It is a good idea to mask the surrounding wood with masking tape beforehand, or you may have an additional problem. Go slow and glue a small section at a time, rather than the entire length.

Can you put Vaseline on a flute?

You should never use cork grease or vaseline on the joints of the flute. The keys themselves should only be oiled by a professional instrument repairer. The two joins on the flute (between the headjoint, the body and the footjoint) don't need lubricating per se, but sometimes they can get a bit tight.

How do you fix a dented flute at home?

0:544:03How To Remove Flute Head Joint Dents - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI put the mandrel in the vise. Now I'm going to get the smoother dent out in on smoother dentsMoreI put the mandrel in the vise. Now I'm going to get the smoother dent out in on smoother dents usually you use the top of the mandrel more than you use the point of the mandrel.

How much does it cost to replace all the pads on a flute?

Flute Repair ServicesSERVICE PLANSDESCRIPTIONOpen Hole costPlay Condition 1Playing Condition Repairs & Adjustments$80.00Play Condition 2Playing Condition Repairs & Adjustments Up to 4 Pads Replaced$110.00Play Condition 3Playing Condition Repairs & Adjustments Up to 8 Pads Replaced$140.003 more rows

How often should you Repad a flute?

Flute pads typically last 3-6 years, depending on how often you do the maintenance. Make sure to keep your flute clean and dirt-free, and don't forget to do yearly maintenance to improve the life of your flute pads and flute. This will save you future costs on repadding your flute.

How much does it cost to professionally clean a flute?

Typically the cost to professional clean a flute will cost around $50 every few months depending on the frequency of usage. The cost can vary based on location, the state of the flute, and the musical instrument technician but generally will cost around $50.

How long does it take to fix a flute?

Some minor adjustments can even be made on the spot. A standard servicing without appointment typically takes about two weeks, and overhauls (much more extensive work including fully re-padding the instrument) typically takes about four weeks.

How do you Repad a flute?

How to Replace Your Flute PadsStep 1: Remove Flute Keys. Before you can even think about re-padding your flute, you'll need to spend some time removing the keys first. ... Step 2: Remove & Measure Flute Pads. ... Step 3: Insert New Flute Pads. ... Step 4: Finish Up.

Why is my flute not working?

After you play a flute for a long period of time, the condensation can build up inside the first chamber of the flute and the flute stops playing. The solution for this is to remove the bird from the flute and let it dry overnight. In most cases, overnight is enough to have the flute dry out.

How do you disassemble a flute?

5:076:44How To Take Apart a Flute - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou know all the keys are off the float. If you're taking the pads off the flute. They're usuallyMoreYou know all the keys are off the float. If you're taking the pads off the flute. They're usually held in with a screw. And a washer. Take the larger screwdriver. And screw that unscrew that.

How long does it take to repair a flute?

Some minor adjustments can even be made on the spot. A standard servicing without appointment typically takes about two weeks, and overhauls (much more extensive work including fully re-padding the instrument) typically takes about four weeks.

Clean, Oil, and Adjust (COA)

A professional COA is the single most important service for keeping your flute in top playing condition and every flute should have a COA once a year. The procedure involves complete disassembly of the instrument. The body, headjoint and footjoint are thoroughly cleaned and polished.

Mechanical Restoration & Repad (Overhaul)

Often times flutes that have seen many years of play, have been in long-term storage or have not received regular maintenance, will require a full mechanical restoration in order to play properly. With this procedure the instrument is completely disassembled, including pinned sections.

Repair Warranty

COA (Clean, Oil, & Adjust) services include a 60-day warranty; Overhauls include a 6 month warranty.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9