What Is An Overhaul?

• The flute is carefully inspected as it is disassembled
• Worn ley hinges and loose bearings are corrected
• Ribs and tone holes are checked for solder flaws and repaired as needed
• The flute is washed in a mild acid-detergent bath, and hand polished
• Tone holes are checked for absolute flatness and proper edge-shape
• Key-cups are then adjusted over the holes in the proper plane and to determine an ideal and uniform amount of pad protrusion
• Length of spuds on all closed-hole keys, and grommets on the open-hole keys, is corrected as needed

The flute is now ready for padding. All of these steps are performed regardless of the type of pad used. These steps are absolutely necessary when using Straubinger and Schmidt pads.

• All corks and felts are replaced
  (trill and D# corks are usually kept unless they are beyond saving)
• Springs are replaced as needed
• Tenon fit is standard, as is a new head-stopper

Total labor averages twelve hours on flutes of recent manufacture. On older flutes it is often much more.

Piccolos usually go a little faster, but not necessarily.

Buffing

• In some shops, buffing is a standard part of an overhaul, especially at the factory where they have a separate buffing department.

  At Lagerquist Flute Service, flutes are not buffed unless absolutely necessary, as in the case of dent or scratch removal or very severe tarnish. It is too easy to damage tone-holes at the buffer, and on older hand-made flutes that are already very thin, further metal removal is not recommended.

What is Play-Condition?

• Cleaning and oiling, is standard
• Pads are replaced as needed
• Other mechanical adjustments, as well as corks and felts corrected as needed

  Time: Usually ranges from two to six hours.
           Two to three is typical.

Clean, Oil, Adjust

• Just what it says, Clean, Oil, Adjust (COA) can often be done in an hour. It should be done at least once a year, and more often if you are using the flute constantly.

What Do You Charge?

• $75.00 (U.S. dollars only) an hour. We charge on an hourly basis, rather than fixed pricing so you are assured of paying only for the actual work done.

  There is no charge for estimates, except in some special situations, such as restoring an antique, where a significant amount of work is sometimes needed to find out what state the flute is actually in.

How Do I Ship My Flute To You?

• I prefer Registered Mail, Return Receipt Requested, Insured. This has proven to be safe, reliable and reasonable in cost, usually less than US$30.00
  (U.S. dollars) for hand-made silver flutes. The flute should be secured in its case with wedges of paper-toweling, and packed in a sturdy cardboard box at least two inches larger than the case on all sides. Lay the flute on a bed of newspaper balls, foam "peanuts", or bubble-wrap. Cover all the raw seems with brown paper tape.

  It usually takes three days (within the United States - longer for international) to receive it, once posted.

How Long Will You Have My Instrument?

• During the Summer overhauls can usually be turned around in two weeks. During the Fall and Winter months, turnaround is often slower. Overhauls are discouraged during December. Other congested times here are late August/early September and Spring break.

  You are advised to avoid these times. Of course, this is not always possible. In all cases, try to have a back-up flute to play while yours is here for repair. If possible, arrange for one before sending your flute.

Do You Guarantee Your Work?

• Absolutely! If you need to return an instrument due to any oversight on our part, we will take care of the shipping charges and the labor.

  
  

What Other Services Do You Provide?

• Head-joint repair and modification
  
• Master Classes in tone-development for flute and piccolo.
  See Master Teacher.

Other  FAQ  Questions:

Buffing?
Play - Condition?
Clean, Oil, Adjust?
Charges / Cost?
Shipping?
Repair Time?
Work Guarantee?
Other Services?

Repair Services

About Us

Contact Us

Home Page