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 or 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
Time:
Averages twelve hours on flutes of recent
manufacture. Older flutes often take much
more.
Piccolos
usually take a little less time, but not in
all cases.
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.
Play-Condition
This
is the minor form of the overhaul.
- 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 hours is
typical.
Clean, Oil, Adjust
(COA)
This
should be done at least once a year, If you
are using the flute constantly, COA should be
done more often.
Time:
Clean, Oil, Adjust can often be done in an
hour.
Typical Charges
Prices range from
$500 for C foot flutes with closed holes and
adjustment screws, to $850 and up for French
model flutes with B foot, including
Straubinger pads.
Price can vary
considerably with the age and condition of
the instrument. All other procedures are
billed at the rate of $60 per hour. These
include soldering, dent and scratch removal,
bearing adjustment, key swedging, tone hole
soldering and refacing, embouchure carving,
lip plate or head tube replacement, straight
to conical pivot conversion, make new steels,
make new head stopper, upgrade antique head
stopper, clean oil adjust, and others.
For an Instrument
Needs Assessment.
