Flute repair estimate $75-90 – What’s included in the repair? Everything? Details on flute inside!?
Question by Yoshi K: Flute repair estimate -90 – What’s included in the repair? Everything? Details on flute inside!?
Basically, all I need to know is this: When you send in a flute, do they do EVERYTHING, as in making sure no keys are leaky (replacing pads or bending keys), or do they only fix the significant problems, ones that cause huge problems in playing ability? If they do fix everything, then thanks! If not, there are lots of details below ^_^
So I think the instrument company is called AG Music or something similar. Either way I sent my flute in through my music store, so I trust that they are a good company.
History of Flute
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The estimate was $ 75-90. The flute was used when I bought it. However it is a Yamaha, and would have been several hundreds of dollars to a thousand or so if I bought it new. I was lucky when I bought it, for $ 170. Although you could tell it was old and a little worn, it was still in great shape. It still played well, although a few of the lowest notes were hard to play, but still possible. Back then I did not realize how lucky of a deal I had got, considering many flutes sold online on ebay sell low because they are in horrible shape and need to be sent in to be fixed. Unfortunately this led to my clumsiness causing damage to the flute, by dropping it around a total of 10 times throughout middle school. Sometimes the flute was in the case, sometimes not. However, each time I dropped it, there was no significant difference in the sound. By now I am amazed; cheaper, new flutes at the price of 170$ usually get bent somewhere, require a spring to be moved back in place, or need fixing after just one or two drops.
Also although I know now, I had my mom wash my flute in the sink. She set it in a tub with soap (probably not dish cleaning detergent) which I now know can ruin the pads. I was bothered by the dirt between all the keys though, as it looked really brown. Even afterwards though, it still played great.
What’s Wrong with the Flute
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1) The key aligning with your middle finger on the right hand was bent upwards. This resulted from dropping the flute once, which bent the key out of position. My dad tried to bend it back in place but the only “safe” way he could do say is if he bent it upwards. The notes still played, but the key is not in its original position.
2) The flute is old, although I do not know how old or whether or not the person I got the flute from also got it from someone else. So I’m guessing a lot of the keys might be slightly slightly leaky, although I had no trouble playing most of the notes. Meaning, I did not have to blow hard or focus more than the minimal breath needed for the notes. The only exceptions are the very low notes, like low C and C sharp, and the low notes between F and D that are airy and hard to play.
3) One of the screws fell off. You know, the one that keeps those “shafts” in place on the outside of the flute, of which many of the springs and keys are attached to. I used a makeshift screw which is holding it into place decently, although they might replace it with a better one.
Conclusion
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When you send an instrument to be repaired, what should you expect? Do they fix everything, or only the things that have “significant” problems? Meaning, will they leave my pads in place, or will they replace the pads to fix any small air leaks? They will probably replace my screw and bend the alternate F Sharp key back into place, but even then I am not sure. 75-90$ seems to be enough to cover costs for new pads, new screw, and bending the key back in place though. I’ve read usually smaller maintences are only 20-40$ . Perhaps the brand of my instrument matters, since it is higher quality?
Thanks very very much in advance! I have Solo & Ensemble coming up as well as some playing tests for my band class in a couple of weeks. I need to decide whether to find a new flute or pay a simple 75-90$ for the flute to be in the best shape I’ve ever seen it in!
Best answer:
Answer by Diane
The shop estimate should specify exactly what maintenance and repairs are included in the fee. If they find additional hidden problems, they would then contact you regarding the additional cost and get your authorization to proceed or not.
Contact the shop and get the exact details from them in writing so there are no surprises when you go to pick up your flute. You don’t want a bad case of sticker shock and you don’t want to be disappointed because you did not get the work you expected.
As a point of reference, my technician charges $ 80 an hour for his time. He details what needs to be done for the maintenance or repair, tells me how long he expects it to take, and gives me a dollar amount estimate.
Be happy. Play well. Best wishes.
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