Services

The Clean, Oil, Adjust (COA) Service

The Clean, Oil, Adjust (COA) Service is a regular maintenance service. It is recommended that all flutes in regular use get a COA every 12 months for optimal performance and longevity. Typically, I like to have a flute in the shop for 4-6 days for a COA, depending on the extent of the work required. During a COA, here’s a basic overview of the work that will be performed on your instrument:

• Body, keys, and headjoint are completely disassembled and cleaned
• The insides of all key tubing, posts and bearings are cleaned
• Instrument is re-assembled with new synthetic lubricant
• Trill, right hand and left hand rods are re-fitted as needed
• All pads are carefully adjusted for effortless response
• Felts and adjustment materials are replaced as needed
• Key action is regulated
• Tenon fits cleaned, checked, and adjusted if needed
• Headjoint cork is replaced
• All pads are cleaned
• The fit of the instrument in its case is examined, and the case is re-blocked as needed. The case is also cleaned, and latches checked and repaired
• Finally, each flute gets a detailed and thorough play test

The Overhaul Service

The Overhaul Service is a full restoration of your flute. This is recommended when your flute requires significantly more work than is covered within the scope of a COA service. How frequently your flute needs an overhaul depends on a number of factors. If you are sending your flute in for an overhaul, plan on your flute being in the shop for 2 weeks. More extensive restorations can take longer, but I will always keep you updated if that is the case.  I also offer flutes for loan. If you need a flute to play while yours is in the shop for an overhaul, be sure to ask about availability in advance and I will do my best to make sure you have something to play.  During an Overhaul, here’s a basic overview of the work that will be performed on your instrument:

• Mechanism is completely restored- all keys, rollers, and rods are re-fitted to restore the mechanism to factory tolerances and performance;  tone holes are examined for imperfections and refinished/resurfaced as needed for optimal sealing and pad life.
• Cosmetic restoration: Dents and major scratches removed, all tarnish is completely removed, and a tarnish preventative is applied. All of the techniques I use for cosmetic work are focused on removing minimal material from the instrument. You can absolutely consult with me about how much or how little cosmetic work you would like done. This part of the overhaul can be completely customized to suit your preferences.
• For piccolos, the wood body will be cleaned, oiled, and given special attention to check for cracks and open pores on the tone holes. 
• Insides of all key tubing, posts and bearings are cleaned
• Instrument is re-assembled with new synthetic lubricant
• All pads, corks, felts and adjustment materials are replaced. Materials are chosen for the highest possible performance for the individual instrument, in coordination with the customer’s preference for acoustics and feels. 
• All pads are meticulously installed and shimmed for effortless response
• Key action is regulated 
• Tenon fits are cleaned and checked, then adjusted if needed or as requested by the customer
• Headjoint cork is replaced
• The fit of the instrument in its case is examined, and the case is re-blocked as needed. The case is also cleaned, and latches checked and repaired. 
• Finally, instrument undergoes a complete and thorough play test. This includes a detailed play-in procedure to minimize settling after the overhaul is complete. 

2023 Repair Services Price List

For Burkart Players, see the Burkart Repair Center page.

If you are unsure what price category your instrument falls under, please do not hesitate to ask via email, text, or phone call.

Flute Services

Flute Model (Contact to verify your instrument’s category)	COA (pad replacements additional, if required)	Overhaul (pads and all parts included)
Student Student model flute work only accepted on a very limited basis	$175	$650
Intermediate Intermediate model flute work only accepted on a very limited basis	$295	$980
Pre-Professional / Semi-handmade	$385	$1500
Handmade flute with adjustment screw (felt or Straubinger / S2 pads) *Not all flutes will be eligible for Straubinger or S2 pads, please contact to verify for your make and model)	$425	$1800
Handmade flute without adjustment screw (felt or Straubinger / S2 pads) *Not all flutes will be eligible for Straubinger or S2 pads, please contact to verify for your make and model)	$495	$2200

 

Piccolo Services

Piccolo Model (Contact to verify your instrument’s category)	COA (pad replacements additional, if required)	Overhaul (pads and all parts included)
Student Student model piccolo work only done on a limited basis, please contact to verify)	$270	$550
Pre-professional (Straubinger or Felt) Not all piccolos will be eligible for Straubinger pads, please contact to verify for your make and model	$365	$1000
Handmade (Straubinger or Felt) Not all piccolos will be eligible for Straubinger pads, please contact to verify for your make and model	$425	$1600

 

Low Flute Services

(Kingma low flutes repaired by estimate only)

Low Flute Model (Contact to verify your instrument’s category)	COA (pad replacements additional, if required)	Overhaul (pads and all parts included)
Intermediate / Commercial Alto	$385	$1500
Professional Alto	$550	$1800
Intermediate / Commercial Bass	$495	$1500
Professional Bass	$595	$2000
Contrabass	$700	$2500

 

Hourly Rate: $100

Hourly rate work is available for instruments that have been serviced within the last year. Hourly rate work performed on instruments that are not regularly maintained will only be done in exceptional circumstances, and can not be warrantied. In such cases, the customer is strongly encouraged to purchase a complete COA or Overhaul service for their instrument, to achieve optimal performance and reliability.

Service Guarantees

The player’s total satisfaction with the performance of their instrument is my #1 priority. All TFM COA and Overhaul services come with a free adjustment period. If you need any adjustments done after the work is complete, the adjustments are free and done at your convenience whenever possible. Complimentary adjustments also include standard ground shipping to and from the shop.

Service	Free Adjustment Period
COA	90 days
Overhaul	6 months

Prices effective January 1st, 2023 and subject to change without notice.

One-on-one customized technician training available! Please contact Rachael for more information and scheduling.