Flute Repair in Austin or by Mail
Straubinger and Landell Certified
Repairs shipped from "out-of-town" receive 10% off!!!
University/Conservatory MUSIC MAJOR students receive 17% off!!! (Mail-in or in-person with valid school ID.)
Repairs for Thomas' students and charity organizations are 25% off!!!
Thomas, a Straubinger-certified flute repair technician, meticulously breathes life into instruments worldwide, each with unique demands. Excelling in reviving neglected treasures, he performs essential maintenance like Clean, Oil, and Adjust (COA) or comprehensive overhauls, utilizing top-tier tools and materials. Thomas's proficiency in flute repair is evident through continuous training and mentorship with Jamie Espen, showcasing his dedication to the craft.
In 2008, Thomas embarked on his flute repair journey under Jon Landell at the Vermont Guild of Flute-Making, earning certificates in padding and overhaul techniques. Post-training, he promptly offered his expertise to conservatory students and private clients, honing his skills through hands-on experience.
To broaden his horizons, Thomas sought additional training from 2013 to 2014 at the renowned FluteLab in the Netherlands, known for crafting instruments for individuals with physical limitations. Under Maarten Visser's guidance, he fine-tuned his repair skills and worked on a diverse array of flutes.
Thomas's unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional flute repair services solidify his reputation as a reliable and skilled professional. His Straubinger certification underscores his expertise, allowing musicians to once again bask in the exquisite sounds and artistry of their cherished instruments.
2024 Shop Rate - $110 Per Hour*
Repairs are done by appointment or by mail only. Please contact Thomas to make arrangements.
Shown below are estimates and explanations for the most common types of flute repair. A more accurate estimate is given after inspecting each particular flute.
À La Carte:
Every flute is different and each one needs individual inspection for accurate pricing. Rough estimates are shown below:
Dent Repair: $45+
Bent Key: $20-$60+
Broken Spring Repair: $10 - $45
Replace Headjoint Cork: $35
Torn/Leaking Pad Replacement: $25 - $50+
Screw Adjustment: $10 - $30
Before Polishing
After Polishing
Clean, Oil, Adjust
A COA (Clean, Oil, Adjust) is a fundamental service typically recommended for flutes every 6-12 months. Student flutes usually benefit from a COA closer to the 12-month mark, while professional flutes may require it around the 6-month mark. Similar to a car that suffers from neglect without regular oil changes, a flute that surpasses the 12-month interval without a COA can experience issues. By ensuring regular COA servicing, more costly repairs can be prevented in the future, saving both time and expenses down the road.
The service includes:
Flute headjoint, body, and foot cleaning, hand polishing the body, headjoint, and foot joint, mechanism adjustment, cleaning and oiling the mechanism, optional headjoint cork replacement, and basic pad adjustments.
Marching Flutes - $145
Student Flutes - $205
For flutes retailing around $1,000 or less when new.
Step-up Flutes - $250
(Yamahas 400 & Higher, Powell Sonares, Haynes Amadeus or Ghirardelli, Altus Azumis, etc...)
Professional/Handmade Flutes - $330
Professional/Handmade Flutes COA+ - $430
Average time needed per flute: 3-15 days
High E Facilitator Installation
The Valentino High E Facilitator (a.k.a. “donut” or poor man’s split-E) is an option that may help tame the high E on the flute. This note can be problematic, as it tends to respond stubbornly and sound stuffy and out of tune. Parts & Installation: $85
Overhaul
A flute overhaul completely restores the instrument. After an overhaul with Thomas, flutes come out the same as or even better than they did from the factory.
The service includes:
Taking out dents and scratches (as much as possible on plated flutes), polishing the headjoint, body, foot, and mechanism, adjusting the mechanism, cleaning and oiling the mechanism, replacing all corks and felts, and putting in all new pads.
Student Flute Overhauls +/- $550
(Student Flute Repad +/- $375)
For flutes retailing around $1,000 or less when new.
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Felt Pads Step-up Flute Overhauls +/- $1,100
Repad +/- $900
(Yamahas 400 & Higher, Powell Sonares, Haynes Amadeus or Ghirardelli, Altus Azumis, etc...)
Straubinger Step-up Flute Overhauls:
Straubinger +/- $1,200
Straubinger, Repad Only +/- $1,000
(Miyazawa 202 and Higher, Powell Signatures, Yamaha 600 or higher)
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Professional/Handmade Flute Overhauls
Straubinger Pad Overhaul +/-$1450
Straubinger Repad Only+/-$1300
Felt Pad (Lucien Deluxe) Overhaul +/-$1400
Felt Pad (Lucien Deluxe) Repad +/-$1200
Average time needed per flute: 7 Days (Student flutes) - 30 Days (Handmade Flutes)
Piccolos and Low Flutes
Felt Pads:
Plastic/Metal Piccolo COA - $200
Wood Piccolo COA - $350
Plastic/Metal Piccolo Repad - $600
Wood Piccolo Repad - $750
Plastic/Metal Piccolo Overhaul - $800
Wood Piccolo Overhaul - $950
Alto COA - $425
Alto Repad - $1,700
Alto Overhaul- $1,900
Bass COA - $500
Bass Repad - $1,800
Bass Overhaul - $2,000
Straubinger Pads:
Piccolo COA - $350
Piccolo Repad - $950
Piccolo Overhaul - $1150
Alto COA - $500
Alto Repad - $2,000
Alto Overhaul- $2,200
Bass COA - $600
Bass Repad - $2,100
Bass Overhaul - $2,300
2023 Austin Flute Festival
Thomas starting to learn flute repair at the Vermont Guild of Flute-Making in 2008
*In order to accommodate customers who prefer to bypass the waitlist for routine maintenance, a shop rate of $145 will be applicable. It's important to note that this rate specifically covers non-emergency repairs and standard maintenance services. For emergency repairs, which require immediate attention, they will always be given the highest priority to ensure swift resolution.
