Flute repairs in UK?

Hi guys, I have a Richard Bilton flute dating from about 1826 - 1956, which I bought at auction a few years ago. It’s in nice condition, but I am thinking of selling it and really need to get the keys seen to before it would be in good playing condition.

Can anyone recommend a well qualified person to service or replace the keys at a good price in the UK. I gather the flute makers charge a fortune because that’s what their time is worth, but I’m thinking of a more general woodwind repairs person who deals with old instruments. I’m in London so it would be good if there is someone near to me.

What about Chris Wilkes?

Isn’t David Williams in England, too?

Oh, and George Ormiston does super keywork. Really solid. He’s in Scotland …

ormistonflutes.co.uk is the site address, I think.

Dave Williams died in a car accident in October, 2004.

Kevin Krell

I went to Top Wind in London recently. There is a guy who repairs flutes and is also a Trad flute specialist. His name is Jon Dodd. When I spoke to him he was working on a key system for wodden flutes.

Top Wind - http://www.topwind.com.

Mark.

BIIIIIG :blush:
I missed that one; peace to him and his family.

cat.

Thanks guys. I was avoiding flute makers as they were said to be charging a lot for repairs when I done a search of the archives on these forums.

I might try All Flutes Plus although they’ll probably be charging more than getting it done privately.

I contacted Chris Wilkes about repairing a flute last year, and he said he was only repairing Rudall & Roses at that time. I guess he’s very busy.
2 well-known Irish flute players recommended John Dodd to me, and my thanks to dolmen/Mark for that contact address.

Oh, that’s the guy in Topwind I believe or did you contact him directly?? I found his name mentioned when I searched on Google and he seems to be highly recommended.

http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/parade/dh10/wilkes/wilkes.shtml

Or

http://www.treeshark.com/wilkes.html

excellent work and a very busy man.