In search of a person to repair my flute.

Irish Flute
1

I am in California (Santa Barbara) – I have a Williams 5 key flute, in need of an overhaul (new pads, fix a small crack, straighten three pins).

I would greatly appreciate the name of a reputable person to send my flute for repair. America, preferably west coast.

TIA, E

2

Eliot,
So that’s why I haven’t seen you at sessions. If you let me know when you’re down in L.A., I can provide you with a loaner. Phone & email on the worldtrad.org website.

Kevin Krell

3

I haven’t been in LA because life has been extraordinarily complicated. Soon though, my friend…

Actually, I just got a new (keyless) Olwell, so I am finally able to part with my Williams for a few weeks, hence this post.

Thanks for your kind offer.

4

Two excellent repairmen come to mind: Peter Noy, if you can get him. And John Gallagher in West Virginia. Each knows what he is doing.
Does the Von Heune shop in Boston repair “folk” instruments for a price commensurate with what the instrument is worth?

5

Maybe Casey Burns…

6

Yes, I’ve heard good things about CB.

7

I would like to reinforce Dave’s recommendation of Johnny Gallagher. He is an excellent and meticulous craftsman in both metal work and wooden flute repair. He does not have a website but he is at <johnnygallagher@hotmail.com> or (304) 636-8688.

8

I had Dave Copely replace a barrel on my (new to me) Cotter and he did an excellent job

Chuck[/u]

9

I got a call back from Peter Noy last night who does not repair other maker’s flutes.

I am going to pass on C.B. at this time. He is very skilled, but has ideas that I am not completely comfortable with.

Noy gave me the heads-up on a repairman in San Fransisco, if that does’t work out, I’ll call Mr. Gallagher.

Thanks!

10

Several people have told me that Michael Hubbert does excellent repair work on flutes.

See his contact info near the bottom of this page:

http://www.firescribble.net/flute/maintain.html

-Brad

11

Rod Cameron just suggested Mr. Hubbert to me as well. Thanks!

12

It looks as though Daniel Dietch from San Fransisco will be repairing my flute. He was mentioned through 4 different sources and agreed to do the work.

Curiously, he took basoon lessons from my former brother-in-law (Robin Howell), so we “know each other” already.

Thanks for everyone’s help

–Eliot

13

I’m a bit late in the game with this response, and and I’m happy Eliot found someone close to home, but I should reply regardless:

Yes David, we do repair work on wooden flutes for reasonable rates. It’s not terribly uncommon for Boston area IrTrad locals to bring their flutes in to us for work, regardless of maker.

Loren

14

Hmmmm, what ideas aren’t you comfortable with?..I don’t mean to start a war here, but I’ve thought about getting one of his flutes and want to know your opinion.

15

Casey has his own unique “ergonomic” style. That works for him, and for some players, but not for me.

He prefers thread to cork on the joints. Well, so do I. But on this particular flute, I want cork put back on the joints.

He makes replacement pads from his own recipe – I don’t recall the exact formula, but it is something like baking powder and super glue.

These are no big deal. But I want someone who has years of experience with traditional flutes (without the new ideas).

I really like Casey, and his flutes are decent, especially for a first flute.