I have obtained an old 10-key flute that needs some keywork (post-mounted). Specifically, it needs to have four keys replaced, the short F, low C#, low C and low B. The posts are all in place, but the keys are completely missing.
The flute is nothing special except that it plays well and in tune. It’s not a priceless antique or anything like that. 
Anyone have recommendations on someone who can do this?
Ah, I replied over on Gaelic crossings, but I now see the keys are entirely missing.
Dave Migoya is your best bet. If he can’t help, he probably knows someone who has keys you could purchase. Putting keys back on is pretty easy if they fit the posts that is.
Eric
flutemaker bryan byrne (vt) silversmiths his own keys, he could possibly do it.
Michael,
Having someone forge and fit new keys will be fairly expensive - perhaps worth it on a top notch flute, but probably not on an average one. I don’t mean to be discouraging, just don’t want you to be surprised when you hear the costs from Bryan or whoever.
If you get lucky though, someone might have parts from other flutes that could be scavenged and modified a bit, but it’s a long shot.
Good luck,
Loren
Michael, I agree that the cost will probably more then the flute is worth.
So - you could plug the key holes, and play it as a keyless, or maybe look for a similar flute on ebay, they end up pretty cheep (many times cheaper then the price of one key), get that one, and hope that the keys match, or that you could have enough parts to place them your self?
A great guy for this kind of work: Bob Ogren, I can email you his address, but I think I would start with ebay.
good luck - could end up a fun project.
Oh, I have no doubts that the keywork will cost more than the value of the flute, but then I’m not doing it for investment value.
The issue is, #1 it will cost far less than buying a new 8-key and #2 having some experience with tuning issues, etc in older flutes, I’d rather bet on one that’s already well in tune and has a sound I like.
The only key missing above the D is the short F, and it’s already plugged, so it already plays well as a 5-key. The funny part is I’m not at all concerned about having that key replaced, as I only use the long F anyway. Mostly, I’m looking to have the low C# and C replaced, and if at all practical, the low-B. In session, I’m constantly reaching for the lower notes when accompanying vocalists, usually the C.
Hmm, i wonder if having someone make a new foot including keys wouldn’t be less expensive than restoring the original foot keys. Just another option. The any way to find out is ask…
Let us know what you find out!
Because of the low-B, it’s not a separate foot. The right hand section encompasses the entire foot.
check out this item on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=47102&item=3721390617&rd=1
if the cap fits…
Rama - nice find!
Michael - that might just solve a lot of your problems! I’d say it’s worth bidding on.
Eric
but could’nt the flute become awfully out of tune on the lower notes if that head is not the exact same maker and model? Tone holes might have to be modified, the bore size might not be the same in which case the joint might be loose or not fit at all, the lenght o the piece might not be right etc. Or have I missed something?
No, the idea here is to cannibalize it for the keys (use this flute’s keys to fix the other flute). If the flutes are of the same kind, this could be the only source of keys that’s affordable enough to be practical.
Henke,
I can’t speak for Rama, but I was thinking more along the lines of cannibalizing the keys. Even if the keys don’t match perfectly, the silicone homemade pad method, provided the springs are good, allows the key to seal well even if they don’t match perfectly.
Finally, considering how cheap this part is likely to sell for, there is not much lost in trying - even if it only ended up with a couple of keys that were usable.
Eric
ah. Thanks Glauber and Jayhawk. I should have understood that myself. It’s late here.
Cheers
Y’know, that looks exactly like the foot section on the flute I have. I can’t see any differences at all.
Thanks!!!
Nach Meyer?
Gesundheit!
Thank you.
Unknown. There are no makers marks anywhere on the instrument. It does resemble the German flutes I’ve seen, so it’s a fair guess to say it’s of German manufacture, however, it’s merely a guess.
Well, as an update…
I did pick up the foot section that was on Ebay. Overall, it’s a good news/bad news situation.
Good news, it’s in overall good shape, no cracks, no broken keywork, and it matches with the old foot, must be the same maker or shop.
Bad news, the keys can’t be transferred to the foot I currently have, everything’s just slightly off.
Good news, the new foot fits on my flute, and it’s perfectly in tune at the bell note.
Bad news, the E/Fnat is a bit sharp.
Good news, the same problem appears to have existed on the original foot, but was corrected by someone later (the undercutting of the lowest two holes is different than the others) So, it should be correctable.
Bad news, the pads are in pretty rough shape. They work, but barely.
Good news, a pad job is a whole lot cheaper than replacing keywork.
End result, I’m pretty darned happy. 