I have a boxwood Tom Aebi 8-key that needs a full overhaul. Large crack in headjoint that needs repair, keys need polishing and tweaking, bottom C# and C keys are sticky and need re-working, tenons probably need work etc. Basically needs an extremely thorough once-over to restore it to its former glory. Unfortunately sending it back to Tom is prohibitive because of customs etc.
Is there anyone in the US (preferably East Coast-based) who can be trusted with such a project? I know Jerry Schurr is one such. Anyone else?
Check with Jon Cornia — Jon C. on this forum and in the member’s list. He does restorations on historic flutes but not sure whether he works on current maker’s instruments. He’s in California.
I second Jay Ham: he overhauled, retuned and made a new headjoint for my antique flute, and I was really happy with the result. Plus his prices are fair. On the other hand, my understanding is that he’s quite busy with flute orders at the moment. Still worth getting in touch with him.
Another maker you might want to contact is John Gallagher in West Virginia. I know he fixed someone’s Grinter, so he might be willing to fix your Aebi.
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I’d been in touch with John Gallagher about getting a flute from him, and he actually said he’s not taking new orders at the moment, so I suspect he’s too busy to have a go at refurbishing my Aebi.
It just seems like too much of a hassle to ship it all the way back to Switzerland to Tom. I’d prefer to keep the whole thing local.
Jon Cornia, of Cochran flutes in California, does excellent repairs and reconstruction of the best wooden flutes for some of the world’s best players at a reasonable price. I own two flutes that he made, both excellent. I highly recommend him.