Custom Work

 I have had the privilege to see many fine historic flutes pass through my shop. It has always been my aim to restore these instruments or rebuild them but not to remake them. For instance, on a fine Louis Lot that required every tonehole to be removed, I replaced them in their original locations retaining the historic value and quality rather than retuning it to a modern scale. For the same reasons, I did not recut the headjoint.

      Modern flutes and older flutes each have their own charms. It is my intent when working on classic flutes to bring out their intrinsic qualities. In addition to repairing complete flutes of wood, metal, and glass, I work with individuals to balance, adjust, and revive some of the finest early Powells, Haynes, Bonnvilles, Rudall Cartes, and others. Sometimes the subtleties that really bring one of these flutes alive are details such as the tenon fit, cork assembly and lip plate angles.

      In addition, I have worked on numerous new flutes. As with older flutes, players are looking for that extra something that will enhance their playing, and many of the same details make the difference—cork assembly, headjoint and headjoint fit, the height of levers and so on.

      Our general custom work includes repairing upped toneholes and ribs, dents, headjoint fitting, barrel sleeves, resoldering or repair of keys, fixing or replacing damaged lip plates, bearing jobs, replacement of steels and more. All jobs are quoted after consultation.

      Headjoint recuts are an economical way to make a pronounced improvement to your flute. Many student flutes are fine instruments, but the headjoints may lack finesse. This procedure is focused on bringing out the full potential in your instrument.

      Lip plate transplants are another way to improve an existing flute by keeping the original tube and replacing the lip plate with a new, more modern cut. This is often recommended when the original hole is too large.