Does anyone know where I can order flute repair supplies? (I suppose I could buy clarinet pads at the local music shop, but they’ve botched my repairs so many times I hate going there)
I have a 19th century flute (german), small holes, quite a lot of keys.
I need pads, wax etc.. (for repadding). And (if they make them) new pins in some cases (if that’s even possible)
Can someone point me in the right direction?
Thanks!
Jon C here will know.
Also search on Kara Lockridge.
Both work on wooden flutes.
Also makers like Terry McGee (of course he’s in
Australia).
hehe I’ve been on Terry’s site all day (that’s where I"m getting the courage to repad)
today I was brave enough to pop off a key and adjust the spring. The operation was a success. (although once the fear is gone I tend to get into trouble)
I forgot to mention that I have little screw-like pins. Can I replace these with just regular ones? and does someone have a picture of what they mean when they say the pins are bent?
stop me if my questions are annoying.
Call Kara
It might help to know what part of the world you’re in… Could be there’s a flute maker right in your back yard, so to speak, or maybe a supply house that could help you.
Hi,
There is Ferree’s site for pads and other repair items. http://www.ferreestools.com/
I don’t think you will find any replacement pins there, probably have to make them yourself.
Good luck!
Pins can be tapered, and pins can be straight, but, in all honesty, a screw-like pin is not a pin, technically speaking.
When a pin is bent, it shows up in the sealing of the key; bent pin = misalignment of key = leaky key.
True enough!! I, too, have caused some of my own flute repair troubles, once I had lost that sense of fear, thank you.
BTW, Ferree’s is a great source, as above.
I’m in Massachusetts, USA currently.
What are the ‘pins’ technically called if they have screw threads?
there’s a black gunky sort of grease on the ‘pins’, is that corrosion or lubricant? if lubricant, can I replace it with cork grease for the ones that didn’t have any?
(as for the lack of fear-- I’ve at this point taken all but one key off, one by one, some in twos… and managed to put it back together AND it still works. yeah I’m proud!)
Curious. Are pins used on clarinets, oboes, other
keyed woodwinds?
All of the clarinets and oboes I’ve ever seen were post mounted, so they had screws, but I guess if they were block mounted keys that they’d have pins.
Contact Jerry Schurr In Pennsylvania, he is a great flute repair guy, and will help you out. http://fluterepair.oldmusicproject.com/ He has a bunch of extra screw pivot pins and such.
Pins are not screws, but maybe you have a bent pin, which resembles a screw?
Cork grease is a bit too thick for use on key pivots, as it can slow the action of the key, especially if cold.
Good for you!! Take it apart, and then put it back together, yourself. Be proud. You have earned it.
While we’re at it, any one know of a good source of pads and maybe other bits and pieces in Germany or the UK. I’ve managed to find a few sources for complete sets of replacement clarinet pads, but that includes a lot of sizes that I do not need. I’m not sure I need bags of a hundred of each size either…
Also, anyone have any tips about getting the thickness right when replacing tenon corks on an older flute? Or is it just a case of try to guess and sand the cork down in situ if necessary? And what glue do you use for attaching the corks? (I have an old Bflat band flute in need of a new tenon cork… And new pads… And I’m too mean to pay for it/I like doing things myself)
Thanks,
Chris.
