Basically, I took my flute apart, cleaned it, and in the process of putting it back together broke three springs. Can this be fixed? Also one of the screws that keeps the post in place is missing and I have no clue where it is. Can this be fixed as well? Please help, my flute looks like a disaster and I want to start playing it again!!!
Spring replacement is no big deal. Neither is the screw unless it is a no-name brand. Even if it is an off-brand flute, a competent tech can make the right screw for you, except that it will cost a LOT more.
Expect it to run @ $25-30 bucks for 2 springs and replacing an in-stock screw.
(Run a magnet over your floor where you were working...You may be able to find the screw..)
well I would think you could but i wouldn't unless you really want to do something very stupid. I would look around by where you live and find a music store that also repairs and find out their prices.
Ouch! Last time I HAD a spring replaced by a music store it cost me $37 ea.! If the springs broke, no they cannot be reattached as they must be a certain length in order to be fully operational. Take a deep breath and take it somewhere to get it fixed. Next time either don't take it apart or be more careful!
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Try calling your local shop and see what it'd cost for the spring removal AND replacement as they can be a huge pain to get out of posts. You're playing on a Gemeinhardt, yes? If so I have a junker flute body that I've been using for parts and can send you a pivot screw. Drop me a PM if it is a Gemeinhardt as most of their flutes are universal in the screw department. Danke!
"Did the springs fall out or break off? If they fell out then they were probably too loose to begin with and needed to be replaced."
If they fell out, then they can almost certainly be modified, i.e. more appropriately flattened at the end, and re-fitted.
If they broke off, then what you are charged may depend on how easily the stumps can be removed. The more specialised equipment a technician has, the easier they are to remove, but the more equipment, the more he is justified in charging, to cover overheads. (But the quicker he does the job :-)
Yes, the springs broke off because there is a very tiny piece left in the spring hole thingy. I called my local music shop already and they werent there so i left them a voicemail of what happened and what needs fixing.
Suzie, I would BEYOND appreciate that! I'll drop you a pm.
I have managed to put it back together except for the right hand keys because of a screw that got away. Now I just need those springs repaired...
Another Q: The music shop charges $60 to gold lip plate my headjoint. Is this fair? Because I would like to do that and also get the gold lining around the logo, like Kara does on those flutes she has. If its a fair deal, I would do it, but if its not then I don't want to spend the extra $$$
Well, if you disassembled and reassembled your flute, all alone and without knowing about it, a single broken spring could be a fair price to pay for the experience. If you lost a screw it means you were not careful enough with choosing the right place to do it (i.e doing it over a clean white cloth on a suitable table). Small parts can fall very easily, the question is being able to find them quicly. This could be also sort of a lesson.
I am sure the next time you will do much better. I also disassembled my Gemeinhardt a few years ago (though broke no springs) and learnt a lot in the process.
If you are referring to the rings on the flute being gold plated, I am not sure if a music store would offer that. You would have to ask. $60 is fair for a lip plate, though I don't personally charge that much because I am not a big business either.
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