Service and Repairs for C Flute, Piccolo, and Low Flutes

Not local? No problem! Read How To Ship Your Flute To Us for Service and Repairs.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is important to the life of our instruments and to our wellbeing as flute players. Over time, the oil in the mechanism dries up, the pads can develop tears, and the mechanism develops wear from use. Issues can be so gradual, that players adapt by squeezing the keys or tightening their embouchure. Whole body tension can result. One of the most common comments we get from players after service is done is, “I didn’t realize how much my playing was affected.”

We recommend a yearly Clean, Oil, Adjust (COA) as part of standard maintenance for your instruments.

Most flute makers recommend overhauls every 8-10 years. We follow those guidelines as well.

COAs on handmade, professional instruments take 5 business days. Intermediate COAs are finished in 2 weeks. All overhauls take 3 weeks.

We schedule these services through email. Send Us a Message!

Quick Fix

No matter where you are in your musical journey, you need to have your flute in great shape. But sometimes emergencies are inevitable. You can take comfort in knowing that you have FluteWorks Seattle to help. We handle most simple emergencies in under an hour. These include torn pads, leaks, adjustment issues, and minor dents, all while you wait. If you are too far to drive, you can ship us the flute. We can usually fix it the day it arrives and return ship it the next day.

When Repair Isn’t the Best Option

At FluteWorks Seattle, we want every player to have the best possible experience. We do our best to keep older flutes in great playing condition. But, sometimes the cost of repairs simply outweighs the value of the instrument itself.

In these cases, even after extensive work, the flute may never play reliably. It may not respond the way a newer instrument can. This can be especially discouraging for students, who need an instrument that supports their progress rather than holding them back.

When we see that repairs won’t give you the results you deserve, we’ll recommend considering a new flute. A modern instrument will:

• Speak more easily and stay in tune
• Offer better tone quality
• Need less ongoing maintenance
• Allow players to grow, giving them confidence and enjoyment right from the start

Our goal isn’t just to fix flutes—it’s to set players up for success in their musical journey. We’ll always be honest with you about whether a repair is worthwhile or whether replacement is the better investment.

If you’re in this situation, we’d love to help you find your perfect flute. We offer rentals on new and used student model flutes. Read more about our Rent to Upgrade program. You’re also welcome to visit our shop to try a variety of flute brands. Explore our beginner flutes and step-up flutes online to see what’s available. Discover more about our in-person and at-home Flute Trials.

Warranty

All flute and piccolo Clean, Oil, and Adjusts are warranted against defects in parts replaced and workmanship for 90 days. All flute and piccolo overhauls are warranted against defects in parts replaced and workmanship for 12 months. Any warranty work can usually be addressed in a 1 hour while-you-wait “Quick-fix” appointment. The warranty does not cover parts being bent or torn through abuse, accident, or neglect of the instrument. It does not cover parts that weren’t replaced during maintenance by FluteWorks Seattle. It does not cover wear and tear that happens over a year that would be addressed in a yearly COA.