Professional Custom Flutes

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Overhaul & Mechanical Class

The Overhaul class naturally continues where the Padding Class left off. The perfect step-up workshop for developing your new repair skills, this class gives you the tools and know-how necessary to tackle the daunting task of bringing an old flute up to like-new condition. From fixing small problems like body dents, to large problems like major mechanism wear, the technical training gained through the overhaul class is enormous. In fact, we are hoping to soon separate this class into two sessions, to add new material and spread this massive amount of information over two weeks.

This class is not just an extension of the padding class; a major focus of this class is toolmaking. We think that proper tools are of infinite importance to the professional repair technician, and unfortunately many of those proper tools cannot be purchased anywhere. So we teach all our Overhaul students to make their own. It's not as daunting as it sounds.

The third major facet of the Overhaul class is education in the fine art of polishing. To properly overhaul a flute, one must not only make it play like new, but also look like new... at least as much as possible. Towards the end of the week, we spend an entire morning teaching the safest techniques for the proper use of a high-speed polishing machine.

This class is also highly flexible. For example, if students are especially interested in tools, we will spend proportionally more time toolmaking; if many would like to start their own business, we can share many tips and tricks for getting established as a repair technician in your hometown.

So for most beginning repair techs, this workshop completes the training needed to begin repairing the flutes of others.
For those who just can't stop, though, we have an excellent class on the art of cutting custom head joints - a rewarding skill for any flute connoisseur. See our Head Joint Class page for more information.

FAQs:

What will I do in this workshop?
You will learn to:
»Adjust spring tension of keys
»Swedge key tubes to remove side-to-side play
»Pressure-check bodies for microscopic solder breaks
»Polish an entire flute, including the interior bore
»Remove end play from pivot screws
»Successfully troubleshoot binding problems
»Remove dents and scratches
»Fit head & foot tenons
»Make your own...
    Scraper
    Burnisher
    Swedging pliers
    Mechanism reamers
    Facing tool pilots
    Pivot screw counterbores
    Double-handle bunisher
»And much, much more...

Where do I stay?
See our Housing Information page for complete details.

What are the application deadlines?
The application deadline for each class is 2 months prior to the Monday on which the class begins.

Who will teach my class?
All classes are taught by Jonathon Landell Sr., except in exceptional circumstances where other highly trained professionals who meet our standards may be brought in to assist.

Must I use my expensive flute as a guinea pig?!
No. We advise you to purchase an inexpensive student-flute for your overhaul. Some intrepid students do bring their favorite instruments to class, but we don't recommend working on them until they gain proficiency on something else.

How much does it cost to attend the class?
Tuition is $1,000 and Material Cost is $300

Apply
Limited to 9 participants - register early!