Flute Repairs based in London
Our North London flute repair workshop offers a wide range of services to get your instrument back to good playing order, from small on-the-spot fixes to full overhauls.
How Much Does a Flute Repair Cost?
At Woodwind London, one of the questions we hear most often is: “How much does a flute repair cost?” The answer depends on the instrument itself, as every flute needs to be assessed in person for an accurate quote. That said, there are a few things that usually influence the price.
For example, the age of your flute plays a big role; after three or four years of regular use, pads, springs and other parts naturally start to show signs of wear. Another factor is when the flute was last serviced. Instruments that go too long without care can suffer from stiff joints, tarnished plating, or congealed oils, all of which can affect how well the flute plays and how costly it is to restore. The type of flute also matters — budget and student models, often priced under £500, are more prone to bending or faster wear compared to intermediate or professional flutes.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your instrument, the best step is to book a flute assessment at our London workshop, where our technicians can give you a clear idea of the repair costs and the work needed to get your flute sounding its best.
Our Services
Full Playing Order
Starting From £85
The Flute will be thoroughly tested for leaks and vacuum pressure. This service Includes straightening bent key work, replacing touch corks, fitting up to 3 pads, and regulation adjustment.
Please note these are guide prices, subject to assessment and not inclusive of parts
Full Service
Starting From £120
The Flute will have the key work stripped down, with the plating cleaned and polished up, and key regulation fully re-set, including changing perished key corks and up to 3 pads.
Please note these are guide prices, subject to assessment and not inclusive of parts
Full Re-Pad
Starting From £250
Our Full Re-pad, is a complete and thorough, mechanical service of the instrument. All pads are changed and perished felts, the keys are machine-polished, with the instrument play tested for tuning.
Please note these are guide prices, subject to assessment and not inclusive of parts
Please note: subject to availability, a replacement instrument can be rented at a reduced rate for the duration of your repair.
Flute Repair FAQs
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Depending on the service needed, repairs usually take between 2-3 days an d a week.
Our general playing order service takes a couple of days, the clean, oil and adjust one between 3-4 days and a full re-pad up to a week.
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We recommend having your flute checked out once every year.
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Putting a flute incorrectly can lead to regulation issues which is something we seen on a weekly basis.
When putting the head joint on, hold the flute as close to the top where there are no keys as possible with your left hand and insert the head joint with a twisting motion. Make sure the head joint goes in straight.
For the foot joint, do the same but make sure to hold the keys cups where the pads are down.
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Storing a flute in its case is the best way to prevent drops and falls. We recommend leaving it with the case open for a couple of hours after playing so that it can dry out.
Flutes should be stored in a place with stable temperature and humidity. An easy rule is to store it where you live. Garages, attics, sheds and basements are not suitable for storing musical instruments.
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We advise against greasing the joints as that attracts dirt and fibres which cling to the grease.
If you find it difficult to assemble your flute and it doesn't feel smooth, you should bring it in for a cleaning or a re-fitting of the joints.
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Most issues on a flute can be fixed: pads and springs can be changed, dents can be taken out and regulation can be adjusted. Broken keys can be soldered back together and straightened if bent. It is a question of whether the cost of the repair outweighs the value of the instrument.
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With proper care and regular servicing, a flute can last almost indefinitely.