The Clean, Oil, Adjust (COA) is the standard for flute repair, addressing necessary adjustments, playability, and preventative maintenance for the instrument. FC recommends that all flutes have a COA or COA+ performed every 12 months. The price for a COA varies based on the level of the flute, the number pads which need to be replaced, and the amount of work required.

All COAs include:

• Mechanism disassembly
• Cleaning & oiling the interior of the mechanism
• Adjustment of all pads to ensure proper seal
• Replacement of the headjoint cork
• Dip and light polish of the body to remove most body tarnish
• All COA repairs are thoroughly play-tested by FC Resident Flutists and must meet rigorous performance standards.
• Complimentary 90-day Standard Service Guarantee. This coverage includes adjustments involving the play-ability and mechanical functionality of the instrument(s) as applicable to the work completed during repairs.
• Free Return Shipping on COA-level repairs or higher (see Repair Shipping Policy for more information)

Note: COAs do not include a polish of the keys and mechanism, which is available for an additional fee.

The Premium Clean, Oil, Adjust (COA+) is Flute Center's premium COA service, addressing necessary adjustments, playability, and preventative maintenance for the instrument. FC recommends that all flutes have a COA or COA+ performed every 12 months.

The Premium COA+ includes:

• All aspects of a standard COA (see above)
• Up to 4 hours of labor 
• Up to 4 pads replaced 
• Small dent and scratch removal where possible
• Expedited service (rush fee included)
• Complimentary 90-day Standard Service Guarantee. This coverage includes adjustments involving the play-ability and mechanical functionality of the instrument(s) as applicable to the work completed during repairs.
• Free Return Shipping on COA-level repairs or higher (see Repair Shipping Policy for more information)

Note: COAs do not include a polish of the keys and mechanism, which is available for an additional fee.

A mechanism polish is a service that can be added to a COA for an additional $625.  A mechanism polish is included in an Overhaul. The full polish includes the same dip in a tarnish-removal solution that comes with a COA, but with a full hand polish of the body (a COA includes a light polish) and a full hand polish of the mechanism and keywork as well.  

An Overhaul is our most comprehensive repair service. An Overhaul returns a flute to as-like-new condition as possible, including the replacement of all soft parts (pads, corks, felts, etc.), a full dip and polish (including the mechanism), small dent and scratch removal, and a full adjustment to the pads and mechanism. Overhaul-level repairs completed at FCNY include a complimentary 12-month Standard Service Guarantee. Overhauls take approximately 20-30 hours to complete, and we usually have a 2-4 week backlog: We recommend calling to put your name on the list as soon as possible. 

Free Return Shipping on COA-level repairs or higher (see Repair Shipping Policy for more information)

Overhaul: $2,950

Lotus Conversion (for Muramatsu overhauls): Add $500 to Overhaul

Large dent removal, soldering work, scratch removal, etc. is not included in a standard COA or Overhaul. All metalworking issues are billed at an additional rate of $225/hour. 

If your flute is between annual COAs or needs significantly less work than a COA would entail, we charge $225/hour with a one hour minimum. Please note, we do not offer partial repairs, and that the true amount of work required will be determined by our technicians when the flute is on the bench.

We strive to have the fastest repair turn-around time in the industry for all our clients. Our typical turn-around can vary, please call for the most accurate estimate. If you require immediate attention, we can usually expedite your service for an additional Rush Fee of $225.

Free Return Shipping on COA-level repairs or higher

Flute Center offers Free Return Shipping on COA-level repairs or higher within the United States. Flute Center ships packages using FedEx Express service except in areas where FedEx Ground / FedEx Home Delivery guarantees delivery in 3 days or less. If a client needs their repair overnighted they will be responsible for paying the shipping fee. 

The client is responsible for shipping their instrument to the Flute Center. The client is responsible for return shipping on repairs below COA-level, and return shipping for rejected repairs. We recommend making sure your flute is properly insured before sending it, either through a dedicated musical instrument insurance policy, through your homeowners/renters insurance, or through the shipping carrier you decide to use. Our insurance will cover your instrument beginning when it arrives in our shop and through its return delivery to you.

We strongly suggest booking a repair appointment so that our team is ready for you! If you aren't able to make an appointment, we will do our best to accommodate you as a walk-in.

Please schedule your repair appointment on our website or by phone:

Schedule Your Repair Online

Call Chicago: (312) 621-7100

Call New York: (212) 307-9737

With regular usage, we recommend an annual visit. Of course, if you have concerns at any time, please contact us. As leaks happen gradually, it is common for flutists to end up playing an instrument that is less than optimum without even realizing. Once restored to perfect playing condition, most are amazed at how great their instrument plays.

We do not offer partial repairs. As part of our Standard Service Guarantee, or limited manufacturer's warranty on new instruments, we address everything your instrument currently needs. We want to avoid you needing an additional repair that could have been avoided. Bear in mind that technicians can find issues that even the best performer may not see.

Flutes that are a month old or from the 1800s, budding flutists who just started playing or internationally celebrated musicians, and everything in between—we're here to help everyone!

Our technicians have decades of experience and tout official certification with most major brands. They are equipped to address the needs of almost any flute. (Additionally, one of them is the owner of FC!) Read more about our expert Repair Team.

We recommend using a thick cardboard box with bubble wrap, but you may explore other materials. Please ensure there is cushion around your flute case and that it doesn't move once inside the box. Please note: the Flute Center cannot store or reuse a client's personal shipping boxes during the repair process.

Flute Center offers Free Return Shipping on COA-level repairs or higher
Flute Center ships packages using FedEx Express service except in areas where FedEx Ground / FedEx Home Delivery guarantees delivery in 3 days or less. If a client needs their repair overnighted they will be responsible for paying the shipping fee.

The client is responsible for shipping their instrument to the Flute Center. The client is responsible for return shipping on repairs below COA-level, and return shipping for rejected repairs.

For non-warranty repairs, or repairs not covered under our Standard Service Guarantee, our standard rates are listed above. Working with the repair manager, an initial assessment can be identified and pre-approved to help expedite the process. Once a technician sees the instrument in person, we would communicate if any deviation from the assessment is necessary.

You have the flexibility to pay for repairs either before or after the service is completed. If you choose to pay after the service, the Flute Center will need your credit card information on file.

We are unfortunately unable to provide a flute during the course of your repair.

We would be happy to help! Please give us a call at 212-307-9737, or email repair@flutecenter.com.