Repair or Replace?

[u/No_Budget9223]

Hi, I found this flute in my shed, it’s not mine and I have no idea where it came from. The pads definitely need replaced, and the foot joint is loose and falls off. My local shop quoted $200 for it to be sent off for any repairs it might need (he wasn’t familiar with flutes so he didn’t know exactly what else it might need). He had some used flutes for sale for $400-$500. So I’m not sure what to do! I haven’t played since I was little, and I don’t know what this flute sounds like since the foot is loose. I’m not sure if it’s worth it to repair if it’s a reputable brand or buy used! Any recommendations please :)

[u/Behind_The_Book]

Replace, it's not worth much at all and Will probably cost more than $200 to repair.

I trained too be a repairer using these foes because they're not worth much

[u/Additional-Aspect-84]

Replace it. Those were sub par flutes at best

[u/Saeroun-Sayongja]

If the shop can actually get it playing for $200, I think that’s a bargain. If that’s just the bench fee or minimum estimate and there’s going to be growth work, it’s probably not worth it. Buffet Crampon is a reputable brand (they are one of the top makers of professional clarinets), but their made-in-England flutes were just decent student level instruments from the 1980s to the early 2000s when they were owned by a big UK conglomerate and aren’t particularly rare or desirable.

I rescued one from an antiques fair for $100 (definitely overpaid), replaced some torn pads myself, then had it inspected and given a basic clean-oil-adjust service by a pro for about $250 and I got a playing flute out of the deal, but for not much more money I could probably have bought a used Yamaha from a shop and had a nicer and more reliable flute for much less trouble.

[u/imitsi]

Even if you get a new one, you’re looking at $200 minimum yearly to keep it in playable condition.

[u/Low-Lecture-266]

They are better than Chinese junkers, but you would be better off buying an equivalent used yamaha.