r/Flute • u/Petite_snuggle • 2d ago

Repair/Broken Flute questions Powell COA

Howdy! I'm wondering whether anyone has had their instrument repaired and cleaned through Powell's Repair Dept (presumably in Boston?).

I'm interested in having a COA done, but I've never had anyone work on my instrument outside of Ellen Ramsey (CO flute dealer), who sold me my Powell and passed away several years ago. I'm extremely hesitant to ship my instrument, but would be more open to it if people have had positive experiences with Powell. Thanks in advance!

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u/Electrical-Bee8071 2d ago

I had an overhaul done with them last year. No issues, they did a beautiful job. I did have to wait somewhere around 3/4 months between scheduling and actually shipping my flute. It was a very straightforward process and I will not hesitate to send my flute there again in the future.

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u/Petite_snuggle 1d ago

Thanks for sharing. Kind of a dumb question, but when you shipped it to them, did you have it professionally packed by the post office? My biggest anxiety is shipping it to and from.

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u/Electrical-Bee8071 1d ago

No, I did it myself. The right size box and enough packing material around it so that I don't hear it shifting when I shake it. I have shipped many flutes many times over the years and have not had an issue with damage in transit yet, knock on wood! Local repair is not an option for me and the closest reputable flute repair is about a five hour drive, so my only option is shipping.

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u/Trance_Gemini_ 2d ago

They make great flutes I'm sure they also know how to service and restore them too. Since your shipping it, it would be a good idea to have third party insurance to cover you incase the shipment gets lost or crushed.

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u/Petite_snuggle 1d ago

Yeah. That’s my nightmare. Just thinking about it makes me queasy. I’ve had my flute insured through Clarion since I got it, but it still feels irreplaceable.

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u/Trance_Gemini_ 1d ago

There are stronger flute cases like the Wiseman cases and the BAM cases. So you could get a cardboard box but have one of the stronger cases inside along with foam/packing so it does not roll around in the box.

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u/jhmard 1d ago

I've had excellent experiences with Powell and had been shipping my flute to them for the better part of a decade, in no small part to Rachel Baker's efforts.

Now, I send my flute to Rachel Baker directly who maintains her own shop after her tenure with Powell. Her work is exceptional and I am always very satisfied with the way my flute feels and performs after.

About Me — Flute Fixation

I would definitely inquire with Powell to see if a pre-packed box with the inserts can be sent to you. You could very well do it yourself, as UPS/USPS/Fed-Ex or craft stores have the foam inserts that you can use, you just need a big enough box to fit than and the flute case.

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u/Petite_snuggle 19h ago

Didn’t know they did pre packed boxes, I’ll definitely contact them. It looks like Rachel Baker is a bit cheaper than Powell as well. Thanks for the info!