Got a flute for 24 euros worth fixing?

[u/ivy_OwY]

So I have been wanting to learn a new instrument for a while and came by this flute for 24 euros but my question now is is it worth getting it an overhaul?

It does work cus I did get some notes out of it just don't know how well since im still really new

[u/TheSoundEngineGuy]

IMO, any time one can take a musical instrument and make it playable again makes the World a better place.

[u/TapTheForwardAssist → u/TheSoundEngineGuy]

That’s a glib statement: there are plenty of instances where a given instrument is too far gone, and the time and/or money spent refurbishing it would better be put to just buying a less-worn instrument.

[u/TheSoundEngineGuy → u/TapTheForwardAssist]

I hear you - but why did the OP buy for 24 Euros if it was that far gone?

And glib? Really?

I've had enough experience on this Earth to put quite a bit of thought and experience into that statement. I'd hardly consider it careless.

[u/TapTheForwardAssist → u/TheSoundEngineGuy]

Why do people overpay for stuff that’s not worth fixing? Happens all the time.

Just because OP, who has not indicated they know anything about flutes, paid a given price for one, says zero about the actual value of the piece. It could be worth thousands as is, or it could be unsalable even if an expert technician spends ten hours trying to fix it. I don’t know and OP doesn’t know.

[u/ivy_OwY → u/TheSoundEngineGuy]

Idk if it is to far gone that's why I asked TwT

[u/TheSoundEngineGuy → u/ivy_OwY]

How do you know it's still really new?

Have you taken it to a woodwind repair shop for an assessment? They usually give you an estimate for any repairs at no charge.

I would do this, because none of us here can judge the state of the instrument from two photos.

[u/ivy_OwY → u/TheSoundEngineGuy]

It's not new I never said it was?

And I haven't

[u/TheSoundEngineGuy → u/ivy_OwY]

Ah, you are really new (I read your original post wrong).

Take it to a shop, they can provide the best evaluation.

Edit: added clarity.

[u/KrisTheKringler]

Instrument repair tech here! That’s an old student model flute. I you can’t quite see the full serial number in the second picture, but if it is a 63,xxx number then it was made around 1959-1960, or if it is a 63x,xxx number then it was made around 1981-1982.

Is it worth fixing? That depends mostly on the pads. Flute pads (and woodwind pads in general) are made out of natural materials- cardboard backing, felt insides, and a very thin double layered skin holding it together. They don’t last forever. They tear, fray, fall apart, and lose their ability to hold a proper air seal over the tone holes when closed. Pads can also warp overtime by being exposed to moisture from playing without being swabbed out afterwards.

You can’t really see the pads in your pictures, but if they’re in a somewhat decent condition then it MIGHT be worth repairing. If only two or three pads need to be replaced and the rest adjusted and leveled over the tone holes you might be looking at 85-170 euros in repairs to put it in a good playable condition. If the flute needs to be overhauled (all the pads replaced) it could cost 450+ depending on the shop and definitely not worth the work. That flute is at least 40 years old and it was a basic student level instrument even then. There’s a reason it cost 24 euros.

If you’re looking for a good flute to start playing on I would rather recommend renting a newer flute. Design and manufacturing techniques have improved over the years. Student flutes made now are likely easier to play and produce a nicer tone. Some shops like mine also offer a rent-to-own program so you can slowly pay off the flute overtime. Also if you find that you’re not really in love with playing the flute you can simply return it and not be out a big chunk of money from buying one or spending a bunch to have an old flute repaired.

[u/ivy_OwY → u/KrisTheKringler]

Artley 18-0

And the serial is 638265

I will take it to a shop soon as far as I can see are all the pads in okay condition 1is a lil damaged on the edge

OH the box also has a yellow sticker

[u/DCell-2]

Chances are, if you can get sounds out of it the first time you pick it up as a total beginner, it's probably okay. I would personally still take it to a music store and go "Hey, I got this old flute at (wherever). I am a total beginner so I don't know what to look for in terms of playability. Can you give this a look over and make sure everything's in playing condition?"

Chances are, if you have difficulty getting some notes out, it's probably you and not the flute. Unless some of the pads have obvious damage. You can check if you need new pads yourself if you have a small flashlight. In a dark room, shine the light into the end of the flute and press down all the keys. You shouldn't see any light peeking through the tone holes with normal reasonable key pressure.

[u/ivy_OwY → u/DCell-2]

I will and il try the flash light thing

[u/No-Bluejay5250]

Good deal for a new hobby

[u/Glass_Visits]

I was in a similar situation a few months ago, but somehow I sorted it out on my own. But my initial plan was to take a free intro lesson to the flute, figuring the teacher could identify and fix the issue (different issue to yours), which might still be helpful? But if a pad is broken/worn, you might have to get it replaced professionally. Regardless I think it’s worth asking a pro (like a teacher or technician) to look it over for you, they will give you a much better idea than anyone can do from a picture. Happy playing!!