Anyone knows of any realiable and 'cheap' workshops to service flutes in Singapore particularly Gemeinhardts? I just moved here last year. Thanks.

By the way, for general interest, there is a Yamaha 600series selling on ebay for USD1000 (go search for it) - almost brandnew, with papers and all. Flute located in Singapore. That'll burn my pockets but just thought someone might be interested.

Yes, but your reserve price is not met, so it is more then $1000.00. Thanks for the heads up, but I usually try to stick to buying from sellers in the US because of shipping and so much fraud going on.

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Sorry, that came out wrong. I wasn't accusing you of being one of those fraudulent sellers at all. Please do forgive me, that was not my intention.
Anyway, good luck in selling your flute. What did you upgrade to if you don't mind me asking?

Is Kisin the person actually selling that Yamaha 6 series? If so, why would he want a Gemeinhart serviced cheaply? (Sorry, for putting my 2 cents in, I'm just a little confused.)

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Or she of course...

I think that I misundertood, I thought that kisin, was the one selling the flute.

No, I'm not the seller
And oops about the reserve price! I tend to overlook that in auctions - well unless I'm really buyin. Anyway just thought someone out there will be interested.

I agree, buying from somewhere else would be very risky. But maybe some Singaporean buyer out there might be interested?

Speaking of which, I find that flute prices in Singapore are generally much cheaper. For example, a Yamaha YFL-361 i was interested in, is selling here for S$1105 (approx US$699) at a Yamaha Music Store, but on Fluteworld.com, it's US$998.00 from US$1,421.00. So if you happen to be passing by, Singapore IMO is a good place to shop for flutes.

But yes, I still need info on flute shops in Singapore. Sorry for straying off topic

Found it! For the benefit of anyone out there who might be interested, there is a workshop in Singapore that specializes in "Wind Instrument Repair & Service"
http://www.windworks.com.sg/

Other Music Stores:
THE FLUTE STUDIO
http://sg.geocities.com/altus_flute/index.htm

ACCENT Musical Equipment Pte Ltd
http://www.accent.com.sg/HomePage.ec

I live in Singapore too, and I strongly agree with kisin that flutes in Singapore are generally MUCH cheaper for some reasons I do not know. Especially Altus and Miyazawa. They are sold for far less here than other places I've seen.

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Oh, and to keep on topic, Danny from Accent Music seems to have quite a good reputation for flute repair, but his fees are rather high. I've not been to Windworks before, so I cannot really comment on them.

Thanks for the info Kisin. Actually I am having problem with the padding of my Yamaha 311II. I called Yamaha shop (Singapore) and they are charging me S$211 for the pad change alone. I am still thinking about it because my flute costs only about S$850 when I bought it from them brand new. I will try to visit those workshops that you suggested.

I also agree that flutes here are cheaper. If you want to upgrade, you may try to visit Swee Lee store at Bras Basah complex. They have Muramatsu, Armstrong and I think Haynes too if I am not mistaken. However, their stock are the lower-end models, I think this is because of small market here. But I think you can really bargain with them when it comes to prices (go for 25%)once your mind is made up. You may also find other accessories there cheaper.

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Dotamatrix, I have been wanting to try Altus range. Can you recommend a place where I can blow one?

This shop seems to be the official distributor for Altus Flutes. You can check the address at their webpage.

THE FLUTE STUDIO
http://sg.geocities.com/altus_flute/index.htm

Actually I got quoted by a certain 'Sean' for servicing but I don't remember which workshop he was from since he did not indicate in his email. It's either Windworks or Accent.

""$300 for double skin bladder repad.

includes,
chemical cleaning of bodies, polishing keys,
lubrication, key fitting, adjustment and regulation,
changing of tuning head cork.

takes abt 2 weeks.""

The price tag really is mind-blowing. I suppose only professional flutes will justiy the need for a costly servicing. Also, considering the $300 price, I would think that the quotation from Yamaha is pretty reasonable too.

Tessa, you can either contact Mr Goh Tiong Eng from the Flute Studio, or you can pop down to Accent(kisin provided the links in an earlier post ). Go try out the Altus 807, it's absolutely amazing for a plated flute!

kisin, Sean is from Windworks, and I believe that's the average price for a professional overhaul. If you want a cheaper place, go try out www.band-world.com. I think their fees should be $100-$200, and their office is at Jurong. Band World stocks Miyazawas(SGD 4200 for a 402 series and that's before discounts) and Powells.

Cheers!

Thank you guys.

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Sean told me that replacing my pad with double skin bladder pads will cost S$300 along with lubrication of mechanism,replacement of tuning head cork, chemical washing, etc. He said that Straubinger pads seal better and last longer and more appropriate for handmade flute. Straubinger conversion cost is S$850 (US$540). Boy, this is the price of my flute!! I will ask around first.

This is reply from Band-World

"Our repair range from $25 above
For a complete overhaul is $140"

I suppose this is the most reasonable price so far. Thanks for the contact!

Do look into their back ground and references before you take your flute to them or any other place for that matter. I have seen some very poor sloppy work by some, so be careful what you pay for. Hope that helps some.

Tessa, I do not really recommend that you repad your Yamaha with Straubinger pads. They may not be very stable on non-handmade flutes, and for that matter, even some of the handmade ones have problems with Straubinger pads. I think bladderskin pads should be fine, or if you really want to splurge, just save up a bit more for a new flute

You're welcome kisin, but I must warn you that Band World's repair works are average at best. Danny from Accent has quite a good reputation from professional and amateur flautists alike, and the technicians from Windworks also seem suitably qualified. Personally, I'll prefer to spend a bit more as long as my flute is in good hands Just my 2 cents!

Thanks everyone. I have totally no experience in this padding business. Your advise and recommendations mean a lot to me. But after checking around, I think I will settle for Yamaha service center.

Dotamatrix, I will definitely try my lips on that Altus!