The cork of the end key (I mean Right 4, little finger) of my piccolo recently dropped off randomly during an orchestra sectional rehearsal, meaning I couldn`t play my piccolo and had to use someone else`s. As I only purchased the piccolo in July I decided to send it back for repairs, as these were covered by guarantee. I bought it from a music shop over the Internet as it`s not nearby, and after me emailing them about the problem they arranged for my piccolo to be picked up from me, repaired and brought back, at no cost to me.

Here I was, thinking this was good service, especially when I got it back 4 days later and this was over a weekend.

But then I opened it. It was in a worse state than when I sent it away! As it`s fairly new and I`ve looked after it, it was pretty much in perfect new condition except for the missing cork when I sent it away. I get it back, and the new piece of cork looks like it`s about to drop off, one of the trill keys is sticking up higher than usual and has lost its felt touchpad, the A key is stuck down and there are bits of glue on some of the keys and the body of the piccolo.

I was not impressed and let them know this on the phone. They apologised loads, told me it`s extremely rare for this to happen and said they`d pick it up again and their repair manager would personally repair it this time. But I`m still not happy because there was nothing wrong with it apart from that missing cork before and if it doesn`t come back in perfect condition I`ll have some strong words for them!

I also told them I have a concert I need a piccolo for in 3 days` time and mine was not playable several times, yet had to ask for a replacement to be sent out while it`s being repaired and then they had to discuss it and phone me back!

I recieved the replacement piccolo and they picked mine up this morning. This one seems ok for now - it`s working except for one trill key, which I can manage without for now. However, I am not impressed.

Thought I would just have a little rant about this here, where people might understand the horror of it!! And wondered if anyone else might have similar tales of horror to share.

What brand and model piccolo? What retailer did you purchase from?

It`s a Jupiter JPC-303s but I`m not saying where I purchased it because they might fix it yet and I don`t want to give them a bad reputation! The man on the phone seemed very helpful and it could just be a one-off.

Reeni, I am so sorry to hear that you have had to go through that mess. Beeen there, done that! That is one of the main reasons why I learned how to repair flutes myself.If the next time around is still bad, I would find out whom else is an authorized repair tech for Jupiter, don`t go through the store you bought it from, contact the company.

Yes, but I`d rather not have to pay for repairs when it`s still under guarantee! I thought it`d be fine as it was just a missing piece of cork and the company is large and has a proper repair centre.

I wonder if I`d be entitled to expect a replacement if they don`t get it back to how it was after ruining it? I`ll be looking up my legal rights if it`s not perfect, to see what rights I have!

Call Jupiter. I worked with them on the phone when I had a problem with my Dimedici 911. They offer the warranty that the retailer supports. They also have a great deal of influence over the retailer. I was trying to work with Woodwind and Brasswind but I got much better service after contacting Jupiter. After Jupiter contacted WWBW, WWBW sent me a new 911, two day service, and sent me a UPS call tag to pick up the 911 I was having problems with. I didn`t even have to pay shipping. Let me say this again, CALL JUPITER.

Thanks Bob, that`s a good idea. I definitely will call Jupiter if no joy this time!