Buying at a Show?

Powell display at the 2013 NFA Convention

Since we're getting ready for the 2014 NFA, we thought it would be a good time to talk about purchasing flutes at a show.  At Powell, if you choose to buy a flute that is on display at our booth, you may be surprised to find out that it has to go back to the shop first -- and then on to you.  So, what exactly happens when it comes back?  We spoke with Repair Technician, Rachel Baker, to find out...

Rachel told us that she essentially does a COA (clean, oil, adjust) on the flute.  She said, specifically, that she does the following steps, in order:

1) Takes everything apart
2) Polishes the body
3) Checks soldered tone holes for any leaks
4) Checks the pads and adjustments
5) Hand polishes the keys
6) Puts the flute back together and does a "play in"
7) Fits the headjoint
8) Puts the flute in a new case

Because the flute has been travelling to and from the event, Rachel says she just wants to make sure that everything is okay.  She said that purchasing a flute that has been on display is actually a good thing, because the flute is really stable and really "settled in" from being played at the show.  She also said that because every flute is handmade, they each have a slightly different character and personality.  So a brand new one -- even if it is the same model -- may vary slightly from the one you tried at the show.  That being said, Rachel advises that "if you fall in love with one particular flute at the show, you should get it."  If you are trying flutes at a show just to get an idea and are open to a new model of the one you tried, you can always order a new one to purchase.  You can also request a trial online on our website at https://powellflutes.com/schedule-trial.

A Case of the Gurgles

The 2013 NFA Convention has come and gone, so we thought it would be great to check in with Powell Repair Technician, Rachel Baker, and see what types of questions she answered at the conference.  However, she told us that there really were not many people with repair issues -- except one person.  Rachel shared that one customer came to the booth with an interesting issue.  The customer was having trouble getting low notes out, and there was a strange yet very noticeable "gurgling" noise when she played.  So, what could it be?  A pad leaking?  A loose part of the mechanism?

Well, it was actually very simple to diagnose the problem.  Rachel knew exactly where to look when the customer mentioned the "gurgling."  Rachel took a peek inside the embouchure hole of the headjoint, and there was a buildup of some material on the undercutting of the headjoint.  How did this happen?  Well, we all know that as air travels through the flute, it contains microscopic particles -- no matter how many times we brush our teeth and try to keep everything clean.  Particles had accumulated on the undercutting over time, and it is likely that this buildup was not removed in the swabbing process.  Rachel told us that sometimes, a thinner silk swab might not get everything, and that could be the case in this situation.

So, how did she solve problem?  Well, it was easy.  She took a dry Q-tip and wiped it around the undercutting to remove the buildup.  It was that simple!  She handed the flute back to the customer, and the gurgling noise disappeared.  The customer also had no trouble getting out the low notes.  As we can see, a seemingly large issue can be traced to something that is quick and easy to remedy.  Make sure that you check periodically for buildup, and take a dry Q-tip to clean the undercutting, just as Rachel did.  One small swipe can make a world of difference in a case like this!

Arrow points to buildup on undercutting.

Cleaning the undercutting with a dry Q-tip.

Gunk came off on the Q-tip.

Undercutting is clean!

Repair on the Road

Repair Technician Rachel Baker (far right) at 2012 NFA Convention

We've been busy getting ready for the NFA Convention, so we thought it would be a great time to stop in and chat with Powell's Repair Technician, Rachel Baker, to ask about her role in the show.  Rachel attends with a group of Powell's sales and marketing team and works at the booth, speaking with customers, showing flutes, and...

Repairing flutes?  How would this be possible off site?  Does she repair the flutes at the booth throughout the show?  We wondered about all these questions, so we thought we would ask her.  Essentially, when it comes to repair at the NFA, there are two areas she addresses -- customer repairs and booth inventory.

When it comes to customers, Rachel often times gets requests to do repairs at the show.  People are there from all over the country, so it seems like a good time/place for repair.  However, since Rachel is out of her shop at Powell, her repair resources are limited.  Her basic rule of thumb when it comes to what is possible at a show is "anything within reason -- nothing drastic."  So, with a limited "travel toolbox," Rachel is able to make a couple of adjustments to flutes.  She can replace a pad, fix one major adjustment issue, adjust loose springs and spring tension.  She could also replace a missing key tail cork or tail felt.  Essentially, she can do "little bits" that would be part of a COA, but definitely not a complete COA or overhaul.  She also brings a mandrel and burnisher to fit headjoints.  So, if a customer buys a new headjoint and needs to have it fit, that is possible.  She can also fix any headjoint fitting issues with their current flute and headjoint.  Rachel brings a couple of headjoint corks as well, so if someone needs theirs replaced, that can be done!

So, the show goes on for several days, and the flutes and piccolos are played again and again...  Does Rachel get bogged down making adjustments to these?  The answer to this question is no.  As Rachel says, "That's why I spend so much time before the convention getting everything ready -- so I can pay attention to customers as opposed to instruments."  That certainly made us smile!  She says that sometimes, people will come to the booth and want her to take a look at their flute to see if it needs an overhaul or repair.  But, in general, her time is devoted to any customer visiting the booth.  She truly does spend an incredible amount of time prepping the inventory so that it is adjusted, ready to go, and (most importantly) securely set to function properly and without any issues throughout the show.  We thank Rachel for her meticulous and diligent work.  If you are coming to the convention to try Powell flutes at the booth, rest assured that they are ready for you!

The flutes are in tip-top shape so that Rachel can attend to customers!