One Year Headjoint Exchange

Did you know that if you purchase a Powell flute with a Custom headjoint, there is a one-year Headjoint Exchange Warranty?  This would apply to Custom and Conservatory models (Signatures would only be eligible if a Custom headjoint is purchased rather than the Signature headjoint).  The Headjoint Exchange Warranty can be found on the Powell website and states the following:

Any Custom metal headjoint (standard on Custom and Conservatory flutes) purchased directly from Powell Flutes can be exchanged for another headjoint for up to one year from the date of purchase, provided the returned  headjoint is in good repair and has not been altered to fit your flute. The customer does have the option to exchange their original headjoint for another of greater value but is responsible for the difference in cost. The warranty is restricted to the original owner only. An owner desiring to make a headjoint exchange will be billed for postage for each trial shipment. Powell reserves the right to limit trial headjoint shipments to three shipments of one headjoint each within the year.  

If you purchased your Custom or Conservatory flute or headjoint from an authorized Powell Dealer, any exchange warranty must be handled through the original dealer. This warranty is only offered if the returned headjoint is in good repair, and has not been altered to fit your flute. The warranty is restricted to the original owner only. 

The headjoint exchange warranty is good for any flutes purchased directly from Powell.  If you purchase a Powell flute from one of our authorized dealers, you'll want to check with them and make sure they offer the exchange warranty.

We recently met with our Custom Service Manager, Rebecca Eckles, to disuss headjoint fit as part of this policy -- especially if the headjoint is too small.  So, imagine this scenario: You purchase a Powell Custom or Conservatory flute, and the headjoint you choose is a bit too small.  You have a year to decide whether you want to keep it or exchange it, but if you have any sizing done (making it larger in this case), it would void the warranty.  So, what can you do to keep the headjoint in tact?  You could use tape on the tenon, and there are several choices (scotch tape, Teflon tape, masking tape).  There are even copper strips available (we found some at J.L. Smith - http://www.jlsmithco.com/New-Products/COPPER-HJ-FITTING-STRIPS).  Tape is definitely a good option to keep the headjoint viable should you choose to exchange it later. 

If you do decide to ultimately go with one that is slightly too small (whether the one you originally chose or something different you've gotten in exchange), there are a couple of options you have.  You could continue to use tape as noted above.  There is also an option of having the headjoint tenon "plated up" to the desired thickness.  This process creates a "sleeve" of additional plating on the tenon to get a better fit.  You could also get a different barrel -- but you will certainly need to check with our repair department on this and the plating "sleeve" as well.  It's always best to check with our repair department if you have questions.  They are happy to help!  To read more about the full warranty on our flutes, visit https://www.powellflutes.com/repair-doctor/warranty. 

Warranty Terms

Powell has a warranty on all of its new flutes and piccolos.  When you purchase a new Powell, you'll find a "Powell Owner's Manual" inside.  This manual provides some basic care tips and detailed information about the warranty.  The warranty is quoted below:

All Powell instruments feature a lifetime warranty on any solder joint.  In addition, Powell warrants that your instrument will be free of manufacturing defects for the initial 12 months from the date of purchase.  This warranty does not cover damage to your instrument caused by normal use and wear and tear, or resulting from misuse, improper care, accidents, or unauthorized repair or service.  In addition, this warranty does not cover adjustments such as shimming of key pads, adjustment of keys, adjustment of key motion (including binding), and adjustment of headjoint fits.  The warranty is restricted to the original owner.

If you purchased a wooden Powell instrument, Powell warrants that it will be free of manufacturing defects, including cracks, for the first 12 months from the date of purchase.  Nearly all cracks are repairable.  Powell shall, at its option, repair the crack or replace the defective part at no cost.

One very important part to note is that of "damage caused by unauthorized repair or service," because this would void the warranty.  But what does this mean?  Well, the question came up recently, so we thought we would check in with our repair department to clarify.  The nice thing about Powell is that the company has a good relationship with its authorized dealers, and the repair technicians at our dealers' shops are authorized to work on Powell instruments.  Dealers who carry Powell are familiar with the parts used on Powell flutes and the general mechanics and design of the instrument.  If you were to take your Powell to a repair shop that does not carry Powell, the repair department may not be familiar with the parts and may not have them.  In that particular case, something could be damaged in the repair process, and then the warranty would be voided.

So, it is important to stick with your authorized Powell dealer (and their authorized repair techs) if you have a question or need service.  If you purchased your Powell directly from the company in Massachusetts, make sure to call the company to schedule repair.  Authorized Powell technicians will be familiar with your flute and will be able to repair it with the care and expertise your flute deserves!