How to fix a dent in a flute?

Question

this sounds dumb, but a bowling pin(it was on a shelf) fell on my head joint and there's a good size dent in it now. Is there a way I can fix it myself? should I get a new head joint? how much would it cost to get someone else to do it?

Answer 1

Yeah i would call your local music store.  I hope you dont have to buy a new one.  they're expensive!

Answer 2

I think you'll need an expert opinion for this one.  Check with your Band Director to see if the dent will effect the air stream.

Answer 3

you should bring it to the music place you got it from.  It could cost $30 to $80

Answer 4

HI Avelon.    I just hate it when that happens.  :(     There is a way to get dings and dents out of flute tubings,  but it really takes an expert who does it every day...  or it would wind up worse.   What they do is insert a solid metal rod into the headjoint and, using a rawhide type of hammer or mallet...  hammer the dent against the rod which levels out the dent in the round shape of the rod.   Someone with alot of experience can do such a good job,  you will not even be able to tell there was ever a dent or ding there.  Someone that is not so good....  the tubing will look wavy.   In any case....  when they have to hammer out a ding or dent...  it leaves the metal softer or more vulnerable than before the damage.   My repair guy charges between $10.00 to $20.00 for a couple of dents.   Dents to the whole flute would cost about $60.00 as you are actually paying for the labor.   You don't have to get a new headjoint.  That would cost $200.00 or 10x as much as it will to fix it.   Hope I was able to answer your quesiton.   Just remember to put your flute away the minute you get finished playing it the next time.    Thanks for reading................     Flute Teacher from Texas

Answer 5

Don't even THINK about trying to fix it yourself because you could easily end up making things worse.

Take it to a music store and make it their problem.