Clean, Oil, Adjust (COA)

Student model COA

Partial COA: $160
Full COA: $265

Student model flutes include most C foot models of Bundy, Gemeinhardt, Yamaha 200 series, Anthem, Jupiter, Selmer, some Sonare series, Amadeus.  These models are silver plated.

Intermediate model COA

Partial COA: $210
Full COA: $342

Intermediate model flutes include most open hole flutes with B foot joint, such as Gemeinhardt 300+ series, Yamaha 300-400 series, Sonare series, Amadeus series, Pearl Quantz or Dolce, Altus Azumi, or Burkhart Resona.  Many models have a mix of plated and sterling silver components; the exact mix depends on the brand.

Professional model COA

Partial COA: $342
Full COA: $475

Professional model flutes will be made of sterling silver, aurimite, or gold. Brands include Powell, Haynes, Burkhart, Altus, Brannen, Miyazawa, Muramatsu, Yamaha 500+ series, Nagahara, Pearl, and others.

Alto and bass flute COA

Partial COA: $265
Full COA: $420

This pricing includes any kind of alto or bass flute.

We recommend: Headcork change

We recommend replacing the headjoint cork as part of your COA service. These corks dry out over time, causing small leaks that affect your sound. A new cork will cost an extra $50-$80, and you’ll notice the difference in sound immediately.

“Jen did a wonderful job on the COA for my flute. She thoroughly informed me about my choices, recommended the perfect pads for my flute, and was very prompt throughout the entire process. Her love for the flute and her work comes across clearly in her extensive knowledge and attention to detail. She is very kind, honest, and generous with her knowledge. I have and will continue to highly recommend Jen to all my flute friends.”
— Annie Wang

Frequently Asked Questions

  • COA is general flute maintenance. It is recommended to have a COA once a year for professional flutes and every other year for student flutes.

    This service generally includes:

    • Thorough cleaning of the flute, including polishing by hand. (Scratches are not removed.)

    • Oiling the keys and connections.

    • Reviewing the flute for leaks and adjusting the flute’s mechanism to fix them.

      For an additional charge, this service may also include:

    • Pad replacement as needed.

    • We recommend replacing the headjoint cork. These corks dry out over time, causing small leaks that affect your sound. A new cork will cost an extra $50-$80, and you’ll notice the difference in sound immediately.

  • NEED ANSWER

  • Partial and full COA services typically take 1 week to complete. It will take longer if parts are required that are not currently in stock. An estimated range will be provided on receipt of your flute.

  • If you experience any of the following, it’s time for a COA:

    • You don’t feel vibrations in your fingers when playing.

    • Notes crack down low when you play loudly, or low notes don’t come out at all

    • Your pad(s) is/are ripped.

    • Your flute is tarnished and you’d like it to look brand new again.

  • We use two different types of pads in our COA work.

    Woven Felt Pads( Fluffy)
    These are in all student model flutes and the majority of flutes manufactured before 2009. Alto and bass flutes also use these.

    Pressed Felt Pads (Thin)
    Pressed felt pads are denser and firmer than the woven felt pads. They are often found in intermediate model flutes.

    Straubinger & S2 Pisoni Pads
    These are in most professional flutes made since 2009.

    When replacing pads, we will match the pad type to the other keys on your flute.