< What this means... >
* Upon your visit a through inspection on your instrument will be carried out, so that appropriate repair plan(s) can be proposed.
* The plan will be explained with a breakdown described on paper, also the details will be displayed on the actual instrument.
* Inspection and quotation are basically free of charge.
 
< Remarks >
* You will be offered several repair options whenever it is possible. You are most welcome to choose from them or combine, according to your budget and other preferences (as long as it does not interfere the functionality of the instrument).
* At Tokyo Flute Space, a great emphasis is on your consent when you request a repair (before the work) and when you receive your instrument (after the repair), along with clear explanation and billing. Please feel free to leave the shop without requesting a repair, not only when your instrument is in good shape and requires no work, but also when you for example prefer to take the quotation back home and think it over.
 
< Frequently Asked Questions >
Location of Tokyo Flute Space (Q1-2)
Handling of instrument (Q4-5)
Instrument condition before and after repair (Q6-7)
Student discount (Q11)

< What this means... >
* Carrying out all the adjustment work the instrument requires, in order to let it play to its full potential.
*  The search, as explained in Concept, namely for the intersection of “the two futures”, the yet unknown possibilities of your instrument and your own dream of becoming, will be attempted with this option (except complete repad or overhaul is required).  
* On top of fixing unevenness and imperfections caused by playing the instrument, this work consists of adjusting sonority (voicing), key action and intonation whenever required, in order to fully attain the sound and playability the instrument is originally capable of. When preferred individual set-up will be offered in addition, to create the most natural and unforced playing condition for the owner.  In most cases, the fundamental preparations for future alterations will also be set up at this point.
* Due to the highly complex inspection this work demands, the main part of this repair will be offered in a preset package.  (typically includes balance adjustment, pad adjustment, partial repad, replacing other expendable parts and cleaning / oiling of the mechanism etc.)
* Also, these works will act as precautionary measures preventing the troubles that are anticipated to happen in the near future.
 
< Why? >
* When an instrument is played on a regular basis, most players feel that the condition gradually changes over time.  However, it is difficult to define exactly “when”, “in which way”, and “to which degree”, and the way of deterioration differs from one part of the instrument to another. The main aim of this work is to “reset” all these and put the condition back into the way you find it most comfortable.
* It is very common to hear from a player, telling that something not going well when he/she plays the instrument, but without exactly knowing whether that is mainly due to the instrument or his/her playing skills are still to be improved.  Tokyo Flute Space helps you by analysing from technical / mechanical / acoustic perspectives, shares the future visions of both your instrument and yourself as a player.  In this way, the majority of requested work is to let your instrument display its true beauty and potential, at the same time to let that suit your image of what it is.
* Personally specific needs can also be met in conjunction with complete repad or overhaul, if it is required or preferred.
 
< Recommended for... >
* those who wish to put the instrument back to its top condition
* those who dream of experiencing the true potential of the instrument to the fullest
* those who are not exactly sure what is wrong but not quite happy with the instrument’s performance
* those with inconsistent instrument, which is often in different condition from one day to another
 
< Expected interval >
6 -12 months after professional use, 12-18 months when played recreationally
 
< Duration >
1 - 3 days
 
< Expected price range >
Most typically ¥30,000 - ¥55,000 for those visiting TFS for the first time / ¥15,000 - ¥25,000 upon repeating visit
 
 < Other possibilities >
* If you bring an entry-level instrument, most repair packages will be smaller than the above described.  
* Also for intermediate instruments and upwards, it is often possible to keep the package smaller than the above mentioned range, by restricting the repair contents.  Please do feel free to let the staff know when you have certain budget etc. in mind.  
* In those cases, it is likely to keep the work to a minimum with only specific issues being improved, the result will be somewhat less comprehensive and limited, especially in a long term.
* For those instruments that are rarely played (e.g. ones previously played and primarily kept for purposes other than regular / practical use), repair package can also be aimed at mainly for preservation, which will help the package to be kept smaller.
 
< Examples > (average breakdown)
¥10,000 - ¥20,000 range
* Pad and balance adjustment ¥6,000 - ¥15,000
* Cleaning / Oiling (partial or full) ¥2,000 - ¥7,000 depending on the instrument’s specification
* Parts replacement (e.g. felt / cork) from ¥2,000
 
¥30,000 - ¥40,000 range
* Pad and balance adjustment ¥20,000 (approximate and this part varies significantly, including partial replacement, sometimes voicing as well)
* Cleaning / Oiling (full) ¥4,000 - ¥7,000 depending on the instrument’s specification
* Parts replacement (e.g. felt / cork) from ¥2,000
* Joint fitting (1 or 2) ¥5,000 - ¥11,000 depending on the material used and specification
 
< Remarks >
* The above are typical examples based on most frequently requested repairs, however should not be taken as the definitive limit.
* The price will vary depending on the condition of the instrument, how it has been played, and/or repairs in the past, all of which can cause to exceed the above range. Tokyo Flute Space gives its best to offer you several options to choose from, as long as it is possible.
* When these repairs are carried out, the majority of the flutes tend to require less work on future repair occasion until full repad or overhaul becomes necessary. However this is subject to how the instrument is used and maintained by the owner.  Also, this includes the fundamental elements that enable fine-tuning and voicing in the future.
* Depending on specification (e.g. special components) additional charges may apply.
 
 
< Frequently Asked Questions >
Instrument condition before and after repair / More on details (Q7-9)

< What this means... >
* Adjusting the part of the instrument with the biggest damage or leakage (being out of order).
 
< Recommended for... >
* those who face specific difficulties based on air leaks etc., but not wanting to change the rest of the instrument
* those who have strictly limited time / budget
 
< Duration >
From 10 minutes
 
< Expected price range >
From ¥1,500
 
< Remarks >
* Depending on the condition other parts of the instrument may need adjustment as well.
* Depending on the work to be carried out, the instrument may not be ready to be returned on the same day.
* Due to the nature of the flute mechanism, "partial" adjustment does affect the entire instrument, and the result depends much on the overall set-up.  Therefore, the vast majority of the instruments being brought into TFS for the first time are prone to require full adjustment, including the procedure to build the fundament on which those fine-tuning will be enabled in the future. 
 
< Frequently Asked Questions >
Instrument condition before and after repair (Q6-7, 9)

< What this means... >
* Completely disassembling the mechanism to clean, and put new oil in when reassembling.
 
< Why? >
* Flute mechanism consists of high-precision metal parts and are designed to perform best when it is clean and properly oiled.
* When the mechanism is used, the oil inside either becomes dirtier and heavier, or runs out and makes metallic noise. This clean / oil process solves these problems and when carried out in an appropriate interval, prevents them as well as rusting.
 
< Recommended for... >
* those who hear the metallic noise within the keywork
* those who feel the keys are becoming sluggish
 
< Expected interval >
6 -12 months after professional use, 12-18 months when played recreationally
 
< Duration >
30 minutes - 1 hour
 
< Expected price range >
Partial from ¥2,000
Full ¥4,000 - ¥7,000 depending on the instrument’s specification
 
< Remarks >
* This can be combined with partial / full adjustment, which is recommendable also to avoid duplication.
* It is readily included in complete repad / overhaul.
* Removing rust on rods may be charged extra.
 

< What this means... >
* Replacing all the expendable parts such as pads, felt and cork.
* Disassembling the mechanism and clean it with ultrasonic.
* Reassembling using the new parts.
 
< Why? >
* If you feel that the instrument does not keep the condition as long as it used to, or the pads seem to cover the toneholes but the flute does not sound as full as it should, the reason may be that the parts such as pads have lost their capability.
* In that case replacing them and thus regaining the air tightness, as well as elasticity, can be the solution.
* Expected interval differs from one player to another to a great extent, depending on how the instrument is used. Sometimes the playing method and techniques applied should be taken into account. Please consult the staff for more details.
 
< Recommended for... >
* those who find the pads / felt / cork with extreme discolouration and / or deformation
* those who feel that the adjustment work to the full extent does not keep the condition as long as it used to
* those who have been playing with the current set of pads for a longer period of time (e.g. 5 years for professionals)
 
< Expected interval >
3-8 years (depends much on individual way of use, most typically 3-5 years for professional / 5-8 years for recreational users)
 
< Duration >
Minimum 3 days (on average 5 days)
 
< Expected price range >
From ¥85,000 (most typically ¥100,000 - ¥130,000, including all the related works and spare parts, except polishing)
 
< Remarks >
* The main difference between this option and overhaul (see below) is whether the mechanism repair is included.
* If the mechanism is worn, overhaul is necessary.
* Upon visit / quotation, the staff will recommend one of these two options.
* Polishing is optional.
* The above mentioned price ranges are for approximate guide only and can be exceeded, depending on the repair work required.
 
< Frequently Asked Questions >
Instrument condition before and after repair / More on details (Q7-9)

< What this means... >
* Replacing all the expendable parts such as pads, felt and cork.
* Disassembling the mechanism and clean it with ultrasonic.
* Polishing the joints (headjoint / body / footjoint) and all the other metal components.
* Repairing the mechanism so that it functions to its full extent, close to a new one.
* Reassembling using the new parts.
 
< Why? >
* Even if the pads are replaced, if the mechanism is worn there will be a small difference in the coverage of a tonehole every time a pad closes. This imperfection prevents the adjusted pads to fully perform in the way they are designed.
* In this case removing wear caused by the friction etc. is necessary, in order to let the entire keywork stabilise.
* Expected interval differs from one player to another to a great extent, depending on how the instrument is used. Sometimes the playing method and techniques applied should be taken into account. Please consult the staff for more details.
 
< Recommended for... >
* those who find the pads / felt / cork with extreme discolouration and / or deformation
* those who feel that the adjustment work to the full extent no longer keep the condition as long as it used to
* those who have been playing with the current set of pads for a longer period of time (e.g. 5 years for professionals)
 
< Expected interval >
3-8 years (depends much on individual way of use, most typically 3-5 years for professional / 5-8 years for recreational users)
 
< Duration >
Minimum 5 days (on average 7 days)
 
< Expected price range >
From ¥105,000 (most typically ¥130,000 - ¥170,000, including all the related works and spare parts)
 
< Remarks >
* In addition to complete repad, the above mentioned mechanical repair and polishing are included.
* The so-called vintage instruments may have specific limitation on mechanical repair.
* The above mentioned price ranges are for approximate guide only and can be exceeded, depending on the repair work required.
 
< Frequently Asked Questions >
Instrument condition before and after repair / More on details (Q7-9)
 

* The bill can be balanced either by cash (Japanese Yen) or credit card (VISA / MasterCard / JCB / American Express / Diners Club / Discover).
* Within the confines of each credit limit and agreement with card issuer, the following electric payments are accepted: most IC cards issued by the Japanese railway companies / iD / nanaco / Rakuten Edy / WAON, as well as contactless payments using credit card.
* Please let the staff know if you are playing in professional environment and belong to an organisation that is willing to cover the expense, so that an appropriate arrangement will be offered.